lactating wonderwoman

Now that I'm nearly a month into this whole motherhood thing I like to think that Oliver and I have a routine down. Primarily this consists of: feed, change diaper, sleep, and then the routine continues on again. It amazes me how demanding this little person is, and I have to admire that the kid knows EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTS AND WHEN HE WANTS IT!

I have made several attempts to venture into public, which can be very challenging when it comes to the breastfeeding thing. Nate and I would do short little trips with Oliver during his first two weeks with us. We would go to the mall, or Babies 'R US. Maybe venture to a coffee shop (really to show off our bundle of joy to passerbyers). All short trips so I never had to really feed outside of the comfort of home.

Unfortunately, one trip to the mall left me sitting in the Nordstrom bathroom the entire time...nursing. Here, I learned many, many things. I've always prided myself in being somewhat bashful and modest, but I have begun to feel like my breasts are no longer my own...they are Oliver's. And well, I got to the point in that Nordstrom's bathroom that whoever doesn't look away in the nick of time, will get a free show..and I didn't care. After some of the looks I got, this lead me to buying a "Hooter Hider." For those of you who don't know, this is a cheap piece of fabric that you drape over yourself, and is sold for a ridiculous amount of money.

Here are a few of the other things I have figured out in my breastfeeding adventures:
1. Don't wear a dress while nursing. This leaves you with an awkward decision- lift up the dress, or take down the front- issue. There is no point in being cute anymore,Kerri, you are a mom.
2. Pay attention to the color of top you wear. Black is the best color I have found, in case the unfortunate event of "leakage" occurs,(kinda embarrassing). If you forget, always keep a bottle of water with you and "accidentally" dump it on yourself.
3. Realize that kids want to watch you and know what you are doing under that Hooter Hider. Especially when your child gulps and squeaks frequently while nursing.
4. Bring a change of clothes for yourself as well as your child, in case they spit up before you have a chance to put a burp cloth down.

Another thing I find interesting is the general public's desire to ask you a bunch of personal questions about breastfeeding. On one occasion, Nate and I were able to get away for some healthy Tex Mex. We sat outside and enjoyed the fresh air. My interaction with the male owner of the restaurant went as followed.

Owner-"Oh what a cute baby, are you breastfeeding?"
Me-(trying not to look too surprised at the sudden question) "Um, yes."
Owner- "How long are you planning on doing that? 6 months, 1 year?"
Me-"I would like to for at least a year."
Owner-"Do you work?"
Me-"Yes, but I have a few months off."
Owner-"Well, are you milking? It is really important for you to be milking if you are going to be working."
(Note: As he used the term "milking" he decided to make a hand gesture as if to grab an invisible pair of breasts in front of him and squeeze.)
Me- At this time I tried not to make any eye contact with Nate, because I knew I would jump into a nervous laughter. I simply nodded, and thanked the owner for the advice.

Well, at least he supports breastfeeding, and "milking." Geesh, it's hard not to feel like a milking cow these days :)