Breasts on a plane

[Barb-SAN]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15924715/site/newsweek/

It's been in the news for awhile...what do you think? Would you be offended sitting near a mother nursing her baby? (We already know how Mad Scientist Ken felt when he had this opportunity....;) ).

I'd much rather sit next to a contentedly nursing baby than a crying one.:rolleyes:

[AZO-FA]

The only boobs I want on my plane are mine!

Ha, I can dream, right?

Anyway, we're not allowed to say anything to a nursing mother, no matter how shameless she is.

[Barb-SAN]

Discretion is the better part of valor here. Why is it some women can nurse discretely in public and others have to show it around like a fleshy prop in some odd piece of performance art? Nursing in public... cool. Flailing your goods around like you've got something to prove... not cool.

:lol: Sean.... I never quite thought of it that way. But I see your point...it's not so common in this country to see women nursing in public (unlike some third world countries). Maybe there's still some etiquette to be figured out here. It seems like the ideal (on the plane) is when all three seats are occupied by members of the same family, with the Mom by the window...that way it's a bit more private for her...and maybe not as startling for other passengers seated nearby....who might be curious, but don't want to stare...:angel:

[EyesSkyward]

I'd much rather sit next to a contentedly nursing baby than a crying one.:rolleyes:

Amen. Let them whip 'em out them out all they want. They're just breasts. And if they keep the little rascal quiet, all the better.

I'd also rather see someone nursing a baby in their seat than changing the diaper. :(

- Jeff


P.S. Interesting to learn that breastfeeding activists are called "lactivists". :lol:

[noflyingfan]

I agree with Sean. If the kid needs to eat, the kid needs to eat, and if the mother wants to nurse in public, I have no problem with that, but when there are ways to keep things discreet, why not keep things discreet? They actually have these smock looking things now that you can put on so nobody sees anything, and I think that's a fine solution. Baby gets fed, and nobody gets upset.

[Barb-SAN]

Don't you think we as a society are just a bit odd on this whole breast issue anyway? I mean...go to the grocery store and stand in line and look at the covers of the tabloids....photos of stars speculating which ones have had boob jobs, they're hanging out of their dresses, etc. But no one asks them to cover up. (Sean's comment could apply here too; "others have to show it around like a fleshy prop in some odd piece of performance art").

Then you have a woman using her breasts as nature intended...and it is suddenly "shameless" and needs to be hidden from view. :rolleyes:

[Barb-SAN]

I'd also rather see someone nursing a baby in their seat than changing the diaper. :(

- Jeff

The diaper changing comes after the feeding. :tongue:

[Barb-SAN]

On a tangent...a lesson to be learned is that the FA's are in charge of the cabin...so if you don't want to be thrown off the plane, it's prudent to do what they ask you to do.

In this case, the FA said she was "offended" and wanted the woman to use a blanket to cover up. The woman certainly could have taken the blanket without making a fuss, and as soon as the FA was out of view (and unable to be offended), set it aside. Even if she was well within her rights to assert her rights, if she had just done what she was requested to do, there never would have been an "incident".

The FA's need to be recognized as "authority figures", and their instructions followed immediately in the event of an emergency. So, it probably didn't sit well with the FA that she was challenged, especially since she was the only FA on duty. Not saying she acted correctly...but the episode is something we passengers can learn from to stay out of trouble.

I was surprised that the pilots couldn't override the FA's decision to throw the family off the plane. I thought the captain had the last word on what happens on the plane.

[Barb-SAN]

P.S. Interesting to learn that breastfeeding activists are called "lactivists". :lol:

I missed this story when it came out last week....but here's the link from the LA times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-breast22nov22,0,5844584.story?coll=la-home-headlines . That puts Sean's comments in a new light!

[Barb-SAN]

What is so special about breastfeeding? We conceal all kinds of bodily functions from public view out of simple courtesy. Nobody is saying you can't breastfeed a child on a plane, just be a little discreet about it. Likewise diaper changes. If you don't want to see my eliminatory functions in all their glory, don't show me your kid's.

:lol: Sean, you have such a way with words!

Maybe the airlines could set up the last row of seats of the plane, back by the bathrooms, for mothers with nursing infants and likelihood to need diaper changes. At least then the odors would all be concentrated where they would be expected to be encountered. ;) They could even have a special "nursing & changing curtain" that could be draped around those seats. I'm sure there are plenty of Moms who would appreciate the privacy.

