[dolphinyp]

Hi all, we're all in the Motherhood, just let us have more understanding on other's need and more caring, life would be easier in this way. So Peainpod , don't got put off by anyone, keep going to bf your baby , you're giving the best u can.Cheers.

[mumto2]

oops forgot what i was meant to say in my last post too was sometimes what i do when feeding in front of lots of people is say you're feeding from your right breast, then I put my left hand over my breast, it pretty much covers the whole thing and bubs has got the nipple in her mouth...might help someone?

[MayC]

Hong Kong is a multicultural society - you have expats who do not mind breastfeeding in public and you have the locals who would be horrified if a man saw their bits. Hence, the difference in opinions expressed. Even for those who dare to breastfeed in public, the stares can be uncomfortable. Once you get the hang of it, it's not noticeable but it can be really hard not to have nipples showing during the initial stages.

Putting culture aside, breastfeeding is actually a very natural thing to do. Personally I would hope that more people do it in public so that all mothers would not need to feel embarrassed and are more encouraged to breastfeed.

My brother in law, who is a local is an example of one who is uptight about seeing breasts and all. In fact, he even comments if I'm wearing a tank top (and that's with a bra on). He thinks it is not suitable for HK but good grief, in this heat, how do you wear anything else? So I guess, cultural differences.

[MayC]

I forget to mention one thing too. Maya wrap works perfectly for mothers who want to be discreet about breastfeeding. It frees both hands, bub is comfy and the flap/the extra material works as a shielf when breastfeeding. I think there's a singaporean company my friend recommended called "moms in mind" where you can purchase online.

[fennho]

Tagging on to may's post, I have to add that strangely enough, the tolerance for the exposure of breasts/nipples are high when its a Caucasian doing it (BF) in public. Locals simply wave it off as an expat things, but boy or boy if its a local woman doing it uncovered!! (altho I'm not local, I'm a Chinese looking woman from Singapore). I have got scolded even when I nursed WITH my nursing cover on!! Scolded for "doing such shameless thing" in public the minute they realised that I'm nursng beneath the cover. Same theory if a Caucasian go braless in a tank top vs a local woman doing the same? Guess who will get chided? Its like being an Asian, we are SUPPOSED to KNOW our culture and limitation! I certainly dont agree BUT tat wont stop these people from scolding us and having their bias opinions known out loud! What can I say. Sometimes I get angry and retort back but sometmes I jus can't be bothered. Its an unfair world. Having said tat, I use a cover becos altho I am proud of breastfeeding, I am also uneasy exposing myself, becos now that my gal is older, she always struggles and wriggle around a lot, and if I don't use one I'm always ended up with a naked breast left hanging. LOL!

[LLL_Sarah]

I'm always being told that the Hong Kong culture is one of not breastfeeding in public. But I'd like to remind you all that the customs in a culture are transient and are always changing. 50 years ago it was common to see babies being breastfeed in public in Hong Kong. My mother-in-law was a hawker selling fruit in Happy Valley and she breastfeed all six of her babies while selling fruit. It was the normal practice then.

And although breastfeeding in public is uncommon in today's society I urge everyone who feels comfortable (with or without a cover) to breastfeed in public. It is only by doing so that we will change the customs back to being more breastfeeding friendly.

When I was shy about breastfeeding in public one thought that urged me on was the thought of changing the society so that my daughter would find breastfeeding in public comfortable - I think it is important to see this as a long term goal - because attitudes are unlike to change quickly but if we work together they will change.

SARAH

[fennho]

Sarah
I dunno about HK but in malaysia (where my mom is from) and Singapore as well, 50yrs ago most mothers breastfed their babies not becos they know of the benefits of BM, but most do it out of poverty cos back then a can of formula milk is VERY expensive and not affordable to some, thus they will resort back to bf and the tendencies for having tots that only the rich can afford to buy top of the line formulas from that generation of mothers. I hv a lot of friends in Sg complaining that their mother in law and even their own mothers kept pressurizing them to feed baby FM simply becos they think its expensive = good. In general, older Asian women still think that if u can afford to buy good FM, why bf? Thus the frown on exposing urself in public. Of cos there are the ones who keep up and are aware of the good benefits of BM and not adverse to it. But still some still think BF mothers shud do this in private than in public. I agree totally we shud be working towards changing this mentality!! :)

[LLL_Sarah]

What you've said confirms my message - attitudes are changing but it is taking time.

20 years ago most of the grandmothers had breastfed and now most didn't.

50 years ago the poor breastfed and the rich didn't. Now, however, it is the rich (well educated) that are breastfeeding and the poor who aren't.

Think how this will change the attitudes towards breastfeeding in the next 20 years.

I wouldn't want to ask anyone to do something that they are embarrassed to do but if you feel comfortable then breastfeeding in public is not just for your baby NOW but in the future too.

And I totally agree that as the baby starts to move around and become distracted while feeding - it definitely gets more changing to do it in public.

SARAH