Question for Breastfeeding Moms - Avon,OH

Hi A..

I live in Avon Lake and I've breastfed both of my boys in public. (Also discreetly with a small coverup.) I know several women in the area who have done the same. You don't have to worry about feeling awkward. More women should breastfeed, I know, but not everyone feels comfortable I guess. :)

Best wishes!
B.

I have found that it is seen as taboo atleast here in cleveland... I breastfeed in public. Ive done it in walmart, mc donalds, the park, at my sons baseball games.... etc. they only place I wont is in a nice resturant and thats only when Im with my mom or husband because THEY are uncomfortable with me doing it there.

there are groups for moms that bf, co sleep, do cloth diapers etc... I belong to one called crunchy in cleveland in the yahoo groups. I believe its http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CrunchyinCleveland/

~M.

I breastfed my son in public (I live in the western Cleveland area) and I've seen others do the same... not all that often, but I've seen it. I wish there was more awareness and support for this because you're right, it could be socially awkward. I've heard people comment about how shocked they were when they saw someone doing that in public. But I did it... in restaurants, malls, coffee shops, my car, bookstores, etc. Wherever I was. No one ever made a comment to me (at least not one that I heard!) Good luck with the new baby and kudos to you for giving him/her the best start in life by nursing!!

Ditto for me! I'm Lakewood and I nursed both my sons whenever and wherever needed (even - shock - after a year!!!)

Good luck and don't worry about what others are doing!

Dear A., I have breast fed in public and see nothing wrong as long as you're discreet. God Bless and do what you need to do what is best for your family. N. L.

I breastfeed my DD, as well as my DS.
However, you're right. Now that you mention it, I have almost-never seen a women breastfeed in public in Cleveland. I've only had a few public feeding experiences, but haven't had any issues. I did get some repulsed people at my job when I used the conference room to pump --- (" Don't you think the bathroom would be a more appropriate place for that?!" one co-worker told me.")

That all said, there are wonderful breastfeeding groups. I met some great people through Fairview Hospital and have never been at a lack of resources.

Best of luck!

Hi A.,
I don't actually breastfeed anymore but when I did i think I was one of the very few women in ohio that did it publcly. It is not that we have a different culture I just think many mothers here are a bit younger age wise(like me) and therefore don't feel comfortable breastfeeding in public. I'm sure there will be some people looking at you like your crazy (they did me) but do it anyways maybe you'll inspire other moms to do the same.

I don't know if its culture out here or not, but I nursed my daughter in public quite often, I just was descreet about it. Don't worry about what others think, or even say, because its none of their business. Nurse the new baby if you happen to be out and about and the kid gets hungry. Don't we eat in public? If people asked me, I just said I'm feeding the baby, smile and say "have a good one", or something nice like that. Good luck with your boy, they are an ENTIRELY different breed, I have one of each, and I love them both to pieces.

As a mom who breastfed both of her babies I would have to say that it must be coincidence. We are not in Cleveland, we are about 25 minutes west. However, I nursed both of my children as needed regardless of where we were. I know several others that did the same.

I live in Cleveland and I nursed in public when I needed to. Most of my friends nursed their kids, too. If I had a private option (my car, a comfortable bathroom, lounge etc) then I chose that option first, but other than that I was not afraid to nurse in public.