Sideswipe

Just get used to it, says one Herald reader, who has breastfed her own children in many different situations, including at the library, without public recriminations. Picture / Fotopress

A Reader writes: "I was saddened to read in Thursday's Herald of the experiences of breastfeeding women who have been discriminated against for breastfeeding in public. I think people will get used to this only by seeing it! Here are some of the anywhere, anytime places I have breastfed my babies:

* In a van at Takapuna fleamarket in full view of the passing crowd. An older friend tried to throw a blanket over me and I laughed at him for being old-fashioned.

* Outside the supermarket while supporting my 5-year-old busking with his guitar.

* In the library.

* In cafes, including MacDonald's.

* In Farmers on the display furniture.

* At the table while having Sunday lunch with the in-laws.

* On the beach (out of a bikini).

* In the back seat of the car while my partner was driving and the baby was in her rear-facing carseat (Yes, they do get flexible over time).

* In the wharenui on marae while the mihi (speeches) were going on (and they were very nice about it. Culturally unacceptable? No way).

* At playcentre while talking to the Education Review Office (staff).

People occasionally glance at me while I am doing it but I notice the men always look away again and never make me uncomfortable by ogling.

If anyone ever mooed at me I would probably just laugh anyway! My children have great health, neither of them has ever had antibiotics. They have no allergies and I would recommend breastfeeding publicly to any mum." 

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Peter H. has too much time on his hands. On his website, Star Wars Trader-NZ, he has compiled a detailed guide on "How to make a light sabre from a vacuum cleaner" as part of his website devoted to all things Star Wars. Excellent father/son weekend activity.

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A Sydney woman writes to her antipodean sister: "I buggered my back when I coughed while I was eating a piece of Easter egg. Cecilia thought that was pathetic so I said I would change it to 'I was reaching for my copy of War and Peace which was in front of the celery stick I was eating before I started my Yogilates session and I tripped over the pedal of my exercise bike causing my back to go out.' The truth just doesn't suffice nowadays."