Sticker welcomes breastfeeders into restaurants

I hope this is a trend that spreads down south to the states! I breastfed my son so many times tucked in a corner booth of some national chain. I honestly felt pretty comfortable in a booth, you have so much more privacy. But it would be a relief to see that sticker and know the waiters will not be asking you to feed you child while sitting on a toilet.

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No offence, but if you never breastfeed in public you will feel awfully housebound. Also it is easier to breastfeed in a chair with arms, which most toilets lack. Feeling that much shame about breastfeeding isn’t really normal. Really, I can’t fathom it, I really hope you don’t take that is an attack, it’s just so strange to me.

I breastfeed everywhere, and if you have a problem with the fact that my baby likes to lift my shirt up while doing it and will not tolerate a blanket over his head. Suck it up. It is legal to go topless in Ontario (where I live). You see less when my baby lifts my shirt while he is suckling than you do in most bikinis and even some tank tops. And if the odd glimpse of my abused nipples gets you all hot, I think you have the problem, not I.

I breastfed earlier this week while filling out the paperwork to buy a washer. I breastfeed in restaurants. I breastfeed at the park, standing up, in the middle of winter.

I would be happy to see these stickers, but on the other hand nothing is going to stop me from feeding anywhere my baby is hungry. Even with all the stupid comments because my 10 month old is the size of a two year old. Why do people think it is strange that if he is hungry he will lift the bottom of my shirt, or nuzzle my breast? Do you think it is strange he will go get his sippy cup if he wants some water? Of course he knows where the milk is. He’s only been hanging out there ever 2-3 hours for 10 months now!

Sorry, just having a bit of a day. I had a bit of a run in with my husband’s bachelor friend and my husband’s aunt.

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"As a breastfeeding Mother, I was too self-conscious to every breastfeed anywhere but at home and in restrooms. "

I will say that you are in the majority. I know there are breastfeeding moms and babies out there, but I don't see them. It's sad that a restaurant has to advertise that they are BF friendly, but if it makes some BF moms more comfortable to do it in public, then it's a good thing.

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What in God's name do people think breasts are really for? The majority of women who breastfeed show less "skin" than most teenage girls at the mall. If breastfeeding makes you uncomfortable, then don't look!

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While my wife never needed any special confirmation that she could whip one out and feed our baby wherever we might happen to be, I hope this program catches on and spreads beyond this one community. The prevalence of formula feeding is a major public health issue, and most women need to be told that it's "OK" (hell, necessary!) to breastfeed, anywhere, anytime.

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Very cool! I never worried much about where to breastfeed. If I knew there was a women's lounge at a mall I would nurse there rather than out in the open, but never in a bathroom if I could help it. Just thinking of all the germs... ewww! Didn't want that associated with my baby's meals.

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I think that's a great idea - I'm in Nova Scotia and most people don't bat an eye when you BF in public, but like you Kristin, I'm shy whipping out the gals in public. In the mall I find a family washroom with a chair, or go out to the car. I did it in the bookstore once, in an armchair with high arms. I don't think Brenda is being fair when she calls you abnormal. I don't think it's shame about breastfeeding - I myself am so proud to breastfeed my daughter - but that's not the same thing as not wanting to show the world your ta-tas. But I support any woman who wishes to and would happily frequent a breastfeeding-friendly restaurant.

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That is a wonderful idea. When I was a new mother, although I refused to be housebound by my nursing lifestyle, I was also uncomfortable breastfeeding anyplace that I felt might be a "hostile" environment. I was still getting the hang of it and wasn't ready for public criticism just yet.

I lived in Gloucester, UK, and our local retailers actually put themselves on a "breastfeeding friendly" list that was distributed to nursing mothers, including coupons for a free drink or free snack when you came in to nurse your child. What a gift! No matter where I was in town, I could pull out my list when Kellan began to fuss and duck into the nearest breastfeeding friendly establishment to nurse my hungry infant. Starbucks was my favourite, as they would even serve you at the table while you relaxed and nursed.

A sticker on the door will make new mothers feel comfortable and safe in spending a day around town and knowing that they can nurse when necessary without fear of public recrimination. If you don't want to see a breastfeeding mother, then don't enter a stickered establishment.

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I've been operating under the idea that if I'm welcome to eat there, le babe should also be welcome to eat there ;) There's a particular "fast" food place--more like Panera Breads than McDs--in my local "power center" at which I think I've managed to shock multiple teenaged male servers in recent weeks. (You order your meal at the register, they bring it to the table. I order, go and sit down, and pop le babe on the breast.)

The biggest problem I face is finding somewhere to sit down. That's one reason I seek out restaurants and cafes--there should be a seat! I don't like nursing le babe while standing in public, simply because I do feel more vulnerable and exposed. Although, if desperate, I would and I have.

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Not that I have any business commenting on this (for that I'm grateful).

I like the idea of the "stickers". I'd like it even more if they were unnecessary.

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While I support the idea of these stickers, my first thought is that they will only confirm to the uninformed that woman somehow need permission to breastfeed. In Ontario, where this program is being put forth, breastfeedding in public is fully supported by the law, already.
The sticker is redundant.

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Like the others, in theory, I think this is a good idea.
Personally, I won't breastfeed in a bathroom. Ever. I do prefer a quiet place if I can (like the nursing room at Sears - the only good thing about that store!). This is more because of my awkwardness at breastfeeding then any sort of shyness.

The last time I was out for brunch with my family and my son needed to eat my mother (yes, my MOTHER) suggested I go to the bathroom.

Oy!

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