So today I was in a coffee shop sipping on a mocha, gazing thoughtfully around the room and trying to ignore the fact that my son was wiping jam all over his face.
Whilst scanning my surroundings I noticed a mum holding her baby. It was obvious by the way she was tugging at her top and sticking her hand down her cleavage that she was about to breastfeed her aforementioned child.
Now, I should say at this point: I am all for this. I have absolutely no problem with breastfeeding in public, and I think it should be applauded, and I also think that anyone who gets all snooty about it should stick a hot potato up their bum.
I was thinking this when she noticed me looking at her. There she was, halfway through pulling a boob out of her top, and perhaps slightly taken aback at seeing a grown man staring wistfully in her direction from the other side of the room as he sipped on what looked like a primo mocha with sprinkles and maybe a mint shot if he’s feeling a little effeminate.
I saw her looking at me, because I was looking at her at the time. I also saw the slightly quizzical expression on her face. I didn’t want her to think I was some kind of pervert, and I also didn’t want her to think I was disapproving of her actions, and I also wanted to try and convey (but not in a creepy way) that I admired her for doing a natural thing. And I had a split second to convey all of these feelings in one facial expression. It came out like this.
And then I looked away quickly, and consciously avoided any eye contact for the rest of the time we were in there. What on earth she thought I was thinking, only she knows. But, if her powers of perception were keen, she would have noticed that I was being 60% approving, 30% not disapproving, and 10% definitely not a pervert.
Oh my hat! That is hilarious. I so know what you mean though. Worse for a guy I suppose but I’ve been caught doing exactly the same thing. Sure my face looked similar too.
Hilarious , being a mum and having breastfed 3 babies where and when they wanted I would think she was more concerned with feeding bub than that perv watching her do it!! Lol just kidding really a lot of men would look and smile it’s a beautiful thing I look and smile I love it and I’m not a perv I just love babies and mum and the beautiful energy around them.
Thanks for such a great laugh to start the day! Next time I’m feeding Pickle in public & catch someone looking like this, I’ll not be completely creeped out
Have you ever read Mr Palomar by Italo Calvino? This reminds me of the chapter The Naked Bosom.
You got both me and my husband giggling. I have to admit now I’m no longer breastfeeding, when I see someone doing so, I like to look because it makes me feel all nostalgic and then I feel like I shouldn’t be looking and get into an awful mess… And I’m a girl!!! Must all be quite tricky.
I think the only option is to go for the big thumbs up pose, 2 hands together and both thumbs up. Mums love it.
Haha! That really made me laugh,especially as I know my husband says he kind of does the same thing! But I think his scenario usually results in the coffee being promptly downed and him leaving. lol
V funny post x
He he, loved this. Now I know what to look for in the face of anyone glancing over when I’m feeding Peanut
This made me giggle! I’m a breastfeeding mum and even I get awkward when a breastfeeding mum sees me looking.
i was laughing before I even started to read the post. My husband has the same problem.
Brilliant and so funny!
You’re lucky. Over here, I used to get the dirtiest looks when I would…not like it ever stopped me.
I’d even try to avoid the righteous indignant squad by having a corner booth and discreetly feed my Jellybean, only to have them all crowd around and try to shame me. I’d haul back with a, “Take a quick pic. It’ll last longer! I’ll feed my child where and when he wants.” Even in the hospital I got the looks.
Bravo to you sir for writing about it. I agree with the “Thumbs up” pose for letting them know you support it.