Let's talk about breastfeeding... and terrified DH's....

DH has a DD6 and is TERRIFIED to explain the concept of breastfeeding to her (my plan with the LO) - He also feels that if we are out and LO needs to eat, I will be making a 'special trip' to the car, be sequestered to the bedroom when SD6 or we have a company is here so she doesn't see me 'exposed'.

He has had a nervous giggle in his tone when he is talking about it - I am not sure if he is embarassed or doesn't want other people to be embarassed.. KWIM?

If you are planning to BF or have previously... how did you handle this?..

I don't want to feel like feeding the baby is something to be embarassed about, or being banished to the car or bedroom ... WWYD?...

Also... How would you explain BFing to aa 6 y/o who wasnt breastfed, she also has a 9 month old sister who was exclusively FF... TIA

Re: Let's talk about breastfeeding... and terrified DH's....

As a first grade teacher I think it is important to be honest with her and explain why it is being done and what it is, but without being graphic/gross. I would just say that some people feed their babies from bottles to give them food and some mommies feed them this way because it is healthy for the baby. or something like that. she probably doesnt need some long drawn out explaination.

I am very private person and if I end up BFing I will not be BFing in public places like restaurants. I dont even like to see other people doing it in public places. If I do I will pump and have bottles of breast milk that I can feed the baby when out in these public places.

Re: Let's talk about breastfeeding... and terrified DH's....

My nephews were 4 when I was nursing. I did not hide it (I would use a blanket but not hide in another room) and if they asked questions I told them that this is how a baby eats. That answered their question and it was fine.

Re: Let's talk about breastfeeding... and terrified DH's....

I would get a hooter hider. It is a completely natural thing to do. I was able to get over my fear of BFing in front of my father in law and he got over being in the same room as me while I BF DS and now DD. I would explain that milk (hopefully) comes from mommies after they have babies. That babies don't have teeth when they are born and so mommies milk provides babies the necessary nourishment they need to grow big and strong. I would say some babies get formula and some also get BM from a bottle. I would offer her the experience of giving the baby a bottle. It might help her bond with her step sibling.

Also, I am sure a 6 year old does not sexualize BFing. It is more likely that your DH is having issues with it. bebe au lait aka hooter hider

Re: Let's talk about breastfeeding... and terrified DH's....

I BF but never in public. I was never away from the baby for more than 2 hours if I had to go somewhere. Or if we went to the dr.'s I would do it inside the office. I am a little shy about it but I see nothign wrong with it and I'm sure the more you do it the more comfortable you get with it. As far as telling the other children I would be completely honest.

Re: Let's talk about breastfeeding... and terrified DH's....

Just be honest, and as vague as possible. Kids don't usually require a long drawn out explanation of things.