Old enough to ask for it
Bluegrass girl, this is just like your plane experience.
Crabby and I went to a new restaurant in town last night. At the table next to us was a spikey-haired 40-ish new-ager (licensed joyologist type). She was breastfeeding her son. I’m not good with estimating children’s ages, but when he was done feeding, he got down, walked over to another person at the table who had his toy bag and politely asked, “Can I please have my truck”.
bluegrass girl Said,
August 23, 2005 @ 10:52 am
Again, my maxim is that if they can ask for the breast with language rather than gesture, they are too old to be on the teat.
I can’t believe you had to see someone nurse a toddler (or preschooler, likely) at a restaurant. For some reason, that’s more off-putting than watching a tiny infant nurse.
Boxen Said,
August 23, 2005 @ 11:05 am
I feel that women should be able to breastfeed pretty much anywhere they want. I don’t think the act is disturbing. However when the kid releases the nip and negotiates his allowance…
bluegrass girl Said,
August 23, 2005 @ 11:41 am
I agree that they should be allowed – legally. I believe that I should not act outraged or disgusted when I see a woman exercising that right. However, I do think it’s in bad taste to breatfeed anything beyond the mewling stage in a place where other people are eating. For some reason, I do find it gross to see an older child suckling. Maybe it’s because with an infant, I know they have no cognitions about the act at all and are just enacting their little reflexes. ONce the kid starts pushing 2 and beyond, I am sure their little brain is busy at work as they knead mindlessly at mommy’s breast. Yuck.
Electro Rock Said,
August 23, 2005 @ 12:25 pm
I am usually disgusted when the older child finishes up and then shooots me a smirk and the shocker. How tasteless.
Boxen Said,
August 23, 2005 @ 12:40 pm
Or gives the nip a finger-flick as a signal of completion.
Boxen Said,
August 23, 2005 @ 12:45 pm
For what it’s worth, I forgot to mention that we think the woman was an owner of the restaurant.
bluegrass girl Said,
August 23, 2005 @ 12:58 pm
That’s funny. You know, the older ones do look around while they suckle. It’s nasty.
Electro Rock Said,
August 23, 2005 @ 1:16 pm
It would be both disturbing and hilarious if an older child finished up and then said “OH YEAH” in a Kool-Aid Man voice.
bluegrass girl Said,
August 23, 2005 @ 2:36 pm
That image is going to give me nightmares.