GRRRR...more fallout from the sick child on RCCL

[azbaby8062]

Actually' date=' Princess is very family-friendly. My 3 year olds will take their 4th Princess cruise in October. We love it, and there are always tons of other kids - because Princess offers amenities to encourage us to cruise with them. I think that they do such a good job though, that if you are not cruising with children, you don't realize there's a whole population of kids on board with you. (Before I cruised with kids, I didn't notice them on ships either.)

 

Best,

Mia[/quote']

 

I have to agree with you. My son loved Princess. We sailed in October and it took a lot for him to join for dinner, he rather do things with the kids.

[quincytoo]

We just walked in the house from doing a short three night cruise on the Sapphire Princess without our 16 year old son. We had fun and enjoyed having a short holiday on our own (first time in 15 years) BUT we missed our son and a lot of things reminded us of him :o

 

Looking forward to the fall cruise with him.

 

The ship held over 300 children and WOW they were well behaved and to be honest we hardly ever saw them ! Truly a pleasure to be around.

 

We catch the BC ferry home from Vancouver and there is a family sitting behind us with three small girls, screaming and being so in your face (and earshot) disruptive. People all around were shooting the parents dirty looks.

 

The parents were busy trying to sell Real Estate to a couple next to them and were ignoring their children. When the youngest screamed a glass breaking pitched scream right into my ear. I said very loudly, "She needs to be kept quiet" You could hear the agreement from those sitting around us. I think that I heard the man who the parents were trying to sell them real estate said something at last. The father grabbed the girl and took her for a walk.

[mattmommy]

My DH and I waited 13 years before we had ds7. I can't imagine travelling without him. His first trip was (of course) to Disney. Does he remember? Heck no, but we remember his first smile at Mickey.

 

His first cruise he was 6 months old and we didn't feel "chained" at all. Poor baby. His first beaches were St. Maarten and St. Thomas. Babies are really easy to travel with. It's the 7 yo whining that drives me insane.

 

If ds starts any meltdowns, he's taken away from where we are until he behaves--usually the hair eyeball stops 95% of those.

 

If there's a ship where maybe there's hardly any kids, of course we'd avoid the line until ds doesn't want to be seen with us.

[ash4020]

My opinions are mine and mine alone, but I figured I'd at least voice them.

 

I have a little brother who is 4. He is one of the best things in my life (and the best reminder of why I want to wait until I'm closer to 30 to have kids). We are going on our first cruise in August. Honestly, I love him to death, but I know how annoying some kids are. Really its not their fault. It's the parents', who by the way, are usually the jerks themselves. I love nothing more than a polite little boy or girl holding the door open for others or a cute little "God bless you" after someone sneezes. However if all kids were like the demon I had sitting behind me last night at dinner, I wouldn't set foot on a cruise ship. Of course, I figure since its a big ship, I can find somewhere to go without the brats. :p They can have the waterparks and water zones, I'll stick to the casino and the piano bars. I also think that the sooner people realize there are some places children are welcome, and others they are not, the sooner everyone will be happy. Chuckie Cheese? YES! The day spa? NO! (True story.)

 

As for the infant thing, I think that the cruiselines have to cover themselves from stupid, sue happy people. There has to be a solid line in the sand. Some people will be selfish enough to take their sickly three month old on a cruise ship then sue the pants off someone when little Johnny or Suzy gets Noro and has to be hospitalized. Its sad, but happens.

[Mercury]

I really am astounded by the comments of some people! Canadian Twosome - you should not apologise for your comments: they are totally valid.

 

How on earth can someone book a Princess cruise and then think that no children should be on board? As many have said, go and book on a cruiseline that does not market to families and have children's programs if you don't want them on your cruise!

 

My DH and I went on 6 cruises before having my DD in 2006. We always found that the children were well behaved and it was probably because they had been exposed to new sights and experiences. How could we as a couple, want to deny that to someone else's children?

 

We have friends whose daughter went on her first cruise at age 2 and they are now taking her on her fourth cruise (she is 5 yrs old now). She is a very fortunate child to be able to travel extensively and she always tells her parents that her favorite is to be on the ship.

