Breastfeeding in Public Appropriate at What Ages? A Poll
July 16, 2008 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under breastfeeding, nursing in public, poll
As we approach Breastfeeding Awareness Month this coming August, my thoughts return to the issue of nursing in public. Polls in the past have touched on various aspects of this issue. You can see voters’ thoughts on nursing in public in general, using a nursing cover, and carrying a copy of the state breastfeeding laws regarding nursing in public. What I want to know now is your answer to the harder question of whether there is ever a time when breastfeeding in public becomes in appropriate. Does the age of the nursling matter? Are you comfortable with seeing someone nurse a six-month-old in public but not a one-year-old? What about a two-year-old, three-year-old, or four-year-old?
Feel free to leave a comment as well. Do you object to nursing a two-year-old in public simply because you do not think two-year-olds should be nursing? Does your answer to the poll depend on whether the nursling has good nursing manners (i.e. sits still and does not pull up the woman’s shirt)? Are you fine with nursing your own three-year-old but think it should always be done in private because you think nursing an older child in public sets back “the cause” of nursing in public somehow? Did you stop nursing in public when your nursling turned four because you thought others might say something harmful to your child about it?
I don’t really know how I feel about a four year old, but I voted no age limit. I nurse my 19 month old in public when he demands it, but there are times I distract him or make him wait until we get home too. Mostly it depends on where we are and why he wants to nurse. However, I think the more it is seen, the better.
My son is only 10 months old, but like Maria, I also chose no age limit. Currently, my son doesn’t nurse a lot during the day, but I nurse him on demand as well, wherever we are, if the situations warrants it. Do I see myself nursing him in public when he is an older toddler? Probably not – and not b/c it is not okay, but b/c considering he doesn’t nurse a lot during the day now, I am not sure he will later (this is all by his choice). My only breastfeeding experience is with my son, so I can only have him to base my thoughts on. I was not comfortable with seeing nursing mothers in public as much as I am now that I am a nursing mother. I have not seen a lot of toddlers nursing in the places I go – but I am not opposed to it. I guess time will tell for me!
My guy just turned 1 and I can’t believe I have to think about this stuff already!
I just don’t know how I feel about all this…I am a huge nursing fan, but am not a fan of awkward stares and public criticism. I’d like to think that when my nursling is older we can have a routine and I can expain the whens and wheres of nursing to him depending on the situation.
But we’ll see when we get there…don’t want to put the cart before the horse!
I chose no age limit just because now that I am a nursing mom, I don’t care how old the child is. When I was younger it would have bothered me but now, no way – if that child is wanting to nurse and the mom is comfortable, go for it!
I am nursing my 25 month old and will continue to as long as he wants to. As kids get older they tend to nurse less and at more regular times. At least that is what has happened for us so the opportunity to nurse in public with a 2 yr old has not happened for us. He only nurses 3 times a day and we are home during those times (morning wake up, nap, and bed time). I would support any nursing mom I saw in public no matter how old the child was. Nursing doesn’t suddenly become less benefical because the child reaches a certain age and moms who extend brestfeeding into toddlerhood should be supported and encouraged.
I guess I based my answer on my own personal feelings and situation, so therefore I chose 2 years as the limit. I can’t imagine nursing my now four year old! Granted, MM is the best and its better the longer they nurse, it’s just how I feel. However, if I saw a four year old nursling, I wouldn’t think nothing of it. How empowering!
I voted always appropriate but I want to qualify that. With infants I say any time any where. With older children who are capable of waiting I think good manners are needed. Also with older children if you are in a place where it would not be appropriate to eat I think it MAY be inappropriate to nurse. That being said nursing isn’t always about nutrition so when comfort is needed comfort should be given.
I’m an ardent supporter of a mom’s right to nurse where and when needed. I think the only way people are going to get over the taboos is to see it everywhere. Yet I still find a private place and cover up. I’m just not brave enough to fight the battle for myself I guess.
I voted no limit, as I believe that most women who do nurse in public are courteous and discreet. We haven’t nursed in public for a long while, due mostly to a very squirmy toddler who doesn’t like mommy to stay covered. I’d rather not give everyone an eyeful!
Nursing is the way to deliver nutrition and comfort to your child. The reason noone gives bottles of formula to 3 year olds it because the stuff is too nasty for a child to still be craving it.
Mother’s milk is good and a child should be free to nurse as long as he needs to and the mother is comfortable doing so.
I have refrained from doing so in public after about the age of two (except for LLL meetings) to shield my child from criticism.
But, I freely nurse in my house yard, etc, even if others can “see” me (walking by, visiting with me, etc.). And I require a no-comment approach to visitors, else they be ejected from my company.
I do save tandam nursing for home through. I find tandam nursing is a special time for me and siblings to connect. I want tandam nursing memories cherished (and not tarnished by the comments of a stranger).