Occasional and accidental boob flashing pretty much goes with the breastfeeding territory.
At the time, I didn’t really think much of it. Yep, I’m feeding my baby. Yep, my boob is halfway out. And, yep, there’s a pretty good chance you just accidentally saw my nipple.
But looking back, it would appear that I unintentionally flashed A LOT of people during my three and a half years of breastfeeding. So, to all those people who saw my boob and who possibly even got squirted in the face with a wee bit of breast milk, I’m sorry.
Warning: Recent breast sighting in this area
Sure, there were the nurses and the doctors at the hospital who were there to witness my very first awkward flashing while breastfeeding moments. But, let’s face it, they are pretty used to seeing bare breasts. A nip slip here or there is most likely a relief after assisting in childbirth.
There were the mothers at playgroup too. But most were in the same position – awkwardly fiddling with their tops, trying to decide whether to pull their top down or lift it up to allow baby access to breast. And all hoping that baby wouldn’t get a mouthful of milk and spit it up on another mum.
Then there were my parents, in-laws and friends who, again, probably didn’t really care to see my breasts. But, hey, tough titties for them. Come over unannounced and there’s a pretty good chance you’re gonna find me without a top on and an infant attached to my chest.
End of story.
Unintended nip flash in aisle three
But the real apologies for my flashing while breastfeeding troubles go to the strangers who really had no idea what they were in for. Like the FedEx delivery guy, who only wanted to drop off a package. Instead he got greeted with a boob and a crying baby.
Or to the group of teenagers in Target who happened to walk by me at the exact moment my newborn decided she had enough milk, leaving the nipple dangling out and squirting across the aisle.
Or the woman in the airport toilets who was only trying to reapply her lipstick. Instead she found me swollen, engorged and feverishly expressing milk with a pump in the corner. (No, they didn’t have a parenting room there). And yes, traveling without your infant when breastfeeding REQUIRES you to bring a breast pump.
Massive apologies, everyone
Yes, I may have flashed a few people on my breastfeeding journey. But I am not sorry I persevered, through the nipple pain, the public shame and the strange looks.
I am not sorry that I struggled learning how to breastfeed, that I sometimes found it easier to not wear a top at home and that I learned babies often pull off mid feed.
I am not sorry I breastfed my kids in private, in public and in front of strangers.
I’m not sorry for flashing while breastfeeding. I’m just sorry about all the squirting milk.
Looking for more truths about breastfeeding? Have a squizz at these 101 thoughts I have while breastfeeding.
