I also agree, however, that I have had to be a bit more careful nursing baby #5, since my 3 sons, ages 9, 7 and 4, found the process a bit too interesting. I wanted them to understand what I was doing and why (unlike the children I nursed in front of a few years ago–they kept asking their mom: “What is she doing under that blanket? What’s going on in there?” The embarrassed mom had clearly not explained nursing in the slightest and was obviously not going to explain anything then and there–a few tense moments for all of us), but I didn’t see any reason to make a dramatic point of nudity.

Really, I see myself in the middle ground. I don’t go around flashing for the mere sake of proving a point, but I don’t cut myself off from all social interaction in order to nurse a baby. And I also take into consideration the baby’s demeanor and age. Let’s face it, it is one thing to nurse an entranced two-month old, and it is a whole different story to nurse a nine-month old who wants to stop and look around at every new sound and sight (much more flashing potential, there).

I think there is a balance between the Nursing Nazi’s and the prudes. I am in there somewhere. I don’t go commando in public, because there are a lot of kids in public, and I think that is something to consider. It isn’t all the prude adults that don’t like seeing open nursing, it may be the parents of small kids that don’t need an early education.

Well, let’s be honest, here. I miss quiet and peace in general at my house.

Years later, 5 kids who all nursed and now my daughters nursing, we have all forgotten that breast have any other job than what my husband lovingly calls “meals on wheels!” Oft times my daughters forget that the youngest sibling of male gender is in their presence while they whip out their “meals on wheels”. However, brother has never known different with 4 sisters.
My daughters have the dual pumps and have a regular pump schedule for a bottle to take in public for their own convenience.

Now I am the type that wishes I could be a proxy nurser for my grand kids! I mean I can do everything else why can’t I do that. I would love to burn up some calories!!!
Do you think I’m sick?

I think the issue cuts both ways. I think people who get completely up in arms about breastfeeding could probably calm down a bit. The sexualized society we live in has distorted our understanding and view of our bodies. I get that. I love nursing. LOVE it. I love the wonder of it all, the bonding, the convenience. (Sigh. Babyhungriness hits again.)

But it seems to me that even though it’s a wonderful, natural process, to not be sensitive to those who may be uncomfy (for whatever reason — do we really know what’s in their hearts, lives, history, biology, whatever?) feels wrong to me. Especially in our church community, I wish I felt a little more patience and forbearance even if we disagree with someone’s opinion or feeling (or choices). Again, this cuts both ways.

It sort of hurts my heart that we don’t all take a step back a bit. It’s just seems so divisive.

I rarely hear someone actually say that you can seek the Spirit to guide you, so I really like Justine’s comment. It seems like often, people just let their strong feelings either way guide them. I think the Spirit is a better guide, especially on something that always elicits such strong emotions.

My true honest feeling is that I think often, too big of a deal is made about covering up, or, with a squirmy child (I had those), quietly slipping into another room. Really, if we can do something to reduce keep distraction or the risk of someone’s potential discomfort, why not? Is it really that much to ask, in most situations? It feels to me that sometimes women will nurse in public more to make a statement than out of true necessity. I don’t think that does a service to efforts to underscore the beauty of breastfeeding, actually. So my thought is don’t throw it in people’s face. It won’t help them understand or change, imo. Even I, a lover of breastfeeding, grow weary of the stridency that I sense from some pro-bfing women.

Martha, you do not “completely disagree” with me. I have said that nursing in church is “harmless” and that nursing isn’t shameful or dirty. So you agree with me there. And we agree that nursing in public is sometimes necessary and just fine. We part ways somewhere after that, where I believe in being considerate to people who may be uncomfortable around breastfeeding (men, older generation, teenage boys etc) while in a worship setting and if there is a lounge available.

And yes, as you say, “it all boils down to how you perceive breastfeeding”. But there is also the element of how other people perceive breastfeeding. Yeah, maybe they should get over it, but is church the time and place to cure them of this attitude? The fact that there is usually a lounge provided suggests that maybe its not.

I am sorry that you are frustrated with your overcrowded mothers’ lounge. As I said before, its every mom’s call as to what to do when there isn’t space provided. Goodness knows we’ve all had to improvise at times. I maintain that its a bit indecorous and extraneous to the purpose of the meeting, you disagree I’m sure. Again, an opportunity to see that not everyone “perceives breastfeeding” the same.

For example, I never felt that time spent in the nursing lounge was wasted or that I was “missing out”. But that’s just me. A person who struggles to tear themselves away from the meeting might be delighted to find that the sound is piped into the mothers’lounge.

And now to throw in a bit of humor, in one of my wards the MEN COMPLAINED that there was no FATHERS’ LOUNGE as they felt they spent as much or more time with the babies and would like some rocking chairs, etc. CRACK UP. Our bishop was a wonderful old curmudgeon, and he just laughed at the idea. But gee, maybe it has merit.

I’ve felt both ways at different times in my life. I believe “decorum” and respect for others can be ascribed in either situation, as long as decorum is sought for. And even in a situation like this, the Spirit will tell you if you’re offending.