http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101 Earlier this year a woman in Vermont was removed from a plane for not covering up while breastfeeding. In July, a woman in Kentucky left an Applebee's restauraunt because she didn't have a blanket to cover up. These are just two examples of what women are faced with while breastfeeding their babies. Many more women surrender to the appeals of the public and don't speak up for their nursing babies. I am a breastfeeding mother and am saddened that public breastfeeding is so uncomfortable for women and babies. Our culture is unknowingly pushing more woman to use formula by attacking women for breastfeeding. I know that women aren't just whipping it out and exposing themselves to everyone...(though a very small percentage might) the majority of breastfeeding woman have dignity and self-respect, they are married or have a monogamous partner and do not wish to show anything off. We are simply feeding our babies what we know (and everyone else) to be the best nutrition a baby can get. As far as covering up, a mother can and should if that is what she prefers. But, if the mother or the baby prefers to nurse uncovered than that is what she should do. The world does not revolve around the offended...babies were born to breastfeed, if someone doesn't agree than maybe they should cover their eyes instead of asking a mother to cover her babies head. As a result of this incidence at Applebee's in Kentucky there is a nurse in being organized to be held in Bakersfield. How do you feel about these&nbsp; incidences of mothers being asked to leave or told to feed a particular way and what do you think about the women in Tehachapi attending this nurse in? Earlier this year a woman in Vermont was removed from a plane for not covering up while breastfeeding. In July, a woman in Kentucky left an Applebee's restauraunt because she didn't have a blanket to cover up. These are just two examples of what women are faced with while breastfeeding their babies. Many more women surrender to the appeals of the public and don't speak up for their nursing babies. I am a breastfeeding mother and am saddened that public breastfeeding is so uncomfortable for women and babies. Our culture is unknowingly pushing more woman to use formula by attacking women for breastfeeding. I know that women aren't just whipping it out and exposing themselves to everyone...(though a very small percentage might) the majority of breastfeeding woman have dignity and self-respect, they are married or have a monogamous partner and do not wish to show anything off. We are simply feeding our babies what we know (and everyone else) to be the best nutrition a baby can get. As far as covering up, a mother can and should if that is what she prefers. But, if the mother or the baby prefers to nurse uncovered than that is what she should do. The world does not revolve around the offended...babies were born to breastfeed, if someone doesn't agree than maybe they should cover their eyes instead of asking a mother to cover her babies head. As a result of this incidence at Applebee's in Kentucky there is a nurse in being organized to be held in Bakersfield. How do you feel about these&nbsp; incidences of mothers being asked to leave or told to feed a particular way and what do you think about the women in Tehachapi attending this nurse in? en-us I agree.&nbsp; the public has made woman's breasts a sex symbol and in doing so forgetting what they were made for.&nbsp; I would not cover my childs head if I were breastfeeding, whether it bothered anyone or not.&nbsp; Tell them to go eat their dinner under a blanket and see how they like it.&nbsp; I'm horrified by what society has become.&nbsp; Breast is best.&nbsp; http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134630 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134630 I agree.&nbsp; the public has made woman's breasts a sex symbol and in doing so forgetting what they were made for.&nbsp; I would not cover my childs head if I were breastfeeding, whether it bothered anyone or not.&nbsp; Tell them to go eat their dinner under a blanket and see how they like it.&nbsp; I'm horrified by what society has become.&nbsp; Breast is best.&nbsp; <p>I also feel like a woman should be able to breastfeed without feeling like she's doing something wrong.&nbsp;I feel more comfortable covering up, but even then there are those that find it &quot;offensive&quot;. </p> <p>As a mother that has both bottle fed and breastfed I ask that you please do not treat those that have bottle fed their babies like they are less of a mother.&nbsp;</p> <p>Comments like....<em>Breast is best!</em> and <em>How else would you feed a baby?&nbsp;</em>can be hurtful. Some mother's can't breastfeed. Motherhood is hard&nbsp;enough and one shouldn't have to worry about the&nbsp;way they will be treated&nbsp;by how&nbsp;they feed their child weather it be breastfed or bottle fed. </p> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134668 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134668 <p>I also feel like a woman should be able to breastfeed without feeling like she's doing something wrong.&nbsp;I feel more comfortable covering up, but even then there are those that find it &quot;offensive&quot;. </p> <p>As a mother that has both bottle fed and breastfed I ask that you please do not treat those that have bottle fed their babies like they are less of a mother.&nbsp;</p> <p>Comments like....<em>Breast is best!</em> and <em>How else would you feed a baby?&nbsp;</em>can be hurtful. Some mother's can't breastfeed. Motherhood is hard&nbsp;enough and one shouldn't have to worry about the&nbsp;way they will be treated&nbsp;by how&nbsp;they feed their child weather it be breastfed or bottle fed. </p> I totally agree with you countygirl...I have heard from women who wanted so bad to breastfeed and couldn't. Sometimes I think that mothers who don't have issues breastfeeding can take it for granted. Some people aren't educated about breastfeeding and don't have the support that they may need. I understand that the statement &quot;how else would you feed a baby&quot; can be hurtful because obviously one can even pump breastmilk and bottle feed. But on the contrary, a breastfeeding mother often doesn't understand why a mother who is perfectly capable of breastfeeding chooses to feed her baby formula when it is a known fact that breastmilk is the best nutrition for a baby up to the age of 2. (American Academy of Pediatrics) I think most people believe that bottle feeding with formula is a selfish convenience when one can breastfeed.