Breastfeeding has been accepted in the United States as being healthful for both infant and mother. However, breastfeeding at a wedding can elicit a spectrum of responses. Some people might be charmed by the sight, others will commend it as a practical way to keep the baby from crying, while others might be shocked and offended. When and where to breastfeed can become a dance between your baby's needs and social expectations.
Age of the Child
The age of the child makes a difference in how acceptable viewers find nursing in public. Infants are less likely to elicit comments from viewers. Babies who are older than 6 months are more likely to be eating other foods, which creates an alternative to offering breast milk to satisfy hunger or to occupy their attention. In many cases, viewers find the sight of a nursing infant more acceptable than the sight of a nursing child who is close to becoming a toddler.
Style of the Wedding
The type of wedding, the location, the number of guests and their relationship to each other make a difference as to whether nursing a child during the ceremony would be acceptable. If the wedding is a small, family affair, it is unlikely that nursing a fussy baby would cause comment. If the ceremony is more formal, the nursing mom might want to sit in a location that will let her slip away to take care of her baby. According to the Emily Post website, a wedding guest's job is to be present, discreet and to help keep the focus on the bride and groom.
Nursing Gracefully
Nursing an infant in a crowd can be done without drawing attention to yourself. Clothing that allows the mom to discreetly uncover only the portion the baby needs can help with this, as can attractive nursing bibs or throws that can be tucked over the baby and mother. It helps to practice nursing modestly at home so that you can meet your baby's needs easily, in a way that neither embarrasses you or draws attention to your actions. In many cases, if you don't make a big deal out of this natural act, neither will other people.
Be Sensitive to the Setting
No single answer covers whether it is acceptable to nurse your baby at a wedding. A good rule of thumb is that the guests at small, intimate weddings are more likely to accept the practice than those at large, formal ones. However, if is it just the family, and you are aware that great-aunt Augusta will be upset, then you might make plans to avoid offending her. By the same token, you are less likely to be noticed in a large crowd than in a small group. It pays to know the audience before breastfeeding in public.
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