I feel that I recently overcame a big public breastfeeding hurdle. I have previously talked about my reluctance to feed in front of men I know. I have little issue with strangers, but am uncomfortable feeding around those I am close to.
In the recent scorching summer I spent a weekend in London with the family and my brother. London always seems to be a bit hotter than the rest of the country. All the time sitting on sweaty buses didn't help. Understandably, baby girl wanted to feed more than usual. It seemed quite simply cruel to cover her up, even with the lightest of fabrics. So, I fed her uncovered, in front of my big brother.
Now this is even more of a big deal than it may seem. My Dad, who I love dearly and have a great relationship with, has lived abroad since I was about 9. Therefore, despite frequent contact, I was missing a physical male role model. My big brother (10 years older than me) filled the position at once. Sure, we are a typical sibling pair, we tease each other, we jabber on into the night when we are together, we drink together given half the chance. However, for me, there is that aspect of him having been there as a guiding force in my life.
So, given how much my brother means to me, this is a big deal. My brother, characteristically, totally ignored it. So the rest of the weekend I could quench my little girl's thirst without irritating her with more layers. Sometimes being forced into these situations makes you realise just how cool people are.
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