<br /> <br /> Breastfeeding is a very special thing for both mother and baby and that's why I feel our culture should encourage it more and encourage formula feeding only when necessary. Yes, how the baby eats is the mother's choice (except for the few medical conditions that exist for some women that cause them not to breastfeed) but I think when a mother chooses formula she should examine her motives. Are they self-centered (i.e. I need a break sometimes, etc.) or are they what's best for baby.<br /> <br /> The real thing here is to remember that we need to encourage breastfeeding whether it is a friendly smile and nod to a nursing mother, going to a nurse in to support a mother who has been discriminated against (check the link above for one coming soon) or telling someone about the benefits of breastfeeding. The direction our culture is headed in regards to breastfeeding is only going to change if we make the change because we are the ones with the knowledge. Let's remember to not criticize mothers for what they choose because education is the best persuasion. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134678 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134678 I totally agree with you countygirl...I have heard from women who wanted so bad to breastfeed and couldn't. Sometimes I think that mothers who don't have issues breastfeeding can take it for granted. Some people aren't educated about breastfeeding and don't have the support that they may need. I understand that the statement &quot;how else would you feed a baby&quot; can be hurtful because obviously one can even pump breastmilk and bottle feed. But on the contrary, a breastfeeding mother often doesn't understand why a mother who is perfectly capable of breastfeeding chooses to feed her baby formula when it is a known fact that breastmilk is the best nutrition for a baby up to the age of 2. (American Academy of Pediatrics) I think most people believe that bottle feeding with formula is a selfish convenience when one can breastfeed.<br /> <br /> Breastfeeding is a very special thing for both mother and baby and that's why I feel our culture should encourage it more and encourage formula feeding only when necessary. Yes, how the baby eats is the mother's choice (except for the few medical conditions that exist for some women that cause them not to breastfeed) but I think when a mother chooses formula she should examine her motives. Are they self-centered (i.e. I need a break sometimes, etc.) or are they what's best for baby.<br /> <br /> The real thing here is to remember that we need to encourage breastfeeding whether it is a friendly smile and nod to a nursing mother, going to a nurse in to support a mother who has been discriminated against (check the link above for one coming soon) or telling someone about the benefits of breastfeeding. The direction our culture is headed in regards to breastfeeding is only going to change if we make the change because we are the ones with the knowledge. Let's remember to not criticize mothers for what they choose because education is the best persuasion. I'm going to join in this discussion in support of mothers everywhere.&nbsp; I personally am not a mother yet (though I pray that I will be someday), but I look forward to everything about motherhood.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> I think it's great that women who are unable to breastfeed have the option of formula.&nbsp; Because of certain things that we've done in our society, to our environment, etc. I would think this is an ever-increasing phenomena.&nbsp; That being said, I think that those women who are able to breastfeed should be able to do so without being scoffed at or persecuted.&nbsp; Women were created to nurture their children in this way.&nbsp; Even if you don't believe in God, you can't deny that breastfeeding is natural.&nbsp; I simply don't understand people who say it's &quot;gross&quot; or &quot;obscene&quot; or whatever.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> letgo has it right.&nbsp; Just because our culture has over-sexualized the female breast doesn't mean that they are, in fact, a purely sexual part of the body.&nbsp; For crying out loud, female breasts are designed for child-rearing; their sexual appeal should be secondary in the cases we're talking about.&nbsp; Men's breasts are fairly useless (no offense), but they get to run around with their shirts off... even if their breasts are as big as a woman's.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &lt;Sigh&gt;&nbsp; Just another thing that humanity has messed up with the over-sexualization.&nbsp; Okay, I'm stepping off the soap box now ; O) http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134682 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134682 I'm going to join in this discussion in support of mothers everywhere.&nbsp; I personally am not a mother yet (though I pray that I will be someday), but I look forward to everything about motherhood.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> I think it's great that women who are unable to breastfeed have the option of formula.&nbsp; Because of certain things that we've done in our society, to our environment, etc. I would think this is an ever-increasing phenomena.&nbsp; That being said, I think that those women who are able to breastfeed should be able to do so without being scoffed at or persecuted.&nbsp; Women were created to nurture their children in this way.&nbsp; Even if you don't believe in God, you can't deny that breastfeeding is natural.&nbsp; I simply don't understand people who say it's &quot;gross&quot; or &quot;obscene&quot; or whatever.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> letgo has it right.&nbsp; Just because our culture has over-sexualized the female breast doesn't mean that they are, in fact, a purely sexual part of the body.&nbsp; For crying out loud, female breasts are designed for child-rearing; their sexual appeal should be secondary in the cases we're talking about.&nbsp; Men's breasts are fairly useless (no offense), but they get to run around with their shirts off... even if their breasts are as big as a woman's.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &lt;Sigh&gt;&nbsp; Just another thing that humanity has messed up with the over-sexualization.&nbsp; Okay, I'm stepping off the soap box now ; O) I am a breastfeeding mother too.  