Tuesday, October 18th, 2005
Bunched Knickers
Another week has gone by. Fiona is 6 weeks old today. She responds to our talking and cooing by smiling back and making funny shapes with her mouth, as if attempting to talk with us. She loves to interact with us and wants to play all the time. She makes these shouting sounds when she’s been left alone for a little while and is probably wondering where everyone went.
She did not have the 5th week growth spurt that “they” talk about, “they” being the experts and all. At least I did not feel as though she demanded more food than usual. Maybe her growth spurt is just a tad behind “normal” schedule.
Speaking of breastfeeding, boy do I have something to share with you. We went shopping at one of the local malls today (there are tons of malls here, including the huge Mall of Amer!ca) and it was time to feed Fiona. I found the closest bench, sat down, and started minding our own business, all the while doing some people-watching. It’s fascinating to just sit and watch the world go by. Yes I’m that easily entertained. Anyhow, this woman started walking towards us. She is probably in her 70’s, fashioning white hair and a cane. She resembles the friendly neighborhood grandma, except her face looks slightly off / cranky’ish. She ensured eye contact with me and then gestured to a bathroom about 30 feet away and said,
“you know, there’s chairs for you to do that [breastfeeding] in there…”
I just looked at her. Without expressions of any sort.
“you can do that in there… so you won’t feel so ashamed …”
Yes that’s exactly the word she used. ASHAMED. I was so shocked that all I could come up with was “no I’m not ashamed; I’m fine right here…” even said it with a big smile. She walked away seemingly unhappy that she couldn’t convince me to hide in the bathroom while feeding my daughter. How rude. And what a grouch. I should have flashed her with some boob’age or said something more clever, like oh don’t get your knickers in a bunch madam, breastfeeding isn’t taboo and I shouldn’t have to hide in the bathroom just because you have a problem with it! But I’m never the type to have a quick comeback… what a shame. 
All of you have such a way with words. What would you say if someone “suggests” that you need to hide your breastfeeding away from the world? I have a feeling that I should arm myself with clever retorts, as there are probably many more of her type out there.