 

Please - those who want to avoid children: book on cruiselines who don't specifically set up children's programs! :rolleyes:

[JCSM-Mom]

I would argue about kids remembering. Maybe it's because my children are still young (4 & 5), but them remember things about the cruises that I forget. Granted they 'blend' their cruises since they've been on several, but they remember things about them that they really enjoyed. It surprises me. Matter of fact DD asked a few weeks ago when she could go on another cruise.

[crusinmama06]

I would argue about kids remembering. Maybe it's because my children are still young (4 & 5), but them remember things about the cruises that I forget. Granted they 'blend' their cruises since they've been on several, but they remember things about them that they really enjoyed. It surprises me. Matter of fact DD asked a few weeks ago when she could go on another cruise.

 

 

Oh no doubt the kids remember things here and there! ;) My 8 year old asked me once if our cruise was going to have a dance floor like the Norway. She was 2 years old on the Norway and we never discussed the dance floor before.

[swedane]

Long live family cruisers - just don't cruise rccl... Will have to comment on this baby/family forum!

Invited my family of 7 including a 4 month old (breastfed) granddaughter on Liberty of the seas from Miami on march 15. We are from Scandinavia and used to travelling with our children since the day they were born and have never had any problems. Paid next to full price for the baby on this cruise, plus prepaid gratuity (for what??) but were so disappointed of being banned from several lounges "no babys in here" they told us as staff pointed towards the exit....This being only one of many other disappointments during the week. (we have filed an official complaint to the cruiseline) Our baby just slept in the stroller at every meal in main restaurant - not a whimper! The ship held more than 1500 youngsters on spring break this week - kids running around pushing, shoving and playing on elevators, stairways, teenagers saving chairs around the pool area etc. Did I mention, overhearing loud walkie-talkie communication between parents and kids during the day? Germs and health concerns? Worry more about health issues than concerns about babies. Would be happy to cruise again - but if I pay for service I expect to get it - no matter how old you are - unfortunately we did not get our moneys worth on rccl. Will just choose other cruiselines in the future. Sorry!

[ceilidh1]

This thread has certainly made for interesting reading and is helping to prepare me for my upcoming cruise on the Tahitian in 3 weeks, with my 14 month old. This is certainly not my ideal choice of ships for an infant, but there were extenuating cricumsatnces that made us choose this. Will it be tough - absolutely! But, so is everyday life with an infant, right parents? We are being realistic and know that we won't do all the usual cruise things, like bar, casino, shows, excursions, but in my mind it sure beats sitting on a plane and paying extra bag fees...

 

I have had many concerns about her getting sick onboard, but it wouldn't even enter my head to refuse to take her off the ship for medical attention if necessary - these days, people will sue over anything. Maybe I should sue her daycare as she got norwalk virus there repeatedly over a 4 month period. They even had to close down the program for a week to have it sanitized. We opted to remove her from daycare completely and my husband juggled his shifts so that one or other of us is always at home with her. But, did the thought of making money out of my baby's sickness ever enter my mind - no - because she is a kid, and kids get sick regardless of how careful you are. Needless to say, the pedialyte is already packed! We have travel insurance up to the eyeballs, so are well prepared for emergencies. One thing that I did not consider is the teething issue - right now she just started to cut two on top and two on bottom, but hopefully they will be through and we will have no problems by the time we cruise.

 

I will be sure to check in with a full report when we get back, as I have noticed that there are very few reviews of this ship which involve children. Wish me luck...

[rnff2]

I can't help myself I must step into this discussion...

 

We are cruising with our DS who will be 3 1/2 at time of cruise. And boy is he excited about the "big boat". DH and I are on our 5th cruise togther. We chose Princess to try something new after Carnival and RCCL, both have likes and dislikes for us. DH does have older children (14,15,19) but we have decide that our DS is going to be our/my only one, whom we/I plan to give the world to. He goes everywhere with us and gets any and every life experience we can afford to give him. So why not take him on a cruise vacation? Is it wrong to enjoy your children, should we keep them sheltered from the world just because some people don't want kids on their vacations??? What about my vacations? I plan to vacation with my family, kids included.