I don't nurse in public because I am not comfortable with it (plus the fact that I don't have a nursing bra- I just can't find one that works for me!).  I really really don't mind when other women NIP though.  Before I was a mother, I would have felt uncomfortable with others BFing in public, just because it was something I was never exposed to.  I think a lot of people feel that it is indecent for women to (even potentially) expose themselves in public.  Many claim it is exposing their children to "sexual parts".  I wouldn't mind if my children saw a woman BFing- exposing the nipple might be a little weird, but the rest of the breast isn't indecent when women expose the same areas every day in their normal/swim attire.  <br /> <br /> I think it's utterly ridiculous that the woman was kicked off the plane for not covering herself!  At the same time, I think she should have shown some respect and realized that not everyone is comfortable with NIP- and she should have covered up.  <br /> <br /> I too ask that people not be judgmental of formula-feeding mommies.  It took me over 2 months to be able to exclusively breastfeed- and in the meantime I had to supplement with formula.  It was tough having everyone criticize me for using formula when breastfeeding was so incredibly painful.  I know sometimes it takes a while for breasts to get used to feeding- I guess it just took mine a lot longer.  And a majority of mothers work now, so formula is a wonderful alternative.  Remember, it may not be the best for the baby, but it's by no means bad for the baby. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134687 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134687 I am a breastfeeding mother too.  I don't nurse in public because I am not comfortable with it (plus the fact that I don't have a nursing bra- I just can't find one that works for me!).  I really really don't mind when other women NIP though.  Before I was a mother, I would have felt uncomfortable with others BFing in public, just because it was something I was never exposed to.  I think a lot of people feel that it is indecent for women to (even potentially) expose themselves in public.  Many claim it is exposing their children to "sexual parts".  I wouldn't mind if my children saw a woman BFing- exposing the nipple might be a little weird, but the rest of the breast isn't indecent when women expose the same areas every day in their normal/swim attire.  <br /> <br /> I think it's utterly ridiculous that the woman was kicked off the plane for not covering herself!  At the same time, I think she should have shown some respect and realized that not everyone is comfortable with NIP- and she should have covered up.  <br /> <br /> I too ask that people not be judgmental of formula-feeding mommies.  It took me over 2 months to be able to exclusively breastfeed- and in the meantime I had to supplement with formula.  It was tough having everyone criticize me for using formula when breastfeeding was so incredibly painful.  I know sometimes it takes a while for breasts to get used to feeding- I guess it just took mine a lot longer.  And a majority of mothers work now, so formula is a wonderful alternative.  Remember, it may not be the best for the baby, but it's by no means bad for the baby. <font color="#0000ff">I have no objections to a woman breastfeeding her child, I think it is a great thing. I was never able to breastfeed my children and I wish I could have. But I think the big stink about women breastfeeding in public is that some people may not want to see a ladies breasts exposed, and I am personally one of those people. If the breast was covered up and not visible then I could care less.</font> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134688 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134688 <font color="#0000ff">I have no objections to a woman breastfeeding her child, I think it is a great thing. I was never able to breastfeed my children and I wish I could have. But I think the big stink about women breastfeeding in public is that some people may not want to see a ladies breasts exposed, and I am personally one of those people. If the breast was covered up and not visible then I could care less.</font> madkow2747 - have you heard of those glamourmom nursing tanks? They are so much better than any nursing bra, they give lots of support. You should check them out. The lady who is opening the little bundles boutique has them and does free delivery. She is very helpful and so nice. <a href="http://www.wherestehachapi.com/little-bundles-boutique/">www.littlebundlesboutique.com</a><br /> <br /> As far as the woman on the plane...I can sympathize with her because my 7month old won't nurse with a cover, although sometimes I wish he would so I could cover my chubs. If I had to cover up, my baby would be so fussy and would give me anxiety...maybe she had a similar situation.<br /> <br /> I just don't really think it should be about the mom or the people who think the mom should cover up....there is a third person in the picture...the baby. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134691 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134691 madkow2747 - have you heard of those glamourmom nursing tanks? They are so much better than any nursing bra, they give lots of support. You should check them out. The lady who is opening the little bundles boutique has them and does free delivery. She is very helpful and so nice. <a href="http://www.wherestehachapi.com/little-bundles-boutique/">www.littlebundlesboutique.com</a><br /> <br /> As far as the woman on the plane...I can sympathize with her because my 7month old won't nurse with a cover, although sometimes I wish he would so I could cover my chubs. If I had to cover up, my baby would be so fussy and would give me anxiety...maybe she had a similar situation.<br /> <br /> I just don't really think it should be about the mom or the people who think the mom should cover up....there is a third person in the picture...the baby. <p> </p> <p>If I may present you with a scenario...... I'm curious how people will interpret this.</p> <p> </p> <p>    Take a woman who has a child, and 15 mons later has another child and is suffering from extreme postpartum depression. She is very educated about breastfeeding and knows that it is what is best for her baby, yet the idea is overwhelming to her. The well being of this woman and her baby is at stake. She chooses to bottle feed her 2nd child so she may take the breaks she needs to keep her health and sanity. Was this woman selfish or did she actually make the best decision or all involved? Weighing that bottle feeding her child wouldn't make her child sick or actually harm the baby in anyway, but that she and her children might suffer from her being overly stressed and depressed if she had pushed herself beyond what she felt capable of doing, what is your thoughts on this?