Anyway, just putting that out there.
Has anyone noticed the "nursing corner" in the park in front of Globus on the Bahnhofstrasse? It's pretty ideal for some degree of privacy though you have to wait in line for a spot on the benches sometimes.
I've never had a problem, dirty look or tut breast feeding in Switzerland for 9 months. I worried about it at first, given the initial news item posted here, so I would initially ask the people working at restaurants etc. if it was ok. Then when my baby was 2 months old, we hiked up Rigi and at the restaurant at the top, the lady I asked permission to nurse from became almost indignant at my request; she told me it's the most beautiful thing in the world and I shouldn't ever ask permission to do so.
I haven't read all the posts, but after reading some I would say that the majority of folks in favour are the people actually doing it. As a former resuarant manager I have had complaints on this. I am male and have 3 children, and would never consider nor would my ex-wife consider breast feeding in public.
I accept the natural aspect, but so is taking a p1ss and I wouldn;t do that in public either.
I could not breastfeed, but it is a big thing over here in Switzerland, so if a baby needs to be fed where should the mother go, hide away down a side street where she cannot sit down . I think it is a natural thing to do upto a certain age, last year i was in conny Land and i saw a mother breastfeeding her son who looked to be about 6years old i have also seen a T.V programm about older children breastfeeding which to be honest made me feel not very well .
Lol i have seen many a men on the side of the sidewalk making a pee while out driving also not a nice sight to see PG happy to know you will not join that peeing club
If you don't like or like seeing it DON'T LOOK. Further more no matter what country I was in if I was given constant dirty looks, I would give them right back. It is the healthiest for my child, and no dirty looks could defer me from that. Anyone who wants to give me crap about it can *$#% off. It is my right and responsibility as a woman and a mother. Also, if you are one of those people that don't agree, don't look at me or in any way look like you disapprove, I don't down at you for being ugly. Everything in question being done is completely natural, and anyone who has been a mother, parent, or caring human being should realize that this is what breasts are made for, not anything else that is really just a positive "side effect" if you will. It is a beautiful thing, and for any one, and MEN in particular to judge it, or make it into some big thing just because they want to think breasts are made strictly for them is immature, and frankly appalling.
That is just the sort of selfish, self centred and one sided rant that ensured I did not allow breast feeding in public areas of my restaurant, but ensured that there was a comfortable feeding area for b/f mothers. You have zero right to do this in public, and as you clearly have zero thought for the feelings of others.
The fact that some find breastfeeding distasteful in public, just wont sink in. I thought we lived in enlightened times.
the baby has a right to be fed...they have a right to be fed the best food in the world...special food...that is perfect for growth and development...anywhere, anytime...
You can *offer* a quiet, comfortable place for this to occur...that's nice...I appreciate that....
I do understand how some people going on ranting their opinion can get to you, but surely your opinion is as one sided when you say we have "zero right to do this in public" I found this to be a bit harsh.
We do as parents have every right to feed our child when needed and as has been clearly pointed out in previous posts a breastfeeding mother will do this very discretely i.e. special designed tops, shawl draped round etc, in this warm weather you have more chance of an eyefull from anyone with little or nothing on, especially guys with NO tops!!
It is what nature intended afterall.
As a mother who breastfed her child, too, I actually find this attitude unhelpful to the cause.
It's consideration on both sides - yes some people are a bit squeamish so, whereas I consider it fair that I was able to breastfeed wherever I chose in Switzerland, I never forgot about the people around me.
Maybe this is the root of some peoples rejection of the subject. Perhaps they were given a filthy mouthful from a mother intent on exercising her rights?
Lovely...
Since having my baby in January, it has really surprised me just how 'baby unfriendly' the Vaud area can be. In maternity hospitals here you are really encouraged to breastfeed but since January I've found that in public no-one else breastfeeds and everyone stares! Don't even get me started on the serious lack of public loos for mothers with babies in a pushchair OR lack of changing facilities but what I will say is 'thank goodness for Manor and Migros'!!
Must admit I could never and can still not understand the fuss over this. I can find no logic as to why breastfeeding might be offensive or distasteful to some. But (unfortunately) it's correct to say that it's a fact.
That said, I don't think that just because a minority find it distasteful, that breastfeeding mothers should go out of their way not to offend these people. Some people will get offended by all kinds of silly things.
What is wrong with us humans that we can get so uptight about seeing a bit of skin? It's just a collection of cells not a whole lot different to what's on the "acceptable" (and that itself depends on religion/culture of course) parts of our body. Most of which is covered by the baby's head anyway, and if you can see more then stop staring.
If restaurants etc. are not comfortable with breastfeeding, then I think they should explicitly state this somewhere, or explain that it must be done in a specific area. Breastfeeding mothers are paying customers too, and I'm sure would prefer to spend their money elsewhere if not made welcome!
I'm a man BTW, my wife breastfed our daughter - although very discreetly using a special cover as she was usually self conscious. Had no issues anywhere in Switzerland.
This is just the sort of belligerent attitude that p*sses me off and I'm supportive of the right to breastfeed in public! And full marks to Papa Goose for being so considerate and providing somewhere comfortable. No baby should have to take it's meals in a public toilet.
Breastfeeding is not unhygienic nor does it in any way endanger the public health. How could it even be compared to taking a p1ss in public? The suggestion is kind of offensive to be honest.
The ref' was in answer to 'a natural thing', maybe some people should try being less self-centered, self-absorbed, and down right bolshy' on this subject and be more considerate of others.
My restaurant was in the UK, 20 years ago, and I set up a baby room with all the facilities required to allow nursing mother to fed their babies in pleasant surroundings. It was driven by my wifes wish to breast feed in private, clean up, change the baby etc, away from gawpers and people who thought it improper in public, but she could never find proper facilities.
I'm all for breast feeding, and think that the 'anytime, anyplace, anywhere' brigade would be better pushing for better facilities for nursing mums, that no one with any sense can argue against, rather some of the ranting about 'rights' that clearly don't exist, for something that some find uncomfortable.
Oh baby, don't suck my boobs, it's for dadies :
Different strokes for different folks.
something about having something that's too expensive to let the kid play with it... ?
My favourite quote "but that's what they're there for"...
wow, there are some men here who actually have a problem with public breastfeeding. What century is this again?
Where is the smiley for "clap your hands"?