I’ve nursed both of my babies, and while I’ve always forced msyelf to nurse in public anyway (because, much like this site, I feel that the more it’s seen, the more it will be accepted), I have to admit I felt (and feel) somewhat uncomfortable about it. Funny thing is – it has NOTHING to do with showing my boobs. It’s all about the stomach! I know the goal is to be totally comfortable with our bodies, but I also realize that’s just not so easy for everyone; no matter how much this website has made a difference, we still have a long way to go in society and in our own minds. And that’s OK. Every little step, right?
My wonderful friend, Evie, has created a really awesome new product to help with moms who do feel uncomfortable nursing in public. They are really cute, and work really well – go check them out!
Hmmm… I’m sorta surprised you posted this entry. These folks should be paying for an ad on this site (if you choose to go this route). Otherwise, something about it kinda cheapens the brave and beautiful contributions of so many — which I hope will keep coming.Not to mention, something seems odd about this boob curtain idea. I know some moms are self-conscious about nursing in public and it’s hard, but something about this product seems shameful and strange to me, too.
I posted this here because this person is a wonderful friend of mine (I swear! ours kids are in a Camp fire club together! she lives a block away!) and I want to help her start her new business. If and when I begin to take true advertising, she is welcome to pay for some, but this was MY idea, not hers.Take what you like from this – I don’t suppose this product is for everyone, but I felt it was an appropriate link for this site. Like I said, I believe in breastfeeding in public, but the fact is that not everyone is there yet, and if this makes it possible to nurse a baby in public when otherwise it would not have happened, then that is beautiful!I’m sorry you feel it cheapens this site, but if helping out a friend is cheap, then so be it. I assure you, this will not become habit.peace,Bonnie
I`m a LLL leader and I agree that anything that helps a mom nurse in public, if she needs help, is a good thing. I do feel that these products and “hooter hiders” make NIP so obvious. Its like screaming out, “Hello, I`m breastfeeding here!!” Usually, when just the bottom of the shirt is lifted up, nobody notices and the baby`s head covers the rest. Maybe this type of thing could be used for the awkwardness of latch on & then let baby free after that. I have to agree wholeheartedly with you, I could care less about my breasts, but my stomach is what embarrasses me the most when NIP too!!
I found this interesting too. But not in a bad way really. Just that we are trying to embrace our changed bodies and this site is all about empowering women to feel good about themselves, but then they have to cover themselves up in public? I wasn’t a breastfeeder, but I think THE SHAPE OF A MOTHER is trying to tell women not to be ashamed of their bodies. I’m just making an observation. One small step at a time, I guess though. We can’t change the way people feel about us; but we can change the way we feel about ourselves! I think this is a great website; it’s YOUR website, and you should be able to highlight/showcase anyone you want to on here. I also think that it’s great that you include other women’s blog/website links in their stories too.
I just believe in breastfeeding. This is an influencial site. If putting the link here allows people to become aware of this product and it’s something they would use, I think that’s awesome.This site is your baby Bonnie and if you want to help out your friend why shouldn’t you?
Although we should be very accepting of our bodies and our changing shapes we should also encourage every mother to breastfeed any way she may need to. The emphasis is helping mothers to maintain their nursing relationships with their baby in public. Not discourage her with these views of the “only” way to do it be openly exposing herself to make a point.Not every mother will be able to nurse openly and we need to unite and encourage all to nurse in any comfortable way she can. The point is: we as mothers not only have different physical shapes as mothers but also differnt mental shapes. We feel these different things about ourselves because of the way we have been shaped in our lives.
I also want to say that probably what “cheapens” this post is that I was BRILLIANT enough to name it “Spam”… D’oh! But, really, that’s my sense of humor. Was supposed to be silly. :)When I finally get moved over to the new site, I will be planning a “resources” page where things like this will go.
Manic – I don’t think that “covering up in public” means that one is ashamed of her body, I TOTALLY agree with Evie that whatever gets a mother to breastfeed longer is the right answer for her! Manic you can still choose to cover-up while feeding and love your body!!!!!!
Hmmm…I’m sorta surprised that someone would be surprised that you would add this entry. This is your brilliant blog, add links to your brilliant friends. If some folks find that cheapens the site, then those folks needn’t click on the links. Not to mention, something seems odd about calling this product a ‘boob curtain’. I find it cheapens the sincerity of a person to speak in such a way. To imply that this product is somehow strange or shameful is….shameful. I didn’t have the nursing curtain when I nursed my 2 kids, but I wouldn’t dare look down on a mom who is trying to be discreet or private by using one. They’re nursing for goodness sake, find something more worthy to be ‘surprised’ at.Let’s be supportive to nursing moms, wherever and however they decide to do so.