Another nursing adventure

By now we really have nursed everywhere. I'm not too concerned about where I nurse, but I do wonder about the thoughts of the people around me. I find it's less awkward to not ask for permission or warn company, since a negative response won't keep us from nursing. Most of the company I keep already knows that we're liable to nurse at any moment, and it usually goes unnoticed.

On our last day in New England, we stopped in New Hampshire to see my cousin and his two kids, a 6 year old daughter and 4 year old son. After an afternoon swim, we all came inside to wind down with some marshmallows, which Bella wanted to wash down with milk. I had already nursed her once without comment and figured this time it would go the same.

And then. And then Eric asked if she was sleeping, so I said, No, she's eating. Of course, then his little girl wants to know what's she's eating, so I correct myself and say, She's drinking milk.

But what's under your shirt?

Nothing, it's just me, she's drinking.

No, but WHAT is under your shirt? (At this point she's trying to look at Bella's mouth to see what in the world she could be drinking and even if it hadn't been five years since I last saw Eric, I still wouldn't know how much anatomy his kids know. Can I possibly put the poor dad in a more awkward position?)

All the adults are giggling away like middle schoolers in a sex-ed class and, oh the poor child, she's getting frustrated, wondering what she's missing out on. I look at my mom, and then Eric, who sighs, takes a deep breath, and puts on his Super Dad cape. I wish I could remember exactly how he explained it, but it was great. He told her that nursing was the reason women have breasts. He explained how some babies drink from bottles, and some drink from boobs. Her mommy had a hard time at the beginning and decided to use a bottle instead.

It was a fantastic explanation and I was proud Eric handled it so well, not to mention it was a great example for me to follow when this comes up again. I don't think I can do the moment justice. It was too funny, and probably even worse from his perspective. I figured angels might start singing and the furry forest animals would start to dance, but instead, his words were followed by, EEEEWWW! I don't want to do that!!

Well, we tried. Luckily, she's got a few years to think on it.