From anyone with experience, is there actually enough space in the airplane bathroom to change an infant or toddler diaper in there?

Although sympathetic to the Moms traveling with infants...it's not high on my list of wishes to sit next to a diaper change (though the alternative isn't much better...not changing it, that is).

Of course sitting next to an adult vomiting from motion sickness wouldn't be so great either (haven't seen that on any of my flights so far though).

[Lynda]

As a midwife I must say feed the baby! as Sean said this can be done very discreetly , a baby blanket placed around the baby and over the mother's shoulder should conceal any flesh.

The problem can occur with a toddler of 2 years old as it does make it harder to conceal the breast. Most children of that age have been weaned to a cup.


Change the baby in the toilet where there is usually a changing table.

I have often thought that there should be a part of the plane especially for moms and tots.

[noflyingfan]

I have often thought that there should be a part of the plane especially for moms and tots.

At first I did not think you had typed an "o" in that last word, and I giggled a little bit. I am so immature sometimes.

Kari, I think Sean was talking about diapers when he mentioned bodily functions, not eating.

[Lynda]

Kari

We are talking to foriegn people here LOL
My US friend Erin did not know what a nappy was she thought it was something ladies used.:)

[WillFlyToDisney]

I nursed both my daughters - sometimes the need came while out in public - and I can assure you that no one but my kid saw anything. There are whole industries and businesses that cater to nursing Moms with slings, special blankets, nursing tops, nursing dresses, etc... Some are pricey like the things here: www.motherwear.com (http://www.motherwear.com) and some are cheaper - they sell nursing tops at SEARS for goodness sakes!

As a former nursing Mom I do NOT appreciate any woman who has the cavalier "whip it out" attitude - good grief, if I can be discreet, why can't they?

I was a member of La Leche League with my first daughter but soon realized I wasn't the type of vigilante that our local chapter was hoping to recruit. I did learn quite a bit from these ladies but I also saw more than my fair share of that entitlement attitude to make me leave the group.

Off my soapbox.
Kelley

[noflyingfan]

I don't understand why anyone would want to whip out their breast-feeding breasts in public anyway. I doubt they'd show the world their breasts when they look normal; why is it that all of a sudden, they don't care if the world sees? Childbirth is natural too, but that doesn't mean I'd do it in the middle of the town square.

[WillFlyToDisney]

*Kari pictures a group of about a thousand women wearing red T shirts, black leggings and beret, carrying swords and Kalashnikovs chanting "oh no! We won't go!"*

:D

Actually the "group meetings" were basically a circle of chairs with about 20 or so women nursing their children ranging in ages from newborn to 6 years old. I'm sorry but when a child has a mouth full of teeth, is old enough to climb on Mom's lap, lift her shirt, unfasten the bra, have a lengthy conversation with Mom in complete sentences then latch on and take a drink, the kid is too old!

[WillFlyToDisney]

I don't understand why anyone would want to whip out their breast-feeding breasts in public anyway. I doubt they'd show the world their breasts when they look normal; why is it that all of a sudden, they don't care if the world sees? Childbirth is natural too, but that doesn't mean I'd do it in the middle of the town square.

Oh that reminded me. My sister had her husband take about 100 photos from the "doctor's perspective" of her giving birth to her oldest son (now a Junior at Yale). She had these pictures printed out into 4x6 prints and put them in a photo album that remains to this DAY on her coffee table. The pictures are graphic and bloody as births are and shows WAY more of my sister then I ever cared to see. The kid is 21 now. Time to put the book away!

[Barb-SAN]

Oh that reminded me. My sister had her husband take about 100 photos from the "doctor's perspective" of her giving birth to her oldest son (now a Junior at Yale). She had these pictures printed out into 4x6 prints and put them in a photo album that remains to this DAY on her coffee table. The pictures are graphic and bloody as births are and shows WAY more of my sister then I ever cared to see. The kid is 21 now. Time to put the book away!

Oh my...what does her kid think of "the book"? I hope his mom doesn't show it to his dates/girlfriends...that would make ME run, if a Mom tried to show me pictures of her son (whom I was dating) being born!! :shocked: :wired: :rolleyes:

[WillFlyToDisney]

Oh, that freaks me out as well. I mean - why?! When will it ever end? How old does one have to be? 36?

