My main feelings can be summed up like so:
I love it.
Breastfeeding in Africa {specifically Uganda} has been incredibly liberating. I don't even think about it. If Blaise is fussy, I feed him. I think I may have used my breastfeeding cover 4 times since his birth? It's just been a complete non-issue. After having 3 kids it would seem I've mostly mastered {depending on the shirt I'm wearing} the art of modestly and comfortably breastfeeding in public.
Now that Blaise is getting a bit older and more aware of his surroundings, sometimes I choose to breastfeed in my room or somewhere quieter if he's getting distracted and pulling off frequently. But he's such a fast and efficient eater that he's usually done in about 5 minutes anyway.
With our recent travels I breastfed on planes, on buses and even at the Barcelona Science Center.
I was breastfeeding Blaise in the childcare room during our conference before dropping him off {such a blessing to be kid-free for at least a couple hours!} and one of the childcare workers asked if he was sleeping. Which is generally my goal while breastfeeding publicly {to do it in a way that isn't so obvious}. Well, that and actually feeding my child of course.
So while breastfeeding has it's challenges {like not being able to hand off a nighttime feeding to Jamie or anyone else}, it's been easy for me and no-fuss {not to mention free!}. Which for a pretty busy Mama of three little dudes makes it completely ideal.
Firstly, I love this blog post. Secondly, I love that pic. Blaise's hair makes him look like a Dr Suess Who from Whoville. So amazing. Thirdly, you can breastfeed in public without a cover and without anyone actually knowing?!? That pic is so telling. I wish you were here like...NOW...so you could teach. Please become a midwife. Please!
ReplyDeleteAw. Love you, Tam.
DeleteAnd it took me 'til at least Jude. (I mostly nursed him in public with a cover although a few times I forgot and realized I could manage to do it discretely). So just take it slow and you'll figure it out.
As for the midwife thing...it's definitely a dream of mine. Considering seriously looking into it once the kiddos are all in school as it'd require me going to Uni for a 4 year degree. Whew!
And I totally wish I were there with you now. Less than 4 months to go!
It does look like he's simply sleeping in your photo above! But either way, it's wonderful! I think it's pretty cool that you live somewhere where no one makes a big deal about it. That's how it should be everywhere!! Great post!
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