</p> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134692 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134692 <p> </p> <p>If I may present you with a scenario...... I'm curious how people will interpret this.</p> <p> </p> <p>    Take a woman who has a child, and 15 mons later has another child and is suffering from extreme postpartum depression. She is very educated about breastfeeding and knows that it is what is best for her baby, yet the idea is overwhelming to her. The well being of this woman and her baby is at stake. She chooses to bottle feed her 2nd child so she may take the breaks she needs to keep her health and sanity. Was this woman selfish or did she actually make the best decision or all involved? Weighing that bottle feeding her child wouldn't make her child sick or actually harm the baby in anyway, but that she and her children might suffer from her being overly stressed and depressed if she had pushed herself beyond what she felt capable of doing, what is your thoughts on this?</p> eekitsaspider - Sorry to hear that you weren't able to breastfeed. but, you said that as long as a mom is covered it's no big deal and that's what we are trying to get at. If a mom wants to cover - great. But if she doesn't want to, or more significantly - the baby doesn't like the cover - she shouldn't have to cover in order to breastfeed her baby. <br /> <br /> Maybe I don't like the way some sloppy guy eats his food....nobody asks him to put a blanket over his head. When a girl walks into a restaurant with extreme cleavage/breasts showing or but cheeks hanging out (which this happens often)...no one gives them a blanket. At least the breastfeeding mother has her breast out for a purpose and then is finished within a short period of time. Right? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134693 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134693 eekitsaspider - Sorry to hear that you weren't able to breastfeed. but, you said that as long as a mom is covered it's no big deal and that's what we are trying to get at. If a mom wants to cover - great. But if she doesn't want to, or more significantly - the baby doesn't like the cover - she shouldn't have to cover in order to breastfeed her baby. <br /> <br /> Maybe I don't like the way some sloppy guy eats his food....nobody asks him to put a blanket over his head. When a girl walks into a restaurant with extreme cleavage/breasts showing or but cheeks hanging out (which this happens often)...no one gives them a blanket. At least the breastfeeding mother has her breast out for a purpose and then is finished within a short period of time. Right? Another nursing mommy here ... and I have to say that while I am totally ok with nursing in public (covered), I understand that it does make some people uncomfortable.  I read about the incident at the Applebee's and I feel like if the other customer was bothered enough to complain about it, they must have been very uncomfortable with it. They also have the right to enjoy their meal, without feeling akward about the lady nursing the next booth.  Perhaps Applebee's could have handled it better, by offering to move them to another table, but the mom really didn't seem to care about anyone in the restaurant but herself .  She claims her baby shouldn't have to eat with a blanket on his head.... I can guarentee a 7 mo old baby doesn't care... and if he does, he will throw the blanket off.  It is completely possible to nurse covered with a blanket without covering the baby's face.<br /> <br /> Anyways - I'm not sure what a nurse-in at Applebee's will accomplish.  It's not going to hurt their business. I think it will just make for an uncomfortable lunch for customers that day, and it makes nursing mom's look selfish and inconsiderate. <br /> <br /> Yep... all this from a nursing mother of 3. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134694 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134694 Another nursing mommy here ... and I have to say that while I am totally ok with nursing in public (covered), I understand that it does make some people uncomfortable.  I read about the incident at the Applebee's and I feel like if the other customer was bothered enough to complain about it, they must have been very uncomfortable with it. They also have the right to enjoy their meal, without feeling akward about the lady nursing the next booth.  Perhaps Applebee's could have handled it better, by offering to move them to another table, but the mom really didn't seem to care about anyone in the restaurant but herself .  She claims her baby shouldn't have to eat with a blanket on his head.... I can guarentee a 7 mo old baby doesn't care... and if he does, he will throw the blanket off.  It is completely possible to nurse covered with a blanket without covering the baby's face.<br /> <br /> Anyways - I'm not sure what a nurse-in at Applebee's will accomplish.  It's not going to hurt their business. I think it will just make for an uncomfortable lunch for customers that day, and it makes nursing mom's look selfish and inconsiderate. <br /> <br /> Yep... all this from a nursing mother of 3. The woman with depression would be one of the medical exceptions mentioned and of course would be making the best decision. <br /> <br /> But, as a fact, women suffering from post partum depression are better off to breastfeed because it keeps the hormones like oxytocin going in your body which give you feelings of happiness. If a woman was suffering from clinical post partum depression she would probably need medication and &quot;breaks&quot; really wouldn't do anything for the depression. She would probably be lacking something in her diet and a change in nutrition could resolve the depression. They do make breastfeeding friendly meds for that. You just have to communicate with your doctor, maybe do some of your own research.<br /> <br /> I don't think it takes postpartum depression to feel like you need breaks...I mean sometimes I think I 'm going to go crazy :). It's okay to put the child in a safe place and step outside for some fresh air and ground yourself when this happens.