 

As for the 6 month infant rule and the 24 week pregnancy rule. I for one, being and emergency room nurse, don't want to see a sick infant in my ED let alone many miles out at sea. I can't imagine trying to stabilize and maintain an infant for long periods of time in that type of setting. When babies get sick they get really sick really quickly. And think of this, how much experience would the cruise MD and nurses have with sick or premature infants, and for that matter even delivering a baby. Also once a mother delivers that 24 week premature infant you now have not 1 patient, but 2. Not a situtation I want to be in. I have to say I agree with the rules being set forth by the cruise lines.

 

Just my 2 cents...

[CanadianTwosome]

I just wanted to add an additional two cents or so on the topic of kids remembering their travels. The first 'real' travelling (not to visit relatives) I ever did was when I was five when we went on a trailer tour with a local group; I remember it. When I was six, my mom took us to California and Disneyland; I remember it. Due to the passing of my father, that was the last 'big' trip we took until my mom had upgraded her education and gotten back into the workforce. When I was nine, we started travelling every Christmas. I remember all of those trips, to Hawaii, cruises, Europe... and I credit many of the experiences from those trips for contributing to the person I am today (thanks to my mom taking advantage of every potential learning opportunity). Now, when I say 'I remember', I mean I remember those trips as well or better than any I've taken as an adult. I couldn't tell you what we did from start to finish, but there were memorable moments on every trip that I will never forget. There are also pictures, and in some cases video, that I can enjoy over and over.

 

I just wanted to say that because when you ask a nine year old if they remember something they did when they were five... well... it seems to me that they don't have that far to look back, so I don't think it's that surprising that they can recall fun experiences well. On the other hand, at my age, I've had a lot more life experiences and my memory 'shelves' are pretty cluttered, so I think it's just that much more supportive of the claim that children WILL remember travelling. I know I do, and I can't wait to hear my daughter sharing her family travel experiences with her children the way I do with her.

 

My family (mom, sister, niece, brother in law) are joining us on our next cruise, so we've been having some wonderful times lately reminiscing and laughing about our past travels. So, I guess that's two adults who have forty year old travel stories... and my mom remembers, too. :)

 

Sorry this post got so long... I didn't intend to go on so much, but those family trips were such a huge part of my life, believe me when I say I think I've actually cut it short!! ha ha ha

[calikak]

The "the kid won't remember it" argument is I think the most specious one. We took our 11-month-old son on a cruise earlier this month, a 2-night weekend getaway. I doubt he'll remember it, but then again, he won't remember anything that he's doing right now. Does that mean we shouldn't take him to the park, or visit with grandparents, or celeberate his first birthday, because he won't remember it? No, of course not--we do those things with him because he has fun doing them. It's the same with travel. He had a great time meeting new people and seeing new things, just like we did.

 

I also think the "Mom doesn't have fun" argument doesn't hold water. Our weekend cruise was way more fun for me than a weekend at home would have been. It wasn't the same type of fun as cruising without kids--it was a different type of fun. Like, I got to dance with my son. DH hates dancing and I always have to nag him into it, but Jim loved the music and was happy to get bounced and carried around by Mom. Like all aspects of parenthood, you can either see your kids as limiting you, or you can see them as giving you new and different experiences.

 

About the kid who got sick: I think this shows why it's important to get trip insurance, especially when you're traveling with a child, because kids can get sick suddenly and most of us don't have several thousand dollars lying around to pay for a medical evacuation from the ship, plus the flight home. And you just never know if something like that is going to happen, no matter how healthy your child is. That few hundred bucks up front could save you an awful lot of money down the road. Plus it keeps me from getting an ulcer worrying what could happen!

[lastingtouch]

The "the kid won't remember it" argument is I think the most specious one. We took our 11-month-old son on a cruise earlier this month, a 2-night weekend getaway. I doubt he'll remember it, but then again, he won't remember anything that he's doing right now. Does that mean we shouldn't take him to the park, or visit with grandparents, or celeberate his first birthday, because he won't remember it? No, of course not--we do those things with him because he has fun doing them. It's the same with travel. He had a great time meeting new people and seeing new things, just like we did.

