Nursing the gregarious baby..

[SageMother]

How do you nurse a baby in public after they get about 4 months old? They get a little social around that time and want to smile at anyone that comes into view. What do you say when a stream of milk shoots out from under your privacy coverage blanket or towel as your little cherub flashes a mother's-milky grin?

Does "excuse me for my milk's flying in your face" suffice?

How DO you nurse a social butterfly when others are around?

[TenderLovingCare]

That's funny! If the kid is smiling, I'd probably just laugh and think how cute the happy kid was, nursing.

[sarahlorrain]

Let me put it to you this way -

Is your child the only human being to ever consume food in public?

How many people do you see chewing with their mouth open in public?

How is seeing a human's milk dribbling down a baby's chin any more strange than seeing the milk of another species (cow) dribbling down a baby's chin?

It is your right to feed your hungry child when and where ever you are! Please don't be embarrased by it. I'm sure a lot of people would rather you feed your hungry child than listen to him/her scream in hunger.

[EviesEarth]

The way I always saw it was this-if someone sees something they don't like--then they should of not been "looking" for it.
I nursed mine in public, and sometimes it does happen when the little one blows your cover. Don't worry about it, be proud that you are doing such a wonderful and amazing thing for your baby!

[moonmagick]

I agree with the others. Its going to happen. Not much you can do about it. You just have to smile and move on. My little guys newest thing is to say "ay" to everyone he sees. He is trying to say hi. And nursing doesnt inhibit his desire to meet new people.

[rachelzwo]

I've only had to nurse once in public and that was when she was only a month or two old and now she's 6 months old. I haven't tried to avoid it or anything like that, it just hasn't happened.

I think woman nursing is a totally natural thing and woman nursing in public is an extention of that totally natural thing. I don't understand why people have such a big issue with it. It's natural, it's healthy, and, if you are able, I think everyone should do it.