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Dear GoodJoan,
How do you cope with male relatives of your husband's who are uncomfortable with you nursing in public? One of my husband's uncles consistently left the room, mid-sentence, for the first six months of my daughter's life whenever I began to nurse her.

GoodJoan Says
My father in law did the same thing! He was glad I was nursing his grandson and was quick to offer how good it was for the baby, but when feeding time rolled around, he found the need for a stroll outside or to go check his email in another room! I think how you deal with it depends on the other person and your relationship with them and what your own comfort level is. For myself, I was never shy about nursing. I nursed my kids in restaurants and in the middle of the mall, in the grocery store, once in the middle of a window display of a kids clothing store! I could care less who saw and I dared anyone to suggest I stop or move! However, when my FIL was around I'd make an effort to throw a blanket over my shoulder or move out of his line of sight because I know it made him uncomfortable. Especially when my kids were in that wiggly pop off and look around and lift mommy's shirt stage! We didn't see my in law all that often so it wasn't a big deal. If I had to leave the room or find a quiet corner every time my kids needed to nurse I'd have never left my house! Again, it really depends on your comfort vs. their comfort. If you are in your own home and in your usual rocking chair, uncle can get up and walk away, that's his choice. You aren't doing anything shameful or sexual, you're feeding a baby! However, if you are in his house and you care enough about him to be sensitive of his feelings, you might ask if there's a chair somewhere you could use, or bring a blanket you can throw over your shoulder to cover any skin that might appear. Don't ever be ashamed, but when nessesary, do be discreet.

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