Last night we were out & about and so decided to go out to dinner. Ethan was sucking on his hands & I knew that he hadn't eaten for over 2 hours. Could I do it? Could I breast feed in public? We were in a back booth. I draped a receiving blanket over my shoulder, covering Ethan & my boob. My jacket covered everything else. Ethan latched right on, nursed for a few minutes. I don't think anyone even noticed. That was my biggest fear regarding breast feeding in public - what if I was confronted by someone saying "You can't do that here."?? I didn't want to get kicked out of my favorite Mexican restaurant. But all went well.
I mentioned that I'm working more than I'd like to. I shouldn't complain about the number of hours, it's only about 15 hours a week. I've been an assistant to a mortgage lender for the past 2.5 years. I take Ethan with me and that gets tough. He needs my attention - diapers, feedings, soothing him to sleep. So it takes me twice as long to finish my work. Some days as it gets close to the end of the work day, Ethan gets cranky. Then I have to chose - put him down for a nap and work later or finish any projects that need to be done that day & listen to him cry, then leave & put him down for a nap at home. He doesn't sleep well there - too many distractions - dogs in the house, phone ringing constantly,etc...He only sleeps for 30 minutes at a time vs. 1hour+ at home. Then DH & I suffer at night.
So how do I resolve this problem?? By running away. DH & I have been talking about moving closer to his office across town. If & when we do, I would no longer work as an assistant - not worth the pay to drive across town. I've been looking into other things I could do from home - there's options. Eventually we'll put Ethan in daycare & I'll return to a full-time job.
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5 comments:
I'm so proud of you! I've never had to do that, but I've thought about it. From a person who's never done that, but seen it, I am not bothered by it. I don't want to see another woman's boob at dinner, but I think you were mighty courageous while still being respectful of others and feeding Ethan (which is most important)!
Thanks for calling me yesterday. I really needed to vent and your call came just in time. I'm sorry if I monopolized the entire conversation. I hope you and the boys are doing well. When I come back, we should get together. Thanks for being such a great friend :)
YAY!! I'm so glad you did it! I can understand why you were reluctant, I'd be worried how others would react. However, I think that most people are cool and supportive of breast feeding. I think that you will now have more confidence to try it again. ARe you going to group tomorrow? Wanna go for coffee instead?
Monica H. - you're very welcome. I'm home most mornings, call if you want to vent.
Monica - coffee sounds good - with or without the little boys? call me!
Glad that your first experience nursing in public went without incident! I think your experience is pretty typical of most but all the attention given to the extreme circumstances can make doing something so natural seem monumentous. Happy feeding!
Good for you!!! I think there is nothing wrong with breast feeding in public. Well, I guess there is if you just flop it out for the world to see, but you covered up! Way to go!! I hate that our society looks down on something that is perfectly natural and healthy.
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