We were at RAF Cosford yesterday (interesting visit by the way, and free apart from car parking, I liked the hands-on science things and the Cold War exhibition).
We passed by a lady who was breastfeeding a small baby, probably under 3 months I guess (what do I know? It's been more than 3 years since NP was that small) poor baby had such a twist in her neck to reach the breast. But I didn't want to be a busy-body. I'm kicking myself now for not going over to chat to the woman.
How do you approach somebody when you can see their breastfeeding positioning might be causing them problems? Do you leave them to it (like I did) or reach out a hand of friendship and support interference and judgement to help?
I don't really need to ask the internetz; I should have helped, at worst I'd have received the startled rabbit look of an uncomfortable person waiting to be told off; at best, a friendly chat.
Still don't know what I would have said though.
Actually, I think you did the right thing in not saying anything.
ReplyDeleteIn my early days of breastfeeding, there was a period where I was fine at home in the right chair with the right cushions etc but very awkward away from home. I think that even the most well-meaning advice at that stage would have made me feel even more awkward & self-concious about breastfeeding in public than I already was.
Thanks for the comment, Anon! Everyone is so different aren't they? I know I don't always react well to unsolicited advice so you've got a good point there :)
ReplyDeleteI think I would agree with Anon. I'm extremely self-conscious breastfeeding in public and would not want to think that someone had seen me and had enough of a look to notice my (lack of) technique! Perhaps I would be more open to advice in somewhere where I felt more comfortable, like at a toddler group.
ReplyDeleteThat's true Jennifer, groups are much better places for things like this :)
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