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Breastfeeding in Japan

Japan With Kids - Forums: Health Topics: Breastfeeding in Japan
By Shkopplin on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 6:55 am:

Our family arrived in Japan last week. We have a one-year old that I am still nursing. Is it acceptable to nurse a child in public in Japan? I always use a blanket and am very discreet, but we are from the US where this is a very contentious subject. I have not found anyone yet who can advise me on what is socially acceptable here. Thanks for any help!


By Noahmail on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 8:13 am:

yes just be descreet. also most major departent stores have changing and b. feeding rooms on the same floor as the baby goodsB


By Natalie_l on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 8:45 am:

I once asked at a cafe and they said it was fine with them if it was fine with me. Also, they sell special nursing scarfs/ponchos here that allow you to nurse discreetly, so I figure it must be OK. You can get them in places like Babies R Us and in the maternity sections of some department stores.

I have a friend that breastfeeds with no blanket and everytime I have been out with her we have had no problems (people tend to try and ignore it) but it depends how comfortable you are with this.


By Bluesky on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 10:54 am:

Breastfeeding your baby in public in Japan is not a problem. You don't need to cover up any more than you feel comfortable with. There are nursing rooms in department stores, but most mothers breastfeed in parks, restaurants, on the train, the bus, wherever they go with their baby.

You might like to know there are breastfeeding friendly groups in Japan where you can hang out and make friends, and get advice on everything from breastfeeding challenges to starting solids/weaning.
There is La Leche League, a really great group of supportive mothers, willing to share ideas and tips for life with your breastfeeding baby/toddler, and on life in Tokyo too.
See http://llli.org/Japan.html

Also Little Angels playgroup, twice a month in Setagaya-ku, 4 stops from Shibuya
http://www.blueskytokyo.com/playgroups.html

I am involved in running both groups, and anyone is welcome to contact me for breastfeeding assistance at any time.
Iona Macnab 03-3425-2534
blue.sky@gol.com


By Yuko_k on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 9:23 am:

>You don't need to cover up any more than
> you feel comfortable with.
>(snip)
> most mothers breastfeed in parks, restaurants,
> on the train, the bus, wherever they go with their baby.

Actually, at least in the cities, that doesn't sound practical. Breastfeeding is fully accepted in the presence of other mothers, but in public there are men, teenagers and women that haven't had children and other people who may not feel comfortable with it for one reason or another. As mentioned previously, I would suggest covering up and using nursing rooms as much as possible.

Breastfeeding is encouraged in Japan for the baby's physical and mental health, and there is no reason to be hesitant about it as long as you care about the people around you.


By Pinga on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 10:30 am:

Yuko,

Anyone who would be offended by a baby breastfeeding is not someone any mother should be worried about in the first place. Small minded people are, thankfully rare.

Its perfectly practical to breastfeed in public. There is nothing offensive about a baby breastfeeding!

I breastfed two here. A few times I got comments, which I simply ignored. My baby`s right to breastmilk was far more important than some nasty person.

Please dont worry about breastfeeding here, you have every right to do so, where you want to do it and how.

I personally dont like covers, and nor did my children, they always pulled them off their heads. Especially in the summer weather they got too hot under there if I tried.

Discrete breastfeeding is not difficult. Im sure any mother cares about her baby before other people who may or may not be offended by something which doesnt concern them!


By Meginsapporo on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 11:38 am:

I agree with Pinga. Your priority should be your baby and not the others. I have a 2 years old daughter whom I've breastfed until 15 months and no one ever said anything about feeding her in public. She disliked being coverd up as it gets too hot for her and I stopped using the cover.


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