I worried how I would explain breastfeeding to our toddler son. Would he ask a lot of questions? Would it be awkward? I admit with topics like this, my embarrassment tends to make me giggle a bit juvenile-ly (if that is a word).
Turns out, I should not have worried. Too much. First, I have some great nursingwear that allows me to be discreet even in our house when needed.
Then, it seems son takes it all in stride, saying things like:
“You will feed him?”
“He’s drinking milk?”
“He’ll drink on the other side now?”
and the hilariously imperious: “Mommy! E___’s crying – FEED HIM!”
I try to answer him as simply, and medically accurately as possible. I try not to giggle (be an adult, Julie!). He listens, then satisfied, goes back to his playing…
Sometimes, I catch him glancing at me nursing, and I see the wheels turning in his head. I brace myself for an awkward question…but… turns out Hot Wheels and Thomas the Train command more of his interest than mommy’s nursing.
Phew! For now…
Were your kids curious about your breastfeeding? Did they ask a lot of questions? How did you tactfully explain breastfeeding to young children?
Crunchy Beach Mama
Thursday 13th of September 2012
oh my this brings back memories...though my boys were older and understood what I was doing.
I never covered up unless I went out. I would walk around in tanks and even just bras in those early days and the nursing never stops!
Crunchy Beach Mama
Thursday 13th of September 2012
oh my this brings back memories...though my boys were older and understood what I was doing.
I never covered up unless I went out. I would walk around in tanks and even just bras in those early days and the nursing never stops!
T Rex Mom
Tuesday 4th of September 2012
My son was just over 2 when his sister was born. He did not ask much. I rarely covered up when I was at home with just us. I did catch him a couple times feeding his babies (stuffed animals) milk but he never actually lifted his shirt he'd just put them to his chest for a moment and say they were drinking milk. It's now that he's gotten older he's more interested when other women around are nursing their babies. I'm pretty honest about breasts being made to produce milk to feed babies and that they only work when mommies have babies to feed. Otherwise, they don't produce milk. So far, he's fine with this.
T Rex Mom
Tuesday 4th of September 2012
My son was just over 2 when his sister was born. He did not ask much. I rarely covered up when I was at home with just us. I did catch him a couple times feeding his babies (stuffed animals) milk but he never actually lifted his shirt he'd just put them to his chest for a moment and say they were drinking milk. It's now that he's gotten older he's more interested when other women around are nursing their babies. I'm pretty honest about breasts being made to produce milk to feed babies and that they only work when mommies have babies to feed. Otherwise, they don't produce milk. So far, he's fine with this.
Maria
Monday 3rd of September 2012
I'm fine w/bfing but darn, it's hard to talk about babies being made without giggling. Jeez, what is wrong with me? LOL