I would hope at 36 he isn't looking to his Mother's breasts.... :angel:


Oh my...what does her kid think of "the book"? I hope his mom doesn't show it to his dates/girlfriends...that would make ME run, if a Mom tried to show me pictures of her son (whom I was dating) being born!! :shocked: :wired: :rolleyes:

My sister has issues. The book is right there for any and all guests to peruse. This is also the same sister who refused to come visit my sick elderly mother in the hospital because she wanted to fly to Yale to spend her son's 21st birthday with him. Yeah, that is what every college guy wants to do on his 21st birthday - spend it with his Mommy! :rolleyes:

[MarcoAviator]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15924715/site/newsweek/

It's been in the news for awhile...what do you think? Would you be offended sitting near a mother nursing her baby? (We already know how Mad Scientist Ken felt when he had this opportunity....;) ).

I'd much rather sit next to a contentedly nursing baby than a crying one.:rolleyes:

Grew up in Europe ... boobs don't faze me.

Every summer, every trip to the beach is also a trip into topless-land. Seen plenty of boobies in my European years. All shapes and forms.

Including shapes and forms I'd sooner forget. :eek:

Jokes aside, it don't bother me. A screaming baby bothers me much more than a naked breast.

Let the children of the world feed freely, says I.:magic:

[noflyingfan]

Imagine how cool it would be (life threatening hazard notwithstanding) to pee out the door of an airplane at cruise altitude. :tongue:

[Barb-SAN]

We're gonna need more guys and some beer. Maybe at the Phoenix Phest.

Uh...you gonna import some snow?

[Barb-SAN]

Imagine how cool it would be (life threatening hazard notwithstanding) to pee out the door of an airplane at cruise altitude. :tongue:

It might blow right back into the plane...:D

[noflyingfan]

We're gonna need more guys and some beer. Maybe at the Phoenix Phest.

While you're at it, why don't you go ahead and see who can make the loudest noise with your hand in your armpit?

[Barb-SAN]

While you're at it, why don't you go ahead and see who can make the loudest noise with your hand in your armpit?

Don't forget the belching contest...:tongue:

[Rebecca]

Of course a thread about the timeless, nurturing, essence-of-motherhood art of breastfeeding WOULD be hijacked by the Iron Man Pee-Write-Belch-Squelch Quadathlon team.

I expect to see Adam Sandler popping in here any minute. :rolleyes:

[AZO-FA]

Chain of command on an aircraft (grounded or en route):

Captain
First Officer
Flight Attendant

Always. Unless someone dies.


And by saying "shameless", I was referring to those women who act as if they are doing you a favor by showing off the goods while breast feeding. Those who don't even try to be tactful.

[WillFlyToDisney]

And by saying "shameless", I was referring to those women who act as if they are doing you a favor by showing off the goods while breast feeding. Those who don't even try to be tactful.

I can assure you that any woman who has been a breastfeeding Mom doesn't have "goods" worthy of showing off... :rolleyes:

[annie7680]

Of course a thread about the timeless, nurturing, essence-of-motherhood art of breastfeeding WOULD be hijacked by the Iron Man Pee-Write-Belch-Squelch Quadathlon team.

Ahh it's time for the not so annual Man-lypics...Break out the beer and pizza!!!!:cheers:



As far as breast feeding on a plane or anywhere else, it's perfectly natural(unless the child is 6, then it's just creepy), however a bit of discretion should be practiced just as a courtesy. On the same token, I don't see how breastfeeding has gotten to be such an issue. It's a normal thing that not only nourishes the child but builds a bond between mother and child.

[spiffyone]

I can only think of one other dual-use body part right now...maybe because I can't get my mind out of the gutter. :blush:

Guys....?

[Barb-SAN]

I can only think of one other dual-use body part right now...maybe because I can't get my mind out of the gutter. :blush:

Guys....? I think the second use was writing your name in the snow. :tongue:

[Barb-SAN]

Monica...That makes perfect sense. If everyone were a little more concerned about showing consideration for others in public spaces (e.g. cell phone use too), life would be more pleasant for all of us.