<br /> <br /> Here is a really good article about postpartum depression....you all should read it, you never know when you may need to help a friend. http://www.mothering.com/guest_editors/quiet_place/142.html http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134697 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134697 The woman with depression would be one of the medical exceptions mentioned and of course would be making the best decision. <br /> <br /> But, as a fact, women suffering from post partum depression are better off to breastfeed because it keeps the hormones like oxytocin going in your body which give you feelings of happiness. If a woman was suffering from clinical post partum depression she would probably need medication and &quot;breaks&quot; really wouldn't do anything for the depression. She would probably be lacking something in her diet and a change in nutrition could resolve the depression. They do make breastfeeding friendly meds for that. You just have to communicate with your doctor, maybe do some of your own research.<br /> <br /> I don't think it takes postpartum depression to feel like you need breaks...I mean sometimes I think I 'm going to go crazy :). It's okay to put the child in a safe place and step outside for some fresh air and ground yourself when this happens.<br /> <br /> Here is a really good article about postpartum depression....you all should read it, you never know when you may need to help a friend. http://www.mothering.com/guest_editors/quiet_place/142.html Sunshine - you said yourself that if a nursing 7 month doesn't like the blanket he would throw it off. And&nbsp; as a mother who would like to nurse covered, I can tell you my 7 month old will not nurse with a cover. <br /> <br /> In defense of the Kentucky woman, she nursed her baby in the car outside...so to say she didn't care about anyone else is false. She also mentioned she didn't have a blanket as it was summer time. <br /> <br /> The thing I don't understand is that if one person has the right to enjoy their meal than so does the other, right? So where do the rights end and start and what are the baby's rights ( who's only voice is his mother's)?<br /> <br /> I don't think that the nurse - in is meant to hurt Applebee's business as much as it is to be seen by the public to say &quot;we will nurse our babies when they are hungry.&quot; I'm not a crazy lactivist by any means but I do want to be able to feed my baby when he is hungry even if it means I'm sitting at a table with my back partially turned to a restaurant floor and part of my side showing. Sometimes I wonder if it is really the woman (I'm not sure that the complaint came from a woman but I would almost bet in most cases it does...kind of funny?) who is insecure that her husband may be &quot;looking.&quot; ???? Can someone enlighten me. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134700 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134700 Sunshine - you said yourself that if a nursing 7 month doesn't like the blanket he would throw it off. And&nbsp; as a mother who would like to nurse covered, I can tell you my 7 month old will not nurse with a cover. <br /> <br /> In defense of the Kentucky woman, she nursed her baby in the car outside...so to say she didn't care about anyone else is false. She also mentioned she didn't have a blanket as it was summer time. <br /> <br /> The thing I don't understand is that if one person has the right to enjoy their meal than so does the other, right? So where do the rights end and start and what are the baby's rights ( who's only voice is his mother's)?<br /> <br /> I don't think that the nurse - in is meant to hurt Applebee's business as much as it is to be seen by the public to say &quot;we will nurse our babies when they are hungry.&quot; I'm not a crazy lactivist by any means but I do want to be able to feed my baby when he is hungry even if it means I'm sitting at a table with my back partially turned to a restaurant floor and part of my side showing. Sometimes I wonder if it is really the woman (I'm not sure that the complaint came from a woman but I would almost bet in most cases it does...kind of funny?) who is insecure that her husband may be &quot;looking.&quot; ???? Can someone enlighten me. Thank you LucyPevensie!&nbsp; I'll have to check those tops out!&nbsp; And LOL about the sloppy guy eating!&nbsp; He should TOTALLY have to put a blanket over his head!<br /> <br /> And, just to add to my previous post about the pain when I first began breastfeeding... Because of the pain, I was absolutely horrified when my son wanted to eat (and of course, with newborns it's pretty frequent).&nbsp; I was to the point where I didn't even want to look at him.&nbsp; I really felt that that was an unhealthy place for my son and me- we couldn't bond if I was afraid of him.&nbsp; It was another reason I decided to not push the breastfeeding quickly and to supplement with formula.&nbsp; It wasn't a self-centered decision- it was what I felt was best for the both of us.&nbsp; Chances are, if a mother is unhappy with breastfeeding, the baby won't be happy with it either because he/she will pick up on the stress and bad signals the mother is putting out.<br /> <br /> And I didn't even think about a baby throwing off the covering.&nbsp; My son is only 4 1/2 months old, so we haven't gotten to that yet :)&nbsp; But it does make sense, now that I think about it.&nbsp; He looks very shocked if I cover him with something.&nbsp; I usually have to go to a bedroom/bathroom/car/or any room that locks to feed him so that he can nurse uncovered.&nbsp; It is frustrating to have to miss out on everything while I'm feeding him- but I think it's better that way.&nbsp; He's at the age right now where he's almost too distracted to eat if there's anything going on around us! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134707 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134707 Thank you LucyPevensie!&nbsp; I'll have to check those tops out!&nbsp; And LOL about the sloppy guy eating!&nbsp; He should TOTALLY have to put a blanket over his head!<br /> <br /> And, just to add to my previous post about the pain when I first began breastfeeding... Because of the pain, I was absolutely horrified when my son wanted to eat (and of course, with newborns it's pretty frequent).&nbsp; I was to the point where I didn't even want to look at him.&nbsp; I really felt that that was an unhealthy place for my son and me- we couldn't bond if I was afraid of him.