Babies and children are such a universal thing, that it seems everyone has an opinion. Much of it is well meaning advice, but some is blatant and irresponsible criticism.

Well meaning advice can often be dismissed with a smile, or simply, a  “Thank you, I’ll take that on board”  (Provided you’re well informed enough to sort the good advice from the bad) and you can continue on your merry nursing way - however critiscism, can be more awkward.

Taking the time out to make sure you’re well informed of your breastfeeding rights, and knowing that what you’re doing is right, and good for your child, is the very first step to nursing confidence. There are many fantastic resources on the web - such as www.kellymom.com to help you get informed. 

Breastfeeding rights vary from country to country, but the majority of western countries, have policies and laws in place to protect the nursing mother.  In  Australia, UK and Canda, the nursing mother is allowed to breastfeed her child in public, and her right to do so is protected by law. It is illegal to ask a nursing mother to cover up and or move on.

In the US, breastfeeding laws vary from state to state.

That said, when faced with critisism, of any kind, there are a couple of ways to handle it:

• Ignore it, remembering it’s about THEM, not about You.
• Brush it off with a flippant remark - when asked “When are you going to wean him, he’s looking awfully old” - we reply with “Oh, sometime before he starts college”
• Retort with accurate and factual information (taking into account, with some critics, you’re wasting your breath!)

The key is, to remember that it’s about them. If they’re uncomfortable with your nursing, they’re the ones who ought to look away, or move rooms. You’re the one providing a newly established human being, with the best start to life.

Reaffirm how fantastic you are mentally, look at your beautiful baby, and remember, you’re wonderful!