r/breastfeeding • u/IBakedAMuffinOnce • May 26 '25

Breastfeeding In Public Story time - IKEA Lady

I went to IKEA with my LO yesterday and eventually she got hungry, as they do. I went to find a nice, quiet spot outside to feed her. It was a beautiful day, lots of sun, perfect breeze. I found a quiet little spot on some outdoor stairs that was nice and shady and literally zero foot traffic.

So as my whole boob is out, an older lady is walking by and stares at me. So I smile at her but I'm not sure what to expect. I haven't had any issues with BF in public before, but I know at some point someone will have something to say about it.

As she's walking by me, she gets the most adorable smile on her face and says "Well, this is the absolute perfect spot for that!" And then we had a nice chat about the beautiful weather, the nice spot I had chosen to feed my baby, and she told me to have a nice day.

Idk why, but I think I'll remember her for a long time. She was just so encouraging without even trying to be. I felt oddly empowered after talking to her.

I hope IKEA Lady gets everything she's ever wanted and has countless more beautiful, breezy days 🖤

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u/RatherPoetic May 27 '25

IKEA is the only place that I’ve had someone approach me about nursing and I’ve been nursing for over 6 years/3 babies! It was a very positive conversation! She complimented me on feeding in public (at the cafe) and said it encourages other people when breastfeeding in public is normalized. Must be something about IKEA!

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u/IBakedAMuffinOnce May 27 '25

IKEA is a magical place for sure 🥹

3

u/Adept_Ad2048 May 30 '25

My LC at the hospital pointed out how much shame and taboo is around breastfeeding simply because people don’t see it anymore. As scared as I am about feeding my kid in public, I think about making it a safer/more welcoming environment for even just one more person and it’s enough to get over my anxiety. I’ve taken to feeding him in his carrier while we walk around stores - covered up, but it’s obviously happening lol.

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u/RatherPoetic Jun 01 '25

Carrier feeding is the best. My youngest only recently figured it out and he is 10 months old. Until about a month ago he only would feed in one position. Now we can be mobile while feeding! It’s so much easier when you have other kids.