 

I also think the "Mom doesn't have fun" argument doesn't hold water. Our weekend cruise was way more fun for me than a weekend at home would have been. It wasn't the same type of fun as cruising without kids--it was a different type of fun. Like, I got to dance with my son. DH hates dancing and I always have to nag him into it, but Jim loved the music and was happy to get bounced and carried around by Mom. Like all aspects of parenthood, you can either see your kids as limiting you, or you can see them as giving you new and different experiences.

 

About the kid who got sick: I think this shows why it's important to get trip insurance, especially when you're traveling with a child, because kids can get sick suddenly and most of us don't have several thousand dollars lying around to pay for a medical evacuation from the ship, plus the flight home. And you just never know if something like that is going to happen, no matter how healthy your child is. That few hundred bucks up front could save you an awful lot of money down the road. Plus it keeps me from getting an ulcer worrying what could happen!

 

Beth, I seem to be following you around the threads but I just want to say I think you have the greatest comments and advice. It has already started and I'm sure there will be more people before we go on this cruise that will say to leave the baby home. Although on this cruise I plan on doing most of the baby-sitting I'd rather do it on the ship then at home. :D

[PrincessDreams4P&B]

I am a huge proponent of children traveling, but my reasoning is a bit different. I am the mother of 3 children (ages DS8, DS5 and DD8 months). The older 2 have special needs (autism spectrum disorder - ASD). I cannot begin to explain to you the world that traveling has opened up to our children. Every single trip we have ever taken with them, we experience the joy of watching our sons do something they have never done before. Whether it is a new physical skill such as going from being terrified of the water to swimming (beginning) in a week at Disney to our oldest who's autism is more severe, ordering his meal (making eye contact and speaking clearly) from the waiter. These things are HUGE, HUGE, HUGE. We have always traveled with our children from the time that they were little. I believe it has made them easily adaptable (which alot of ASD children have difficulty with). We are looking forward to our upcoming cruise with our daughter as we will be starting her on the same path as our sons. To be a citizen of the world and to have a greater understanding what is past our lawn. Our children are more well rounded for it.

 

I have never let my children's "different" needs stand in their way of lving life to the fullest and I am not going to let a cruise company do it either. If they want to cater to a cabin of 2 adults rather than my family of 5 (add up the excursions, ice creams, souviners, etc that we spend on them) that is their financial loss, not ours. We will continue to travel.

[sunandseagirl617]

Actually, Princess is very family-friendly. My 3 year olds will take their 4th Princess cruise in October. We love it, and there are always tons of other kids - because Princess offers amenities to encourage us to cruise with them. I think that they do such a good job though, that if you are not cruising with children, you don't realize there's a whole population of kids on board with you. (Before I cruised with kids, I didn't notice them on ships either.)

 

Best,

Mia

 

This is very true! My DH and I sail Princess all of the time! Once we did not bring the kids (it was summer) and we heard that there were 1,700 kids on board, we had no clue! I have an 8 yo and a 14 yo...they dined with us every night and we hung out by the pool, but mostly they took advantage of the kids program! Princess does a great job with families! The only rudeness we encountered were by Senior Citizens! Very rude to us on the elevators, mostly when we were with the kids!

[VPIcruiser]

Beth, I think you gave an excellent response. We love cruising with our kids and the whole family has good memories to share and beautiful photos to reflect on later. I have also heard and thought about the "kids won't remember it' comment. I wonder if the people who say wait to take a vacation also wait to go to the zoo or to parks.

 

I had a wonderful time which shows that it is possible for moms to have fun cruising with young kids.

 

You have to take what is said on internet forums with a grain of salt. For istance, on the Disney World forums, you will also find people who say young children shouldn't go to Disney. This helped put some things in prespective for me. For one, if you don't have kids, you probably have more time to post on the internet (or at least I did before having kids). Also, on any given cruise, only a small precentage of the people post on these boards.

 

We were on the Celebrity Infinity last week and we had favorable responses to our children ages 35 months and 15 months.

 

We love traveling and cruising with our kids. We will continue to do so but it is a great family vacation that is very affordable.

[beachchick]

Oh there is NO DOUBT there are seriously kid haters. You personally may not be. But many are.

