starmom

Does anyone have a sense of how breast feeding-friendly things are in France nowadays? We are leaving in 2 weeks for Paris and will be in France for 3 weeks total. My baby will need to eat, of course, and i'm not one to deny her food, yk? So, i'm just interested in knowing what to expect.

kenderina

I don't think France will be very different to Spain for that matter. I've seen women breast feeding here in cafes even restaurants, it's not the usual thing to see though . Anyway, people is very helpful with that and problably they help you to find a place where you can do it privately, if you wish. I don't think you will have problems

starmom

Thank you. I'm hoping not to be asked to go somewhere "private" though. Since I plan on eating in public, I expect my baby to do the same Glad to know Spain sounds reasonable

WillTravel

I saw a tourist breastfeeding her son on one of the Seine boats. So public breastfeeding does happen . There are relatively few babies out in public in Paris (or most large European cities), so it's hard to say what the general practice is. I wouldn't worry, though.

suze

Generally speaking I feel Europeans tend to mind their own business. That said, I can't recall ever seeing anyone breast feeding in Paris.

FainaAgain

I am a mother of 2 grown-ups. From the breast-feeding days I remember: you must squeeze the leftovers of milk out of your breasts right after the feeding. Are you going to do this in public too, or risk health complications?

Carmen

Hmmm. Faina, I never did that (never even heard of anyone doing that, actually) and never had any problems.

I can't speak specifically to France, but most breast-feeding moms are pretty discreet...so you wouldn't even notice.

FainaAgain

Carmen, my children were both born in Russia, and this is what all the mothers where told to do, so no lumps and no milk volume reduction.

suze

<(gasp)>
<i'm not one to deny her food>
<Since I plan on eating in public I expect my baby to do the same>

I don't understand why you have such a confrontational attitude about this. Since you are obviously determined to breast feed in public regardless of the cultural norm, I'm not sure why you're asking the question here on Fodors.

FainaAgain

Oh, by the way, the babies don't always cry on the planes. I was seated 1 seat apart from a maybe 3-4 months old baby, and his mom breastfed him on take-off and landing, and he didn't make a sound!

Carmen

Well, I guess you learn something new every day.

starmom

Not confrontational at all. Just asking an honest question I haven't been to France in 4yrs and had a 5mo old at the time. This time I am traveling with our 4yo and 1yo (nursling) Just interested to know what to expect. I know, in general, the French do not breast feed past 6 months or so (much like here in America) As for the squeezing bit.... that might be cultural or old information - no disrespect meant by that If you breast feed on demand (not on parent's schedule) one generally has no worries about blocked ducts or low supply.

I asked here on Fodors because you all seem quite well versed on different cultures and their attitudes. I have seen threads asking about what type of shoes to wear to be in fashio, is it ok to wear shorts, etc.

ParadiseLost

FainaAgain: I believe children cry because of the pressure on their eardrums causes pain esp during take-offs and landings.
Adults can just open their mouths very wide or chew gum to equalize the pressure.
I'm guessing this mother had the right idea and that the feeding had the same effect and equalized the pressure?
Regards, Walter

suze

<I know, in general, the French do not breast feed past 6 months or so>

Again starmom, you seem well versed and already know what to expect. No, it will not be common to see other women breast feeding a 1 year old in public in Paris. So what if we say, no it is not OK to breast feed? Would it change your mind or behaviour? I don't think so.

I would suggest simply carry a shawl or sarong, cover up, and do what you plan on doing.

kenderina

Ok but I didn't mean someone asks you to go somewhere "private", I mean if YOU will feel more confortable doing so

cmt

I don't have anything to say based on persoanl experience or observations, but maybe you will find something useful here:

http://www.allaitement-jumeaux.com/e...blic/index.php

Barbara

How often do 1-yr-olds breast feed? By that age aren't they eating solid food and drinking from cups too?

I agree with suze that, from your phrasing, you do sound determined to breast feed your child in public regardless of what anyone thinks, or even whether it's really necessary.

And before you start telling me that I don't understand about breast feeding, I have three children who were all breast fed until over one year of age.

kenderina

Ouchh, one year old ? I haven't read that point...Probably things are different then..maybe someone will look at you.
By the way, I don't have children and I don't know..does it hurt ? I mean, they have teeth...

suze

The difference about this thread and the people who ask about shoes or shorts, is they actually want to know the answer.

You know the answer but don't want to accept it.

LoveItaly

kendrina, that is a good thought LOL!!! You leave for London in a few days don't you? Have a wonderful time.