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If you make a big fuss over it, others will as well.
Read the people you sit next to or around. If they look like grumpy old men, pull that blanket out. If there are children act a bit more descrete. But in no way go around giving people the "heads up" it's not needed and it will only draw attention.
It's legal. It's ethical. It's normal. It's a long flight. It's expected nurtitionally AND for the aid of preventing pain in the ears for babies.
Good luck. Don't fret. Chances are no one will say anything or even give you a harsh look. People are pretty good about such things for the most part, minus a few jerks.
Personally?? I don't see a problem with it...on both sides of the issue the problems usually start with a neanderthal acting offended or the nursing mother making a big production out of it.
I say go for it.
And these same neanderthals probably drool at the sight of a naked breast on the movie screen or porno magazine. So pitiful to object to what the breast was truly meant for. Ugh!
Wow, your post took me back, waaaay back (my daughter is an adult).
I always always nursed during take-off and landing. I was told (by my pediatrician? MIL?) that it would help clear her ears. You know how babies will cry during those ascents and descents? One theory is that they don't know how to "pop" their ears. Not sure if that's still the advice being given.
I think most sane passengers, given the choice, would choose to sit next to a nursing baby, rather than a crying infant.
This is the same advice being given now, at least 7 years ago (my "baby" is 7) and the pedi told me the same thing. I flew often with a toddler and an infant who was only breastfeed (absolutely refused a bottle), so it's not a choice to feed the baby this way.
I would not call attention to yourself by notifying the flight attendants as others have said. I always felt it was a private matter, and honestly only one time (not on a flight) in several years (2 different children) of public breastfeeding did anyone ever make a "scene" about it. Looking back on it, it embarrassed me at the time, but when I look at it now, I think how pathetic and sad it was that this man had to get riled up that I was feeding my baby in a restauarant. He told the staff I should have to go the bathroom for that.
Anyway...that was just a horror story. It really doesn't happen, and most time people don't even know you are feeding your baby. Most people don't pay that much attention to other people anyway, especially on a flight (unless you are purposely engaging them in a conversation).
Oh my - this post took me way back as well! When my DS was about 8 months old we got to go on a trip to Hawaii and took him with. I know this sounds terrible, but I took one of those "pm" tablets (never had before) to get some rest on the flight, and DH said at one point I was semi-consciously nursing the kid and I'm sure it was not discreet! (Well, the cabin was probably darkened, but you know...)Looking back, I can't even believe I did this. So anyway, if anyone gives you trouble, you can just tell them be glad I'm not on your flight!
Just bring along a small blanket, scarf...whatever...just in case anyone is so bothered to make a point of it.
But honestly - flying TO Europe, I think you'll find more acceptance and less breast squeamishness.
No offense, but this is the strangest thread. Why wouldn't you breastfeed your baby on a plane? I've always done it, no biggie. Never had stares, glares or anything, and I'm sure I've overexposed myself a time of two, whatever, so someone catches a glimpse of a nipple, big deal. People aren't as hung up on breastfeeding as you might think. I think the ones who are the most hung up on BFing are the mothers who are doing it... lol.
Personally?? I don't see a problem with it...on both sides of the issue the problems usually start with a neanderthal acting offended or the nursing mother making a big production out of it.
I say go for it.
I agree completely.
No need to say anything to other passengers, just go about your business discreetly. I might mention it to the flight attendant, if only because there may be an area with more space for you to sit if you have only one seat.
I always breastfed both of my children in public and most people had absolutely NO IDEA what was going on. I did see a woman last year slinging her breast around while breastfeeding and I was mystified as to why that was even necessary. I mean really, I don't see any reason that anyone has to actually SEE a breast in the first place when someone is breastfeeding.
I cannot tell you how many times I was nursing one of my children and relatives came right up to the baby's face to plant a kiss, then realized at the last second that the babe had my boob in his or her mouth!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by plaidmom
Wow, your post took me back, waaaay back (my daughter is an adult).
I always always nursed during take-off and landing. I was told (by my pediatrician? MIL?) that it would help clear her ears. You know how babies will cry during those ascents and descents? One theory is that they don't know how to "pop" their ears. Not sure if that's still the advice being given.
I think most sane passengers, given the choice, would choose to sit next to a nursing baby, rather than a crying infant.
I have heard the same thing, that children sucking will have less ear pain.
I try hard to nurse her only at home or in the car. I also know of locations around town where I can do it behind doors. However, I am taking a long flight to Europe and will be nursing my LO. Another poster said that I have to be discreet so that others won't be angered by NIP.
What would you do in this situation?
And YES, I am going to cover up.
If you are going to cover up, then it shouldn't be a problem and they better not give you a hard-time about it!!!!!
The question really is, what is wrong with our society that we feel like we have to hide to feed a baby? Like, nursing is a shameful act that must be hidden.
I think you can nurse when ever you want, if you feel more comfortable with a blanket over you, that is fine. But don't feel like you have to accomodate people who have issues with a mother doing something normal and natural.
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Ugh!