&nbsp; It was another reason I decided to not push the breastfeeding quickly and to supplement with formula.&nbsp; It wasn't a self-centered decision- it was what I felt was best for the both of us.&nbsp; Chances are, if a mother is unhappy with breastfeeding, the baby won't be happy with it either because he/she will pick up on the stress and bad signals the mother is putting out.<br /> <br /> And I didn't even think about a baby throwing off the covering.&nbsp; My son is only 4 1/2 months old, so we haven't gotten to that yet :)&nbsp; But it does make sense, now that I think about it.&nbsp; He looks very shocked if I cover him with something.&nbsp; I usually have to go to a bedroom/bathroom/car/or any room that locks to feed him so that he can nurse uncovered.&nbsp; It is frustrating to have to miss out on everything while I'm feeding him- but I think it's better that way.&nbsp; He's at the age right now where he's almost too distracted to eat if there's anything going on around us! I'll bet the complaint was from a woman too... Most men who are uncomfortable with a mother nursing in public would feel even more uncomfortable complaining about it!&nbsp; And honestly, I think most guys don't even mind it.&nbsp; Every single complaint I've heard about NIP has been from a woman.&nbsp; Whether it's jealousy for her husband or otherwise, I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me given how crazy some people are! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134711 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134711 I'll bet the complaint was from a woman too... Most men who are uncomfortable with a mother nursing in public would feel even more uncomfortable complaining about it!&nbsp; And honestly, I think most guys don't even mind it.&nbsp; Every single complaint I've heard about NIP has been from a woman.&nbsp; Whether it's jealousy for her husband or otherwise, I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me given how crazy some people are! Yes--I will say it again....<font face="Comic Sans MS"><em>How else would you feed a baby and breast is best.&nbsp; </em>I used to work as an RN for many years and grew tired of women saying reasons why they didn't want to&nbsp; breast feed:&nbsp; <br /> I don't want saggy breasts afterward<br /> It will interfere with my social life<br /> I think it's gross<br /> I get free formula<br /> I want to enjoy my glass of wine<br /> It will strap me down--I don't want to be tied to the baby<br /> I still have a life--how am I supposed to go out?<br /> I have also worked with women who tried to to breastfeed and were unable to--some chose to pump then bottle feed and some women decided it was too much work, and others felt it was not worth the hassle.&nbsp; But at least they tried and the short amount of time their baby had breast milk ensured he had what he needed nutritionally at that stage in life.&nbsp; What concerns me is feeding a newborn the same formula meant for a 10 or 11 month old baby--an newborn has different nutritional needs.<br /> Another frequent scenario:<br /> Frantic phone call from a friend--she knows of a young women who has a 2 week old baby and is out of the &quot;free&quot; formula and is unable to afford to buy formula...she thought WIC would give her all the free formula she needed (they don't). Now how is she going to feed her baby?&nbsp; Well if she would of breast fed, this would not be an issue.&nbsp; Too late now....<br /> All these scenarios are different from women who were not able to breast feed due to various reasons...medications, baby unwilling to nurse etc.&nbsp; But breast is best....<br /> <br /> </font> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134759 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134759 Yes--I will say it again....<font face="Comic Sans MS"><em>How else would you feed a baby and breast is best.&nbsp; </em>I used to work as an RN for many years and grew tired of women saying reasons why they didn't want to&nbsp; breast feed:&nbsp; <br /> I don't want saggy breasts afterward<br /> It will interfere with my social life<br /> I think it's gross<br /> I get free formula<br /> I want to enjoy my glass of wine<br /> It will strap me down--I don't want to be tied to the baby<br /> I still have a life--how am I supposed to go out?<br /> I have also worked with women who tried to to breastfeed and were unable to--some chose to pump then bottle feed and some women decided it was too much work, and others felt it was not worth the hassle.&nbsp; But at least they tried and the short amount of time their baby had breast milk ensured he had what he needed nutritionally at that stage in life.&nbsp; What concerns me is feeding a newborn the same formula meant for a 10 or 11 month old baby--an newborn has different nutritional needs.<br /> Another frequent scenario:<br /> Frantic phone call from a friend--she knows of a young women who has a 2 week old baby and is out of the &quot;free&quot; formula and is unable to afford to buy formula...she thought WIC would give her all the free formula she needed (they don't). Now how is she going to feed her baby?&nbsp; Well if she would of breast fed, this would not be an issue.&nbsp; Too late now....<br /> All these scenarios are different from women who were not able to breast feed due to various reasons...medications, baby unwilling to nurse etc.&nbsp; But breast is best....<br /> <br /> </font> I think we all agree breast is best and I think the point that anonymous is making is that most of the reasons a woman uses formula is all self-centered which why I said I think a mother should examine her reasons for using formula.<br /> <br /> The scenario that anonymous gives about the mom not being to afford formula is so true because I know a girl who does this. She comes around to my neighbor (the adopted grandma) and says, 'do you have any work to do so I can buy ____ some formula....I used half of the money from my last job to buy some and (the father) was suppose to buy the other half and he didn't so I need some money.&quot; Come on....what is someone going to say about money when you put things like that.<br /> At 5 months old she was giving her baby full bottles of juice when the baby's main source of nutrition needed to be either breastmilk or formula. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134961 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134961 I think we all agree breast is best and I think the point that anonymous is making is that most of the reasons a woman uses formula is all self-centered which why I said I think a mother should examine her reasons for using formula.