Breastfeeding baby on cruise

[duchessuta]

Whatever you think you might need for diapers, I would add 30% to the number. Not sure where you are sailing from, but there is a company called baby at sea or something along those lines that will provide diapers and wipes (you can specify brands) delivered to your cabin. Might be an option to look into, and I am sure someone can elaborate.

 

Thank you! That's very kind of you to suggest and excellent advice.

[dmdiver]

Very interesting thread. I wouldn't expect any problems from the crew. While I hate to think that people would be rude & make comments, it may very well happen. I always used a light receiving blanket to cover up with when I nursed my babies, but that's just me. As far as people insisting that a baby follow a strict schedule, that sounds so simple in theory, but babies don't use a watch. I nursed my baby walking through a Kmart once rather than have him miserable & screaming. My kids were all born 1985-1992, so times have changed a bit since then. I covered up, many women don't these days.

 

My daughter uses a breastfeeding "tent" of sorts. It covers her and baby, but doesn't lay directly on the baby, so I guess it's a little cooler. It does seem a bit of a pain, though. I'm not sure why people make breastfeeding an issue, nor do I understand why people make bottle feeding an issue. You feed in a manner that works for you. No one has the right to make snide comments to a mom who breastfeeds or a mom that bottle feeds. And yes, I have heard the comment that feeding your baby formula is like pouring cement down their throat. Excuse me, but an adoptive mom really doesn't have much choice, does she? I was a bottle baby & am quite healthy, thank you.

 

Anyway, a bit off topic. Sorry. Just got me going there for a minute.

 

Honestly, I don't care to see someone breastfeed if they're only all about making a statement. I would never expect you to run back to your cabin every time your baby is hungry, though. That's ridiculous, as is the thought that you can plan ahead & feed the baby before leaving the cabin. They're not little robots, people. Their appetite is not necessarily on a strict schedule. Maybe they didn't eat as much the last time, so now they are hungry earlier. Maybe they are a bit stressed or tired and just need that comfort.

 

People, please don't be so mean - if you accidentally glimpse a breast, it's not the end of the world. Kids need to be taught that as well.

[ducklite]

I think most of us agree that discreet breast feeding is fine. Mom's trying to make a statement and flopping out the boob for all to see is not. (Personally I also feel that by the time your child is old enough to ask for the breast with words or undo a shirt and nursing bra on their own, it's best to take it to the privacy of one's cabin.)

 

I never got the impression that the OP was planning on being anything but discreet.

 

Even if she wasn't, allowing or encouraging teenagers (or anyone else for that matter) to ogle is just plain rude and ignorant. A discreet mother should be left alone and for the statement mother, oglers are only giving her the attention she is seeking.

 

I would also say that I raised my son to respect women--even those who might be seeking attention in a negative way or pursuing a less than mainstream lifestyle. Too bad not everyone is raising their son's the same way.

Edited July 3, 2016 by ducklite

[retiredgram]

Hello, I am taking my LO on our cruise in August and he is still nursing. I haven't found anything on Carnival's website about whether they are supportive of nursing moms. Has anyone had any experience breastfeeding their babies on a cruise? I know some people tend to have very strong feelings against moms feeding their babies in public and just wonder if carnival is supportive. TIA.

 

I see you are still posting in response to what others have had to say. You have gotten your answer as to what other cruisers experienced while breast feeding on the ship.

 

If you want to know if Carnival is supportive, why not just call them. You probably know what their answer is going to be. Of course we are.

 

With that being said, you have your answers, why not just let the thread go.

 

I am sure you will have a great cruise with your LO. The crew love babies.

[Foxinspace]

Hello, I am taking my LO on our cruise in August and he is still nursing. I haven't found anything on Carnival's website about whether they are supportive of nursing moms. Has anyone had any experience breastfeeding their babies on a cruise? I know some people tend to have very strong feelings against moms feeding their babies in public and just wonder if carnival is supportive. TIA.

 

Duchessuta,

 

Wow, what a "popular" post. I couldn't even scroll through it all. So I don't know if anyone else has dug this up but I hope it helps.

 

From John Healds Blog circa 2010.

http://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/01/14/the-eagle-has-landed/

 

He discusses having had his feelings changed on women who breastfeed in public by his wife and daughter. He would have originally opposed it, but now feels differently. I definitely recommend reading it. The part you will care about is waaaay down at the bottom, after the pictures right before he signs off. He doesn't come right out and say "take off your top and have at it" but he makes it clear he is supportive.

 

While this might not carry any official weight with a carnival crew member, it can't hurt to have it in your back pocket.

