Go ahead, Laugh At My Expense . . .
Before I let you have a laugh at my expense, something a little more serious first. In Australia the ABC just aired the first episode of ‘The Slap’ last night. Based on the book written by Christos Tsiolkas’s, it is about the fallout among friends after one of them slaps another’s child. I must admit that I wasn’t going to watch it, because it seemed so confronting. But CrashHubby wanted to, so I found myself feeling the escalating tension building up to the slap scene. A few of my fellow bloggers have already written about the discussion that started on Twitter during and after the show. The four year old child who was slapped was being breastfed by his mother (not while he was slapped, mind you). There was a lot of anti-breast feeding sentiment o Twitter, probably more so than about the inappropriate slap itself. To get up to speed on the discussion please read:
Zoey from Goodgoogs “When breastfeeding is more offensive than The Slap”
Nicole McInnes on JustB “When breast may not be best“
Kim Berry’s All Consuming “Take THAT you little brat”
or you could check out the twitter hashtag #theslap
Andrea from Fox in Flats started a FB conversation about the weirdest place you’ve breastfed, in response to the discomfort some people feel about public breastfeeding.
My personal opinion is that everyone should be able to feel comfortable breastfeeding in public. It is a perfectly natural act, but I can understand why some are not comfortable with either doing it or seeing it. I guess it is just about respecting opinions. I added a few strange places that I have breastfed to Andrea’s discussion, but forgot about this one. It’s OK to laugh as I won’t be offended ;) It’s just my way of relieving the tension I felt from the show and the ensuing debate. Go ahead, laugh at my expense.
My Milkshake
CrashBoy was only a few months old and we headed off on a trip to the in-law’s farm. The drive was over two hours, so we stopped at a roadside cafe/truck stop place to break up a long trip and feed the kids. I was knackered and had really sore shoulders and neck from sitting up in bed and breastfeeding through the night. Hubby spotted one of those massage chairs and suggested I sit down for a massage while he went and got us some lunch. Excellent idea. Except CrashBoy needed a feed. I thought, that’s OK, I can multi-task. I sat down started feeding him and CrashHubby popped a coin in the chair. Well, not only did is start massaging my back, but it started vibrating too! Funniest part is that he kept on feeding right the way through, his little body vibrating away until he fell asleep!
Milkshake anyone?
Have you had any funny breastfeeding experiences? Or, more seriously, did you see or have you read “The Slap”? What are your thoughts?
Laney
I breast feed in public regularly – but rather discretely. I do think its our right and people should be happy with that. However, I also think we should show some respect for others and be aware of our surroundings. I’ve breast feed in a full church – but no body probably even new I was doing it.
Caz’s last post..My motherhood mission statement.
I’m much the same as you Caz, mindful of others and discreet.
I agree with this Caz, you can breastfeed anywhere, discretely and without making people uncomfortable by flinging your breasts out for all to see.. Ive never had a problem feeding anywhere, but I always was aware to do it discretely xx
mums the word’s last post..Wordless Wednesday
I always did it discreetly because I didn’t want anyone to see my breasts! There are so many great tops, slings etc now that help with your privacy.
I read The Slap last year and really struggled with it. I really admire the author but struggled to like the characters. I had to keep putting it down.
I resolved to not watch the show but with nothing else on, I found myself watching. I found myself feeling uncomfortable all over again. I think the actors have done an incredible job.
I admit I winced when I saw Melissa George’s character pop out the boob for her son – couldn’t help but think of the Little Britain sketch…bitty.
I tried breastfeeding but it didn’t work for me. I applaud women who do but I think that children do reach an age where its not appropriate – ditto for dummies and bottles.
Di’s last post..Junior chef intimidation
Thank God I’m not the only one that thought of ‘Bitty’ when he said “I want Boobie, I want Boobie” … LOL
Nicole aka _wideeyedgirl’s last post.."The architect of our lives" RIP Steve Jobs
I found watching the characters develop made me very tense. Definitely outside of my comfort zone with some of the scenarios, and especially the slap itself. But I agree, I think the actors were quite convincing.
Hilarious ! Probably my not-so-funny places have always been side streets or carparks where I’ve had to feed while we’re in transit. Once I breastfed in the carpark of an office my husband was upstairs presenting in and all I could think was please don’t take your colleagues to the window now to show off your kids! I wasn’t ashamed just not so keen on showing my tits to the whole office. They didn’t look out as far as I know. (Thanks for the link)
Nicole x
Nicole aka _wideeyedgirl’s last post..Blogging and the bright side
Now, they really would have copped an eyeful! I remember pulling over in a dodgy car park off a motorway in Rome. CrashGirl was screaming, we had spent two hours trying to get out of Rome. All roads may lead to Rome, but it seems none lead out of it!!! I think we even stopped at the end of a driveway of some big villa outside of Sienna too. Lost, screaming hungry baby. When needs must, hey!
Wow, I didn’t realise the content of that show. First week of a newborns life has me under a bit of a rock! :) I think breastfeeding to any age is fine really, if I have to express extra that my newborn doesn’t want at the moment it WILL be going into a cup for our two year old. It is full of good stuff!
@Caz – I breastfeed in church ALL the time, it attracts less attention than a screaming hungry child that’s for sure!!!
Laureny’s last post..Breastfeeding and Frozen Meals – Thankful Thursday
Congratulations on your new baby! I only wish I could have expressed enough to have given my toddler left overs! I only really expressed in the first week though and then we were right. Thanks for stopping by Laureny.
haha :) nothing like a little extra stimulation :) As long as everyone was happy and well fed :)
the parenting files – tahlia’s last post..today i am reflecting
Lol! CrashBoy was as happy as Larry and I enjoyed my massage ;)
Now there’s an idea to put Baby Holly to sleep at 3am!! Haha!! I do feed in public but, much like others here, it’s always discreetly.
Kellie @ Three Li’l's last post..Pink or blue for you?
I wonder if you can get vibrating nursing chairs?
I won’t get into The Slap because I didn’t watch it but as to odd Breastfeeding places, I love yours. I can’t recall a particularly odd place but I do recall an odd position. It’s happened at least once or twice with each of my girls. They both had an episode that was so distressing they refused to latch though they were hungry. If I leaned them back to feed, they wailed. So I discovered I had to somehow hold them upright and try to position them to latch whilst I was standing. Only after they got it and calmed could I lean them back and take traditional position. Wasn’t fun but turned out to be effective.
Veronica @ Mixed Gems’s last post..Wordless Wednesday – She still loves colours