Comments on Hobo Mama: Hiding a nursing toddler

My daughter (13 mo.) has also changed her nursing ...

2009-09-18T23:16:16.834-07:00

My daughter (13 mo.) has also changed her nursing habits and in a restaurant today I was hesitant to nurse her because it was so crowded...which surprised me! So, I ran across your blog tonight and I'm so glad I did, for two reasons: (1) it's nice to know that your boy's nursing pattern changed, too; and (2) you've given me an opportunity to step back, realize what is really important to me (breastfeeding my baby!) and given me courage to stand up for myself and my daughter.

Thanks for sharing! (Love your writing, too - my husband keeps asking what I'm chuckling about over here in the corner.)

Kimberly: Thank you! I think that's the bes...

2008-12-27T01:49:00.000-08:00

Kimberly: Thank you! I think that's the best opinion to have. I'd like for the culture as a whole to be that accepting. Maybe someday? And a year of nursing is awesome. By the way, I've enjoyed your blog for awhile now, and your girls are so dang adorable!

Cindy: I didn't even think about the CPS angle -- yipes! It's true. I've heard of CPS called on people for carrying their babies in a back carrier or for their kids being "dirty" (heaven help us!). There's that well-known story of the couple who got in trouble for having a photo developed of their young son nursing. I don't think most people notice when I'm breastfeeding Mikko in public, maybe because it's so incongruous in this society. I just try to be casual so that it looks normal, and I do kind of shield any exposed skin with my hand, just for my own comfort. By the way, yea for you for fighting through your breastfeeding problems and going for so long.

nursing bras: (not that I'm suggesting that's your real name! :) I'll have to check out your site) We do end up in the car a lot, simply because it's a place to sit down and there are fewer distractions -- not counting the steering wheel, the radio buttons, the windshield wiper lever, etc. etc. lol I didn't even think about a sling -- were you carrying them in it, or did you bring it around just for nursing? Because my guy is 36 pounds now and the only comfortable carry for me is on my back in an Ergo. I can do a front carry for very short periods of time (less than 20 minutes?) because it's too much of a strain on my hips, still wrecked from the pregnancy. But I think feeding in an Ergo is actually pretty obvious, at least for an older baby, because you have to pull down your shirt and show a lot of chest. Anyway, I'm digressing. Because I'm good at that.

Thanks to you all for your input! I'm glad to know it's not considered completely freakish. He just loves it so much and clearly needs it. He's signing in two-word sentences, starting today -- and his second one was "MORE NUMMIES"!! (In his language, that means "I want to breastfeed, thank you, mother dearest.")

When my nursing babies were toddlers, I nursed the...

2008-12-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

When my nursing babies were toddlers, I nursed them in a sling. It was easier to hide those long legs, lol! I also made an effort to nurse them before and after we were going out. Toddlers can be put off for a bit or given a solid food snack without harm. And there's always the car or fitting rooms if you're really uncomfortable.

My personal opinion is that, out of respect for ot...

2008-12-23T00:58:00.000-08:00

My personal opinion is that, out of respect for others, I will try not to flaunt my stuff where the world can see it, BUT I will not apoologize either if they happen to be exposed when I am feeding my child! I have no issues with anyone else nursing in public either, but personally I wouldn't do it past 2 or so only because stupid people will call child welfare services for the dumbest things, and some people think it is child abuse to breastfeed past two! It's ridiculous, but it is a legitimate concern. I wish people would just mind their own business and report the "real" child abusers!!!

But I am proud of you! If your child is hungry and wants to bf in public, you do what needs to be done. And if he is not eating many solids yet, then definitely feed your kid! I'm glad for you that you are still able to. I would if I could (our boys are the same age), but I just don't produce much milk, and we had so many problems. I made it for 11 months though (supplemented after 8), so we did pretty good!

I have no personal experience nursing a toddler ha...

2008-12-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

I have no personal experience nursing a toddler having weaned both my children around a year, but I have no issues with nursing and don't think a cover-up is necessary. It is a very natural act and the issues some might have with it are really their own problem. If they don't like it, all they have to do is look away.