 

 

For my 2 cents, you do what you need to do. Might consider practicing feeding in busy areas to make sure your little won't get too distracted, but otherwise don't change a thing. Feed as you normally would. By 6 months, I had to feed my LO in a quiet place since she was a butterfly and had to look at everything for exactly 4 seconds. She wouldn't ever have stayed on to feed in public, so if you plan on feeding anywhere even remotely "interesting or busy" you might want to practice first to make sure your little is good with it.

 

Have a great cruise!!

[duchessuta]

Duchessuta,

 

Wow, what a "popular" post. I couldn't even scroll through it all. So I don't know if anyone else has dug this up but I hope it helps.

 

From John Healds Blog circa 2010.

http://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/01/14/the-eagle-has-landed/

 

This was extremely helpful! Thank you!

[SAN415]

I saw this post when it was first posted, didn't bother to click on it, felt it was a non issue. Guess not.

 

The "don't breastfeed in public" or "only where I deem acceptable" or "properly covered up" arguments are so silly.

 

The idea that you might offend someone or arouse them?? Really? At a certain time the women's ankle was considered a fetish. Today men are able to control themselves and not be overcome with lust at the sight of an uncovered ankle.

 

The assumption that males will be overcome with lust at the sight of a feeding baby if a bit of skin shows is an affront to normal males. If that is the case for some people then the more often they are exposed to a nursing mom will help them to overcome that taboo.

 

If people are offended by a nursing baby, they are looking to closely. Mind your own business. The purpose of a mothers breast is to feed a baby.

 

The truth is a women with a baby should have one priority over all else: her baby. Her baby's health, her baby's comfort, her baby's needs. Not yours or mine.

 

Please feed away- however and wherever it works best for your baby!

[CupcakeSusie]

I didn't cruise when I was breastfeeding my kids, but I did take vacations. I found that it did send them a bit off routine and I needed to be more flexible. We live in a colder climate and I found that they they got really thirsty and fed more on beach/summer vacations, so I had to increase my water intake.

 

I didn't ever have anyone ask me to move or cover up but I was fairly discrete. In fact, one time I was feeding my youngest and my neighbour asked if she could hold him- I said sure, after he finished drinking and she was shocked because she didn't realise.

 

Have fun on your cruise, OP.

[pbsteve]

I have no kids, and never intend to have any kids, I have dogs instead.

 

I would be extremly offended if you felt you had to hide in order to take care of your child.

 

 

There will be plenty of old and opinionated people, but screw them, they don't need to be in public if it offends them.

[duchessuta]

I have no kids, and never intend to have any kids, I have dogs instead.

 

I would be extremly offended if you felt you had to hide in order to take care of your child.

 

 

There will be plenty of old and opinionated people, but screw them, they don't need to be in public if it offends them.

 

I laughed at this, but I really love your signature quote. :D:D:D

[SeagoingMom]

No matter where or how you breastfeed, Carnival staff will not care about it -- they'll be too busy enforcing "no chair-hogging" rules, sending people back to their cabins to change into appropriate clothes for the DR, escorting children out of the adults-only hot tubs, and chastising parents for letting their kids run wild and disturb other cruisers. This is what the staff is busy with on all cruise lines, right?

 

That's what I've learned from CC, at least... ;)

[dd likes to cruise]

One thing I don't remember seeing - Did the OP say if she is eating at a small table with just her family? Or mixed with strangers? Family and friends - I'd say do what ever you want. Strangers - even as a Mom who breast fed all 3 boys, I would feel uncomfortable with you breastfeeding at our table.

 

Found the answer, (said eating by themselves) but leaving this posted if other women look at this topic.

Edited July 5, 2016 by dd likes to cruise

[JenSDCA]

One thing I don't remember seeing - Did the OP say if she is eating at a small table with just her family? Or mixed with strangers? Family and friends - I'd say do what ever you want. Strangers - even as a Mom who breast fed all 3 boys, I would feel uncomfortable with you breastfeeding at our table.

 

Found the answer, (said eating by themselves) but leaving this posted if other women look at this topic.

 

I believe she said she'd booked a table for just the family.

 

To echo what some have said, there are plenty of quiet nooks and corners you could utilize to nurse. Both of my boys at 6 months were very interested in whatever was going on around them. But neither wanted to stop nursing to check it out, so they would attempt to remain latched while looking around. I had to put a stop to that painful practice ASAP! That is why I mention quiet nooks, for your own comfort.

 

Use your discretion and most will likely remain unaware of what you're doing. The oglers will have plenty to ogle that is freely on display :)

[rvmike]

Sounds like the OP is just a self centered person, if your going to do it why post?