Ken qualified his comments about the woman on the plane with "if the article is factual". I too wonder just how the interchange went between the FA and the mother. It seems like there must have been more to it for the FA to kick them all off the plane, knowing that there could be repercussions, and that the airlines needs the business.

Activists staging a "nurse-in" at the airport in protest...well, I'm wondering if that was the kind of activism that Kelley didn't find appealing. It seems like being obnoxious about asserting your rights to breastfeed anywhere, anytime could work against public acceptance.

I knew someone who was still casually breastfeeding her 4-yr. old son, which I found startling. I recall commenting that I hoped he didn't expect to be able to do that when he was a teenager and started going out on dates.:angel:

[noflyingfan]

Activists staging a "nurse-in" at the airport in protest...well, I'm wondering if that was the kind of activism that Kelley didn't find appealing. It seems like being obnoxious about asserting your rights to breastfeed anywhere, anytime could work against public acceptance.

That kind of thing annoys me and makes me want to have the knee-jerk reaction of, you're annoying so I don't like your cause.

For example, for the longest time, every time I went downtown, I would be approached on every corner by a Greenpeace activist who wanted to talk to me about environmental issues. I am all for helping the environment, but sometimes, I just want to go downtown and shop.

[Passenger Mark]

That kind of thing annoys me and makes me want to have the knee-jerk reaction of, you're annoying so I don't like your cause.

For example, for the longest time, every time I went downtown, I would be approached on every corner by a Greenpeace activist who wanted to talk to me about environmental issues. I am all for helping the environment, but sometimes, I just want to go downtown and shop.

:thumbsup: I AGREE 100% :thumbsup:

How about MY RIGHT to have a peaceful enjoyable life without getting bombarded by someone's drama!

Geez, some people need to grow up and get a life!

[noflyingfan]

I propose we have a Protest Protest. We'll pick a day and just go about our daily lives and not discuss any issues about anything with anyone! :)

[WillFlyToDisney]

Yep - Barb - you hit the nail on the head. I also am not afraid to say something to someone in that situation since I have been there done that with both of my girls. I don't want anyone's beliefs (or body parts) shoved in my face and I certainly don't shove my beliefs (or body parts) in anyone else's face (ok, not sober).

Yes, breastfeeding is natural. Yes, it is the best nourishment for your baby. No, anyone that doesn't choose to breastfeed isn't a bad parent (you should see some of those debates on Mommy groups!). I chose to nurse my 2 girls and I was respectful enough of everyone around me to do it as discreetly as possible. Honestly anyone that has nursed a baby knows that if they cover the baby with a drape or blanket then the job gets done faster b/c the baby isn't distracted by anything else going on around them.

[EyesSkyward]

Honestly anyone that has nursed a baby knows that if they cover the baby with a drape or blanket then the job gets done faster b/c the baby isn't distracted by anything else going on around them.

Yup. Plus they quit squawking and usually fall right asleep.

...or is that parrots?

See, this is why I don't have kids.

- Jeff

[WillFlyToDisney]

Yup. Plus they quit squawking and usually fall right asleep.

...or is that parrots?

See, this is why I don't have kids.

- Jeff

I've never nursed a parrot - you'll have to ask Sean about that!

[Jeff California]

is the Pheonix pee contest going to be on Saturday night?

[WillFlyToDisney]

Of course I had to post a pix for those who aren't familiar with Deb's fake boobs....

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/KBarrett20/PHX%20Flightfest/CIMG3318.jpg


Hey at least she has her EYES open in this picture!!!!!

Kel

[kallieb]

Oh Sean!!!!

That was the funniest thing I read all day. I missed spraying my screen with a mouthful of pop by only seconds.

Thanks for that laugh.

Popsicles...hahahahahaha.

See!!!! Canadian kids are tough little buggers right from day 1.

NOW do you see why Hockey is our great national game. Why it is so entrenched into our psyche!!! Because our first "Love" is rooted in *ice*.

hahahaha ... popsicles.....that is so funny!!!

[MarcoAviator]

It's not that big a deal in Canada because there are only 3 days a year where it's warm enough for you to take them out. Geez, breastfeeding in Canada in January? You might as well feed the kid popsicles. ;)

you are responsible for the replacement of the keyboard of my computer because I just sprayed coffee all over it when I read your post.

Now if you'll excuse me I shall go dry my pants because I wet myself too ...

:rotflmao: