Breastfeeding At Mass

[Selah]

Usually out in the vestabule there are a few chairs...if not, why not a nursery? I am not quite sure...if you have to feed your baby in the sanctuary, I think that's fine. Just as long as it isn't causing a ruckus.

[Archaeology cat]

[quote name='homeschoolmom' post='1598808' date='Jul 12 2008, 09:58 PM']But see... most kitchens don't have any seating... and the restroom only has one.[/quote]
Exactly. While I'm capable of breastfeeding while standing, it's not comfortable (unless I have a carrier and Kieran is being cooperative). Of course, some parishes don't really have another place to go.

[Archaeology cat]

[quote name='Selah' post='1598811' date='Jul 12 2008, 10:00 PM']Usually out in the vestabule there are a few chairs...if not, why not a nursery? I am not quite sure...if you have to feed your baby in the sanctuary, I think that's fine. Just as long as it isn't causing a ruckus.[/quote]
The vestibule at my parish does have some seats, but it's also open to the elements. Not a good thing. There is no nursery (and I personally feel there shouldn't have to be one - families should attend and sit together, IMO). It really is very rare for breastfeeding to cause a disturbance, at least in my experience.

[Lil Red]

[quote name='Selah' post='1598794' date='Jul 12 2008, 02:46 PM']restroom,[/quote]
+J.M.J.+
eww. no thanks.

[Autumn Dusk]

I think it depends on the child and the mother. The mother breastfeeding should be able to focus all her attention on the baby. So if she has a 4yo and 2yo in tow and the husband's not doing a thing then its not a good idea.

Depending on the baby they can make alot of noise when they eat. Although its all natural if this is the case the mother really needs to be aware and concious of when she's feeding the child so there's no awkward moments for her.

And I think we all should be respectful of our culture in America. We've come from the puritanical mindset and that means things like breast feeding are not an acceptable norm for public areas. If a young teen boy who is not raised in the culture of life saw a boob hanging out...for whatever reason, it'd still scandalize him. It should be acceptiable, it may be in the future, but right now its not. I think that there needs to be mothers willing to breast feed in a discreet and assured way so that everyone, mother, child and congregation are happy. And thats way too much pressure to put on a young mother.

[homeschoolmom]

Most mothers make quite sure that they are able to perform all the necessary tasks quickly, discretely and quietly before they would ever even think of nursing at church. Lots of practice at home, at a friend's house, etc. before nursing "in public."

I have never met anyone for whom a public location was the place they decided to take their breasts for a test drive.

[Archaeology cat]

[quote name='homeschoolmom' post='1598865' date='Jul 12 2008, 11:47 PM']Most mothers make quite sure that they are able to perform all the necessary tasks quickly, discretely and quietly before they would ever even think of nursing at church. Lots of practice at home, at a friend's house, etc. before nursing "in public."

I have never met anyone for whom a public location was the place they decided to take their breasts for a test drive.[/quote]
Oh goodness, definitely. I didn't feed Kieran in public until I was quite adept at it at home with friends/family present.

[Selah]

[quote name='Lil Red' post='1598846' date='Jul 12 2008, 06:57 PM']+J.M.J.+
eww. no thanks.[/quote]


*blushes* sorry, i was coming up with ideas...hehe

[Lil Red]

[quote name='Selah' post='1599091' date='Jul 13 2008, 06:11 AM']*blushes* sorry, i was coming up with ideas...hehe [/quote]
+J.M.J.+
tis okay

[cmotherofpirl]

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[Archaeology cat]

Thanks, CMom

[puellapaschalis]

Only the Mother of God could breastfeed whilst balancing that crown on her head

[Lil Red]

[quote name='puellapaschalis' post='1599782' date='Jul 14 2008, 04:35 AM']Only the Mother of God could breastfeed whilst balancing that crown on her head [/quote]
+J.M.J.+

[rachael]

[quote name='homeschoolmom' post='1595365' date='Jul 8 2008, 06:11 PM']I've never understood why anyone would make this a big deal-- either in church or the mall.[/quote]
Me neither. A kid has to eat, a mom has to feed.

[Winchester]

I didn't know breasts even ate!

[princessgianna]

[quote name='kujo' post='1596102' date='Jul 9 2008, 12:57 PM']I think that it should be done discretely, meaning that the mother should remove herself from the pew and go to the back of the Church to do it. It's not a sexist thing and I am not, as some have insinuated, just looking for something to complain about. I think that seeing a woman breastfeeding can be distracting and the mother should try to minimize the distraction at mass.

$0.02.[/quote]

I totally agree to this! Sometimes also if a child is acting up during Church and being totally distracting! i see parents take the child out for a 'talking to' and within 2 minutes the problem is solved and the parent with the child comes back. Though I am not a parent, This is what i see happening and think that it is a good way to handle those small yet still distractions.

Anyway I love seeing little babies and young children at Mass. They bring hope for the future!!!

[prose]

Umm.. I brought my kids to Mass from pretty well the first Sunday they were born. I LOVE newborns in Mass. They are the ones that sleep mostly. It is the 3-6 month olds that cry. And that is life.

As for breastfeeding? I, personally, breastfed in the washroom when the need was there. I know some people never would do that, but for me, I was uncomfortable any other way. I liked the privacy. I just was simply not a public breastfeeder...

I really couldn't care less though if someone else is. Breastfeed away mommas.

[geetarplayer]

If she covers herself and the child with a cloth, is that discrete enough?

[Saint Therese]

People actually do this?

[exquisitebones]

joel 2:16
"Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, [b]Gather the children and the nursing infants[/b]. Let the bridegroom come out of his room And the bride out of her bridal chamber."

now back to finish reading the thread.

oh.. and btw. I think a mother has a god given right to feedher child discreetly ANYWHERE she wishes. I dont understand why people get so in an uproar over it