Breastfeeding in public

a_thomas
By a_thomas

Does anyone know if nursing your child in public is ok I have a 6 month old who is breastfeeding and I hate to take her to the restroom to feed. Thanks!

By jacki• 10 Sep 2008 22:20
jacki

hello,take this advise breast feed in any ladies fitting room in any shop ;enjoyyyyyyyy

By Beck from Aussie• 7 Aug 2008 16:10
Beck from Aussie

get a grip people!

Nursing is a very natural thing and is much better for the health of the infant than bottle feeding. Maybe people over here in the east need to switch on and realise that. Havent htey heard 'breast is best'? Oh and not everyone is able to express unfortunately.

Now as for those of you saying use the prayer rooms, it was my understanding that westerners werent allowed in there. Also that it is a quiet place...trying to feed an infant that is unsettled while people are trying to pray i dont believe will go down too well.

Also, for the poor women who are forced to feed in the toliets/bathrooms here in the shopping malls in Doha - i feel for you. I dread having to change my daughters nappy in the pram or even going to the bathroom my self because they seem so dirty and the floor is always covered in water.

They dont have baby change rooms at most of the shopping centres so why would anyone think they have a place to nurse the child.

I would love to hear from a local lady about how and where they feed/nurse and change their babies. The insight would be invaluable so westerners do not offend or upset locals.

My advice to women nursing, is to use a blanket to cover up and be as discreet as possible. Sit in corners in restaurants out of public view or wherever you are to keep the peace. Make sure you are comfy so bubs is comfy.

By anonymous• 7 Aug 2008 12:37
anonymous

i dont think it is a shamefull thing. it is a right for all the mothers who is having babys . no need for shame to feed the baby at any place when ever it required.

By Voyageress• 7 Aug 2008 12:33
Rating: 5/5
Voyageress

Not a problem in any country provided you are ultra discreet. For example, take a pashmina to cover yourself and baby's head while he/she is feeding. Make sure you always wear a top that can be pulled upwards from the waist (much more discreet than buttons or zipper). Wear a special breastfeeding bra for easy access. Sit with your back to people or in a quiet corner. Hold a magazine or newspaper up in front of you. Btw, I think it is wonderful that you are breastfeeding...

By shirl• 7 Aug 2008 12:20
shirl

I am a non muslim and have been advised that I can use the female prayer rooms to feed at the malls, also there are ladies sections in most of the coffee shops where i have fed and have had no problem, also in the car ... it's working for me! Good luck with your little one!

By Dr.santhisivakumar• 7 Aug 2008 12:16
Rating: 5/5
Dr.santhisivakumar

Breast feeding is related with hormones.If u feel comfort physically and mentally,u wil feed anywhere.(at emergency).But seperate room with good ventilation is ideal.To avoid pollutions feed baby in a house itself.

dr.

By sweetypie• 7 Aug 2008 12:01
sweetypie

you are in a muslim country, so , you better not

By ayah82• 7 Aug 2008 11:55
ayah82

i dont know why here in qatar they dont have place for that,you go to any praying room its much better for you.

By ryashen• 7 Aug 2008 11:43
ryashen

its reallly embarrring to feed in a public,,as we have facilities for this inside most of the malls (like prayer rooms) its better to use that so that u can be comfortable,,,or else if ur baby is bottle fed wen u r out u can give expressed milk

By bibo• 7 Aug 2008 11:41
Rating: 5/5
bibo

Hi :)

It depends on your definition to public...

I used to breatfeed in the back seat of the car, well covered, with my husband driving.

I once breastfed in the women outpatient clinics of Hamad Hospital... Some men were around but I assumed that since it's a Women section, then it's my right ...

But I never did it in malls, I don't think it is appropriate here and I won't recommend you do it.

Mothercare have a private room for nursing, I used to use it...

The nursing and changing room inside the ladies toilets is not the best choice but it's better than nothing at all.

By han19• 7 Aug 2008 11:39
Rating: 5/5
han19

some will ignore while some can stare making you uncomfortable, discretion is advised.

while in restaurants, i would make sure i was seated in a comfy place away from the public view so feeding the baby would be easy, and ofcourse, do use means to cover up, while feeding.

i do know that in landmark, marks n spencer has a mommy and baby room, while in hyatt, mothercare has the same.things should be better now in other shopping centres too.

take care

By Osh• 7 Aug 2008 11:36
Osh

Carry a blanket and cover yourself when feeding...

By vichu• 7 Aug 2008 11:36
Rating: 5/5
vichu

breast feding of course is a very natural and sacred thing,but in our modern culture,doing it in public will not b much fair ,any way decision upto you.

By anonymous• 7 Aug 2008 11:31
anonymous

I wouldn't have thought it was appropriate really to breastfeed in public, having said that there are ways and means to hide it!

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