 

I don't have a problem with you not wanting to sail with kids. That's your choice. But RCCL markets to kids. And I see you don't cruise with RCCL. But that is what this argument is over. RCCL design ships for families. So for the people at USA Tday to say to raise the minimum cruise age on RCCL to 20. :rolleyes:

 

So if your grandchildren, whom you love dearly, wanted to go on a cruise with you...you would say "No, absolutly not. I don't want you in MY pool and sitting at my table?" ;)

 

I don't know why I browsed over to this forum tonight, but this thread caught my eye. Our DD is grown and our niece and nephew are in middle school, so we don't have really young kids around; a grandbaby or two down the road would be nice, but we don't try to insist that our DD "give" us a grandchild as it's completely her decision. (That's just a frame of reference for my point of view.)

 

My DH and I prefer to travel/cruise now when we know school is most likely to be in session because we do not enjoy having half the pax being kids. I am not saying that kids shouldn't cruise. In fact, I think they should because it's a wonderful family vacation and can help mom and dad have some much needed relaxation too (I remember that well). When our DD was growing up we took her on most vacations and then always took a little getaway just for us to be together. So, now we do not cruise in the summer or during the holidays or during spring break, and I say good for the parents who do take their kids on cruises then. It's nice when there are many kids onboard to really add to the fun for them. There are always some kids on cruises we take, and we've never--not once--had a truly bad experience with them.

 

I know that there are people who don't want to cruise with kids onboard ever. That's unrealistic. Unfortunately, what drives some people to this conclusion is that there are parents who allow their kids to run wild and cause trouble. As usual with things like this, pretty soon all kids get painted with the same brush. That's a real shame. We enjoy seeing the families onboard enjoy themselves. As long as the parents remain parents, why shouldn't they all be there?

 

Now for my comment: No, RCI does not market to kids or design their ships for families with kids. More accurately, they do not market or design only for families. It is not as if families "own" the cruise line(s) and are simply allowing other people to cruise. The ships are family friendly, and the larger ones more so. I think that's great because it gives families more choice. However, RCI (and most mass market lines) market and design for a diverse audience. They market to honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries or just wanting a romantic getaway. They market to retired folks who have more time to spend traveling. They market to friends who want to have an adventure together. They also design their ships with these varying demograpics in mind.

 

So, while I agree that's it's absurd (and wrong) for someone who absolutely doesn't think kids should be on cruise ships to flame and rant and insult the parents who choose to cruise on ships designed with families in mind, it's also important for families to realize that they are not the one and only demographic the cruise lines are marketing to. It's important for parents to not feel/act entitled to do whatever they want or let their kids run wild or take the kids to shows/venues specifically listed for adults.

 

A lot of it (at least for me) comes down to one simple word: Respect. We respect families onboard and expect them to respect us as well. As long as that happens, we're absolutely happy cruisers.

 

(And what is with the uproar about breastfeeding in public? Please! It's normal and natural. Again, as long as a mom is at least marginally discrete, why should it be anyone else's business? I'm appalled at the attitude of some people.)

 

Happy to cruising to all.

 

beachchick

[crusinmama06]

Now for my comment: No, RCI does not market to kids or design their ships for families with kids. More accurately, they do not market or design only for families. It is not as if families "own" the cruise line(s) and are simply allowing other people to cruise. The ships are family friendly, and the larger ones more so. I think that's great because it gives families more choice. However, RCI (and most mass market lines) market and design for a diverse audience. They market to honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries or just wanting a romantic getaway. They market to retired folks who have more time to spend traveling. They market to friends who want to have an adventure together. They also design their ships with these varying demograpics in mind.

beachchick

 

I agree with everything you said except to the first line above that says RCCL "does not market to kids". That's not correct. They most certainly do. I might realize it more because my kids are still young but the Freedom Nick cruise is on TV (Nick Jr and Nick) every day.

 

Each ship is becoming more family friendly with every new innovation.

 

But you are absolutely correct. The ships are not for families only. They are for everyone. I think you are 100% dead on about respect. We can all co-exist happily on the same ship. :D

[beachchick]

I agree with everything you said except to the first line above that says RCCL "does not market to kids". That's not correct. They most certainly do. I might realize it more because my kids are still young but the Freedom Nick cruise is on TV (Nick Jr and Nick) every day.