<br /> <br /> The scenario that anonymous gives about the mom not being to afford formula is so true because I know a girl who does this. She comes around to my neighbor (the adopted grandma) and says, 'do you have any work to do so I can buy ____ some formula....I used half of the money from my last job to buy some and (the father) was suppose to buy the other half and he didn't so I need some money.&quot; Come on....what is someone going to say about money when you put things like that.<br /> At 5 months old she was giving her baby full bottles of juice when the baby's main source of nutrition needed to be either breastmilk or formula. <p>Well I think I fit just about any scenario given here. lol I have three children and I have breast fed,&nbsp; willingly bottle(formula) fed, and&nbsp;medically been unable to breastfeed.&nbsp; While many of you feel my choice to bottle feed&nbsp;was selfish (heck I'm inclined to agree with you) I have no regrets doing so. I believe that women should be supported no matter how they feed their babies. The reason I keep bringing this up is because I know many women that believe there is no other way to feed your baby, in fact I'm related to many of them. :) I was surprised by the 'better than thou&quot; attitude I was presented with when I told them I was bottle feeding my child. I was not harming my child in anyway, yet I was being treated like I was. Both of my kids who've been bottle fed have had no problems developmentally or physically. I guess one might look at this the same way as the &quot;Do you immunize or not?&quot; debate.&nbsp;</p> <p>To anonymous.... I'm sorry you grew tired of women making excuses about breastfeeding, but that was their choice, and I highly doubt that they were harmed or&nbsp;scared for life because of it. </p> <p>Now as far as the who do you think complains..I actually have to disagree and say that it is the male. I can imagine that would be uncomfortable for a man. To have to TRY to avoid looking....that is hard. It's almost like when you try not to look you end up looking even more...then they have to worry about upsetting a crazy jealous wife or looking like a perv. or who knows what.</p> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134999 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_134999 <p>Well I think I fit just about any scenario given here. lol I have three children and I have breast fed,&nbsp; willingly bottle(formula) fed, and&nbsp;medically been unable to breastfeed.&nbsp; While many of you feel my choice to bottle feed&nbsp;was selfish (heck I'm inclined to agree with you) I have no regrets doing so. I believe that women should be supported no matter how they feed their babies. The reason I keep bringing this up is because I know many women that believe there is no other way to feed your baby, in fact I'm related to many of them. :) I was surprised by the 'better than thou&quot; attitude I was presented with when I told them I was bottle feeding my child. I was not harming my child in anyway, yet I was being treated like I was. Both of my kids who've been bottle fed have had no problems developmentally or physically. I guess one might look at this the same way as the &quot;Do you immunize or not?&quot; debate.&nbsp;</p> <p>To anonymous.... I'm sorry you grew tired of women making excuses about breastfeeding, but that was their choice, and I highly doubt that they were harmed or&nbsp;scared for life because of it. </p> <p>Now as far as the who do you think complains..I actually have to disagree and say that it is the male. I can imagine that would be uncomfortable for a man. To have to TRY to avoid looking....that is hard. It's almost like when you try not to look you end up looking even more...then they have to worry about upsetting a crazy jealous wife or looking like a perv. or who knows what.</p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Well, I have to say that I have enjoyed reading everyone's posts here. A few of you should come JOIN us for the National Nurse-In tomorrow (Saturday the 8th) at Applebee's in Bakersfield from 12-1pm. </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">A few comments - Yes, breastfeeding women are less likely to have postpartum depression than non-breastfeeding mothers due to the cocktail of hormones and chemicals such as oxytocin (the love hormone) and prolactin. Having that said, it can still occur due to numerous reasons such as an unexpected birth outcome, genetic depression, or current family situation, etc. If medication is needed, then one must absolutely weight the risks anfd benefits of continuing to breastfeed. As I  stated in my BirthWorks column in The Loop 2 weeks ago, there is a small percentage of women who cannot breatsfeed, The major issue is the lack of support and encouragement for the 94% of mothers who CAN breastfeed and need the education about why breastfeeding is SO important. My article out today in The Loop is coincidentally (before I found out about the Applebee's story) about American society and our hang-ups about breastfeeding and breastfeeding in public. </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Yes, Glamourmom nursing tops are my own personal savior. I personally don't like exposing my flabby postpartum stomach, so I wear Glamourmom nursing tops EVERY DAY, every where I go. Which is also why I do carry them in the store - they really were a confidence booster to breastfeeding in public for me and for everybody I know who has one (or 10) :) My littlest one is almost 9 monthsold and still exclusively breastfed with the exception of a few nibbles of table food every other day or so. </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">And once again, I'll reiterate what I said in the article which is that it's against the law to interfere with a nursing mother to include asking her to "be discreet" or to cover up. If you personally feel the need to cover up for your own comfort level, by all means, you're breastfeeding and that's the most important thing. If you do not wish to cover up, that is your right.