More on Nursing in Public

I have realized and integrated something important in my conciousness while NIP.

If someone has a psychological disorder towards breastfeeding, whether they acquired it in childhood or as an adult, that is simply not my problem. 

If they are struggling with this disorder, and they want my help, I will be happy to supply them with information, and answer any questions.  However, as a mother, my baby's needs are going to come first.  Period.  I have to put my baby's need to nurse as being more important than your psychological disorder.  And I do not apologize for that.  I don't think apologies are necessary.  It is just a statement of fact - I think my baby is more important than you.  Big surprise there.
Just as if you were struggling with alcoholism, ocd, bipolar, depression, etc., I would be willing to be a listening ear, but I am not going to let your disorder interfere with me raising and helping my baby.

*PS.  My husband wants me to mention that we were at a conference this weekend with mostly attachment parents, and no man acted like some sort of unthinking animal towards NIP.  We nursing ladies found it incredibly refreshing not to get ANY looks at all - covered or uncovered.  We were able to be in small group discussions (with men) and everyone just acted like it was Normal.  It was an incredibly freeing and wonderful situation.  A lot of older ladies actually smiled at us with approval.  We nursed wherever and whenever, when walking and sitting, while eating and by the pool. 
Great conference by the way - highly recommend it - incredibly friendly people. :)
www.rethinkingeverything.net

Oh, another great post I read the other day on NIP:

The Leaky B@@b: My response to all the stupid comments I've never received

leakyboob.blogspot.com

Oh, And 

Please remember that it is always a Cultural bias/prejudice to think
breastfeeding past 1 is abnormal. If you think this way, you need to
really think about your attitude/prejudice and maybe do some research.
The baby has no idea that the culture s/he was born into has a bias
against extended breastfeeding. Scientists and anthropologists have
proven that babies and toddlers NEED breastmilk - optimally the minimum
is two years of age and the maximum is usually 7 or 8. Those are the
FACTS, not opinion, not bias. Worldwide, the average weaning age is 4
years old. The baby can not help that s/he is born into a society that
is prejudiced against breastfeeding - the baby just needs what s/he
needs. Like racism and other prejudices, educated people need to help
American society to realize that "extended" (full term) breastfeeding is Normal,
Necessary, and is best for the health of the baby. Optimally, at 2
years of age, the ratio of breastmilk to solids SHOULD be 75/25 to
50/50.   If you are extended breastfeeding, there is NO need to give
cow's milk - Breastmilk is way superior to cow's milk.

*In the second year (12-23 months), 15 oz of breastmilk provides:
29% of energy requirements 43% of protein requirements
36% of calcium requirements 75% of vitamin A
requirements 76% of folate requirements
94% of vitamin B12 requirements 60% of vitamin C
requirements-- Dewey 2001