 

Each ship is becoming more family friendly with every new innovation.

 

But you are absolutely correct. The ships are not for families only. They are for everyone. I think you are 100% dead on about respect. We can all co-exist happily on the same ship. :D

 

What I was trying to emphasize is contained in the second sentence. I knew the first one would "catch the eye," which is why I clarified specifically in the second sentence and the rest of the paragraph. I considered removing the first sentence, but decided not to because it is a blanket statement that mirrors what some parents (including some members here) write/say: RCI designs, markets to, and is for families. Period. As if all the other groups that RCI designs and markets to aren't important or don't count. I don't like the all-or-nothing approach of either attitude.

 

We certainly do agree on the issue of respect. It's not a hard concept, IMO. I only wish that more people would truly follow it, and I mean all of us not just parents with young kids or adults who think that kids don't belong on cruises.

 

I feel certain that we'd have no problem at all cruising with you and your family because you obviously do respect your fellow cruisers.:)

 

beachchick

[crusinmama06]

I considered removing the first sentence, but decided not to because it is a blanket statement that mirrors what some parents (including some members here) write/say: RCI designs, markets to, and is for families. Period. As if all the other groups that RCI designs and markets to aren't important or don't count. I don't like the all-or-nothing approach of either attitude.

 

I gotcha and agree 100%. RCCL is for everyone, retired emptynesters, honeymooners, friends getaway, etc...you're right, it is not exclusive to families.

[CanadianTwosome]

What I was trying to emphasize is contained in the second sentence. I knew the first one would "catch the eye," which is why I clarified specifically in the second sentence and the rest of the paragraph. I considered removing the first sentence, but decided not to because it is a blanket statement that mirrors what some parents (including some members here) write/say: RCI designs, markets to, and is for families. Period. As if all the other groups that RCI designs and markets to aren't important or don't count. I don't like the all-or-nothing approach of either attitude.

 

We certainly do agree on the issue of respect. It's not a hard concept, IMO. I only wish that more people would truly follow it, and I mean all of us not just parents with young kids or adults who think that kids don't belong on cruises.

 

I feel certain that we'd have no problem at all cruising with you and your family because you obviously do respect your fellow cruisers.:)

 

beachchick

 

Aretha Franklin, baby!! RESPECT!! If only everyone respected themselves and others at all times, the world would be a much more stress free place!!

 

I just thought I'd answer your earlier query about what makes breast feeding so bad, also... you see, it involves a breast. Yes, I said it. Breast, breast, breast!! Oooh, I feel so dirty! :p Since many North Americans have forgotten that a breast is designed for the purpose of suckling our young and see it only as something sexual, exposing it, even when actually covered, is considered inappropriate. Even though nursing mothers rarely truly expose themselves (blankets over their shoulder, etc.), people who see them KNOW that their breast is out of it's bindings and are mortified. It's all rather ridiculous, but it's the way it is when anything is perceived as even remotely sexual in nature. :rolleyes:

[celle]

Aretha Franklin, baby!! RESPECT!! If only everyone respected themselves and others at all times, the world would be a much more stress free place!!

 

I just thought I'd answer your earlier query about what makes breast feeding so bad, also... you see, it involves a breast. Yes, I said it. Breast, breast, breast!! Oooh, I feel so dirty! :p Since many North Americans have forgotten that a breast is designed for the purpose of suckling our young and see it only as something sexual, exposing it, even when actually covered, is considered inappropriate. Even though nursing mothers rarely truly expose themselves (blankets over their shoulder, etc.), people who see them KNOW that their breast is out of it's bindings and are mortified. It's all rather ridiculous, but it's the way it is when anything is perceived as even remotely sexual in nature. :rolleyes:

 

And Yay! for breastfeeding! Too bad if anyone is offended by a discreet breastfeeder. That is their problem, not the problem of the mother.

 

I simply cannot think of a better way of feeding a baby on your travels than breastfeeding. No worries about carrying formula (in whatever form), bottles and teats; no worries about sterilising bottles; no worries about making sure the water you use is safe; no worries about the baby catching Norovirus. Breastmilk comes ready-mixed in its own handy containers, and is already heated to the correct temperature :).