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">I would encourage everyone here to show your support for community and nursing mothers by attending our local La Leche League meetings here in Tehachapi. They are on the 4th Monday of every month at the Scout Hut in the park. Julie (our La Leche League leader) is having a baby in the next couple of weeks, so Justine Backhaus will be taking over for a short while so Julie can relax with her new little one. If you want more information, please feel free to e-mail me at <a href="mailto:TehachapiDoula@aol.com">TehachapiDoula@aol.com</a> </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">If you want to view or buy Glamourmom nursing tops, Nipple Butter, or a fantastic book "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding", by all means, go to <a href="http://www.littlebundlesboutique.com">www.littlebundlesboutique.com</a>. If you are unsure and want to try on the tops first, I am more than happy to come to you so you may try them on for size first.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">And BTW, a new International blue & white breastfeeding symbol now exists in sticker form that business owners may place on their doors or windows by the store entrance that shows their support of breastfeeding mothers who come into their establishment. I am intending on approaching all of Tehachapi's businesses in 2008 to offer them this sticker to affix to their door/window. As soon as Litle Bundles' construction is complete, you can be sure I will proudly display it for all to see. I intend on having a few seats in the store for pregnant moms to come in and rest or nursing moms to nurse their babies and have some Pregnancy Tea and Mothers Milk Tea whenever they'd like. I hope everyone else is as excited as I am! :)</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Peace and Love!</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">~Christy</font></p> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_136032 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_136032 <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Well, I have to say that I have enjoyed reading everyone's posts here. A few of you should come JOIN us for the National Nurse-In tomorrow (Saturday the 8th) at Applebee's in Bakersfield from 12-1pm. </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">A few comments - Yes, breastfeeding women are less likely to have postpartum depression than non-breastfeeding mothers due to the cocktail of hormones and chemicals such as oxytocin (the love hormone) and prolactin. Having that said, it can still occur due to numerous reasons such as an unexpected birth outcome, genetic depression, or current family situation, etc. If medication is needed, then one must absolutely weight the risks anfd benefits of continuing to breastfeed. As I  stated in my BirthWorks column in The Loop 2 weeks ago, there is a small percentage of women who cannot breatsfeed, The major issue is the lack of support and encouragement for the 94% of mothers who CAN breastfeed and need the education about why breastfeeding is SO important. My article out today in The Loop is coincidentally (before I found out about the Applebee's story) about American society and our hang-ups about breastfeeding and breastfeeding in public. </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Yes, Glamourmom nursing tops are my own personal savior. I personally don't like exposing my flabby postpartum stomach, so I wear Glamourmom nursing tops EVERY DAY, every where I go. Which is also why I do carry them in the store - they really were a confidence booster to breastfeeding in public for me and for everybody I know who has one (or 10) :) My littlest one is almost 9 monthsold and still exclusively breastfed with the exception of a few nibbles of table food every other day or so. </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">And once again, I'll reiterate what I said in the article which is that it's against the law to interfere with a nursing mother to include asking her to "be discreet" or to cover up. If you personally feel the need to cover up for your own comfort level, by all means, you're breastfeeding and that's the most important thing. If you do not wish to cover up, that is your right.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">I would encourage everyone here to show your support for community and nursing mothers by attending our local La Leche League meetings here in Tehachapi. They are on the 4th Monday of every month at the Scout Hut in the park. Julie (our La Leche League leader) is having a baby in the next couple of weeks, so Justine Backhaus will be taking over for a short while so Julie can relax with her new little one. If you want more information, please feel free to e-mail me at <a href="mailto:TehachapiDoula@aol.com">TehachapiDoula@aol.com</a> </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">If you want to view or buy Glamourmom nursing tops, Nipple Butter, or a fantastic book "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding", by all means, go to <a href="http://www.littlebundlesboutique.com">www.littlebundlesboutique.com</a>. If you are unsure and want to try on the tops first, I am more than happy to come to you so you may try them on for size first.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">And BTW, a new International blue & white breastfeeding symbol now exists in sticker form that business owners may place on their doors or windows by the store entrance that shows their support of breastfeeding mothers who come into their establishment. I am intending on approaching all of Tehachapi's businesses in 2008 to offer them this sticker to affix to their door/window. As soon as Litle Bundles' construction is complete, you can be sure I will proudly display it for all to see. I intend on having a few seats in the store for pregnant moms to come in and rest or nursing moms to nurse their babies and have some Pregnancy Tea and Mothers Milk Tea whenever they'd like. I hope everyone else is as excited as I am! :)</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Peace and Love!</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">~Christy</font></p> Have any of you read the results of the nurse-in? Personally I like the word janasmama uses, &quot;pro-breastfeeding event.&quot; You can get the details <a href="http://www.wherestehachapi.com/breastfeeding-awareness-applebees/#comment-33">here</a>. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_136606 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LucyPevensie/14101/#c_136606 Have any of you read the results of the nurse-in? Personally I like the word janasmama uses, &quot;pro-breastfeeding event.&quot; You can get the details <a href="http://www.wherestehachapi.com/breastfeeding-awareness-applebees/#comment-33">here</a>.