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Santiago
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Cultural ? re: breast feeding
Younger friends of ours are planning a holiday trip with a 6 month old that is breast fed. They want to know if breast feeding in public (no flesh
showing but it's obvious what's going on) is a OK or not. In all my trips, I can't remember ever seeing a baby being breast fed and I was stumped.
Are the cultural norms different in larger cities than small towns?
If you need to post photos explaining it to me, no need to downsize them.
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bajafam
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When my son was born in 2008 in Baja, I was comforted by the many mother's I saw breastfeeding in public. I know Sirena fed Izaak in public and I
never saw anyone looking uncomfortable about it. I think it's wonderful and your mama friend shouldn't feel ill at ease about it!! Yay for feeding
babies the natural way!!
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DENNIS
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I see the indigenese doing it without concern. Never anyone else. I think there are some social restrictions here that would frown on it.
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bajafam
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much like in the States, people have a tendency to react negatively, when in fact, a breastfeeding mother should be applauded. The mamas I came across
where in the municipal buildings, clinics, and at the park. In my experience in Baja, I nursed my boy when he needed to eat....whether we were in a
restaurant, at Globos, in the park....no one made a fuss or admonished me.
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Paula
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I see it here in Loreto-- no big deal! Actually interesting that in more rural parts of Mexico it is NOT okay wear a bikini on the beach, but
breastfeeding in public is normal and accepted. Kind of the opposite of the US, no?
I htink they'll be fine in both larger cities or small towns, unless there are too many turistas estadounidenses around
edited to add unless-- changes the meaning of the post a bit!
[Edited on 12-5-2011 by Paula]
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DENNIS
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Fifteen years ago here, you couldn't buy a Playboy magazine. Times are for sure changing, but on Mexican time.
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Eli
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Thank goodness that breast feeding is so normal in Mexico. When I breast fed my daughter in public 37 years ago, no one from any walk of life ever
gave me anything but positive energy. I have watched my daughter breast feed both of my grandchildren publicly, again she always received positive
response for doing so, same with her peers.
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Santiago
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Well I'll be jiggered, I guess I have not been very observant. Glad to hear it.
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chumlee57
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I'll be jiggered, the beauty of Mex, I ve seen this as normal behavior throughout all of baja over the years, think about it, this is typical
motherhood, if it is frowned upon in some circles, so be it. Of coarse, a low profile feeeding would be recommended
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DENNIS
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I think we're going to have to go back and define "In public" because I've spent a lot of time on the streets and public places here and have never
seen an instance of breast feeding other than the aforementioned indiginese.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by chumlee57
Of coarse, a low profile feeeding would be recommended
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What??? You mean this won't work??
http://www.suite101.com/view_image.cfm/338786
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chumlee57
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I think I know where you are coming from, indiginese meaning the typical hard working native mexican, maybe living around agriculture in san quitin or
visciano, yes, thats what I am talking about, along with the other " indiginese" women that may be living throughout areas of Baja. Hence, keep things
low profile, nobody really cares. At the Bahia Restuarant in downtown Ensenada, nooo, I really don't think they are talking about that, if so, my bad
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Cypress
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Who the heck would be PO'd at a mother feeding her baby?
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Pescador
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Depends on the setting. At a Baptisim party, the mother went in another area when the baby was hungry, and in get togethers and smaller fiestas, it
is just a natural part of what goes on. At an open gathering, the women usually tend to sit together and talk so it seems pretty natural when one is
feeding. But at a big festival in the town, usually someone goes to a little more private area. It seems to follow its own common sense
determination, and the only time I saw someone actually make a comment was a young Canadian mother who was kinda "in your face if you don't like this
then kiss my ............" but I think everyone got way different vibes from her anyway.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Cypress
Who the heck would be PO'd at a mother feeding her baby? |
Ohhh...I dunno. Maybe the same folks who would object to other natural acts...like taking a dump in a restaurant dining room?
Like I said up above......all this cleavage we see on the TV weather girl is new here. The culture wouldn't allow that only a short time back and
there are still many here who have that mindset today.
Jeeeezo....pretty soon, someone here will turn this into a civil rights issue.
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DENNIS
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This is all Jesse's fault. He would be qualified to give an opinion from a Mexican Culture insider position, but....nooooo. He has to pack up and
leave right when we need him.
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gnukid
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In public here in BCS women put on a shawl of sorts while breastfeeding their children. It's totally normal to feed your baby at the moment they are
hungry to avoid an unhappy and crying baby.
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Heather
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Breast feeding is never a problem in Mexico. They actually do it for much longer than we do. I've seen kids of 2-3 years old, running to their mamas
for the chi-chi.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by gnukid
In public here in BCS women put on a shawl of sorts while breastfeeding their children. It's totally normal to feed your baby at the moment they are
hungry to avoid an unhappy and crying baby. |
OK...we've got "in public" all figuered out, [well....actually, we don't, but] so now we should define which social level sees breast feeding in
public as just part of life.........and please don't be one that is appauled at the mention of a differing social levels in Mexico.
It's my contention that the vast majority of the Mestizo population with even the most basic level of formal education won't be gratifying their
toddler in mixed, unrelated company.
Another thing, Paul....I've never seen or heard an Indian kid cry and I know damn well they could easily, at any moment, find a reason to do that.
.
[Edited on 12-5-2011 by DENNIS]
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bajafam
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"In public" means anywhere NOT in your home. Breastfeeding an infant IS a part of life. Feeding an infant (or a toddler) is NOT gratifying them, it is
FEEDING them. and as far as Dennis' reply about "taking a dump in a restaurant dining room..." obviously that is inappropriate. Bathrooms are for that
purpose, but please, don't ask or expect a nursing mother to feed her child in a restroom.
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