 

I was lucky to be able to breastfeed all 3 of my babies. Is that sexy? I don't know. It certainly was very fulfilling.

 

We did travel with our babies, and even took one baby to a hot, mid-summer Australia, with no problems. When he wanted to feed while we were on a scenic train ride, I simply covered him and my chest with a pretty scarf and all was done discreetly. No offense given to anyone, and much more acceptable than a screaming baby!

[beachchick]

Aretha Franklin, baby!! RESPECT!! If only everyone respected themselves and others at all times, the world would be a much more stress free place!!

 

I just thought I'd answer your earlier query about what makes breast feeding so bad, also... you see, it involves a breast. Yes, I said it. Breast, breast, breast!! Oooh, I feel so dirty! :p Since many North Americans have forgotten that a breast is designed for the purpose of suckling our young and see it only as something sexual, exposing it, even when actually covered, is considered inappropriate. Even though nursing mothers rarely truly expose themselves (blankets over their shoulder, etc.), people who see them KNOW that their breast is out of it's bindings and are mortified. It's all rather ridiculous, but it's the way it is when anything is perceived as even remotely sexual in nature. :rolleyes:

 

My eyes, my eyes...I just read a dirty word!:D You are so right about that. Sure, we all know that breasts and sex together are not a bad thing...Heaven knows my DH thinks they're lovely.;) We all also should know that breasts have another "primary function" to nuture our children. In most cases, it's absolutely best for a baby to be nursed for at least 6 months. (There are times when a baby cannot be breast fed, and I do not "fault" the mothers as some people do.)

 

I do think that a mother should be as discrete as possible/reasonable because the other extreme of "Oh no, there's a nursing mother here!" is "I'll whip out my boob and feed my kid wherever I want and the heck with whether it affects others!" For example, I can understand why a grandpa might be uncomfortable if a woman he didn't know who was sitting nearby simply kept her whole breast exposed while feeding. I think that a considerate mom would take those kinds of embarassments into consideration. I remember a story some time back where a nursing mother was sitting in court with her baby. The baby became fussy, so mom started nursing right in the courtroom. No concealment, no attempt to be discrete. Naturally, that was a bit distracting to the proceedings. The judge asked her to go outside the courtroom to nurse, and she was so indignant that you'd have thought he asked her to sell her baby. I think a judge has the right to keep order in a formal courtroom. Sorry, but there are limits to what is acceptable, IMO.

 

beachchick

p.s. to celle:

Breastmilk comes ready-mixed in its own handy containers, and is already heated to the correct temperature.

Perfect!:D

[celle]

I do think that a mother should be as discrete as possible/reasonable because the other extreme of "Oh no, there's a nursing mother here!" is "I'll whip out my boob and feed my kid wherever I want and the heck with whether it affects others!" For example, I can understand why a grandpa might be uncomfortable if a woman he didn't know who was sitting nearby simply kept her whole breast exposed while feeding. I think that a considerate mom would take those kinds of embarassments into consideration. I remember a story some time back where a nursing mother was sitting in court with her baby. The baby became fussy, so mom started nursing right in the courtroom. No concealment, no attempt to be discrete. Naturally, that was a bit distracting to the proceedings. The judge asked her to go outside the courtroom to nurse, and she was so indignant that you'd have thought he asked her to sell her baby. I think a judge has the right to keep order in a formal courtroom. Sorry, but there are limits to what is acceptable, IMO.

 

I do agree with you (and that judge) about being discreet while breastfeeding. I think that is part of being respectful, not only to other people but also to myself.

 

Even in the name of doing what is natural, I would never have exposed my breasts to others while breastfeeding. I would not show my breasts to strangers when not breastfeeding, so why would I want to do it while feeding?

[crusinmama06]

Quick story...

 

my friend in Maryland had to take her infant daughter to the emergency room after hours because she had a kidney infection (she has a genetic condition that makes her prone to these).

 

Anyway, she was sitting in the room breastfeeding the baby and she had a nursing shirt on which made it discreet. The nurse comes past and shuts the door.

 

So her hubby opens the door because it was hot in the room.

 

Another nurse comes by and shuts the door.

 

Hubby reopens it

 

Another nurse shuts it. :eek:

 

She is LIVID.