Blog comments

• I disagree with Dellas comment. I was strongly advised by a paediatrician to avoid dairy & juices & if possible to breast feed until babies 2yrs old. (which I did with two children) to help avoid the extensive asthma & eczema which was prevalent in other children in the family. Luckily they enjoyed solids as well. But I think it is insensitive and judgemental to say the baby "should be on solids only?? I agree be as discreet as poss and it should be fine on public transport. Most Mothers would not like to be gawped at in the process of feeding so would be discreet. My now older 4 Kids are incredibly confident beings and thankfully were free of allergies. I realise that could also be luck of the genetics combined.
  Shy Mum..Good on you and continue with doing the right thing!

  Lesley Monday 28 January, 2013 - 4:15 PM

• I would like to apologise to the whole packed train last night who had to listen to my hysterically screaming daughter.
  After all the negative publicity recently, I was very uncomfortable attempting to breastfeed her on this packed train. She is older than you would normally see babies breastfeeding (18 months), but still well below recommended age to breastfeed for by the World Health Organisation (2 years).
  Aside from the fact that she has always hated being covered and always refused to feed under it, it was far too hot and stuffy on the train already to attempt this.
  After a few comments on whether I had any dummies or bottles to give her (which she has never taken despite many many attempts and a lot of money wasted by us), I finally worked up the courage to attempt to feed her. By that time, it was far too late, she was far too hysterical.
  So, by all means, voice your opinion, but if you do so publicly, be aware that it can affect less confident mums (like me) to the point where many more people are affected than just the people who may have glimpsed a bit of top boob.
  It also begs the question why it's considered so normal to offer a baby or toddler artifical teats (as other passengers suggested so kindly) but the real natural thing is considered offensive.
  Oh, and thanks to the lovely lady who fanned my little girl to give a bit more air and try to make her more comfortable, I truly appreciate it. Unfortunately all she wanted was the comfort of boobie (hot, bothered, tired and no doubt thirsty), thanks to Kochie, I lost my confidence to feed her in public and let her down.

  Shy Mum Sunday 27 January, 2013 - 1:59 PM

• Breast feeding is perfectly natural. So is having a bowel movement. Neither of which I would have ever concidered doing in public.
  I breast fed all 5 of my children and I managed my outings around my childs feeds and if the outing was to stretch beyond feeding times then I expressed and used a bottle. Breast feeding in public is just bad manners. Being discreate means leaving the view of the public and finding a quiet intimate place where the act of feeding is between mother and child only. These women need to learn some time management and how to put the needs of their baby before their need to socialise at the local cafe.

  Leann Tuesday 22 January, 2013 - 2:36 PM

• I do not watch this program, but do agree with what's-his-name on this.
  I'm a woman, and, yes, I breast-fed my child, yet truly cannot comprehend how a woman can simply flop it out because it's convenient at the time, regardless of other people's sensibilities; let alone at a public swimming pool.
  At 11mths of age, Meredith, a child should not be breast-fed in public: in fact, it should be on "solids" and well satisfied and amused (crawling, talking,trying to stand) not just placated by a bottle or a nipple in public because it can't do what it wants and it's the easy thing to do while you are watching and supervising the rest of your children and the PC public give you a wide berth.
  Moo, to you both.

  Dellas Monday 21 January, 2013 - 3:38 PM