Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world, but despite this, I know so many women who have experienced problems with it. It definitely doesn't work for everyone and if it were me, I wouldn't beat myself up about it if things were not going to plan.
From where I stand, I feel the main thing is that the baby gets nourishment – whether that's by breast or bottle – it's the woman's choice and what works for them and their situation. In saying that, I guess I am one of the lucky ones, breastfeeding did come naturally and worked for me and each of my five babies for the first 6-8 months.
I didn't really have time to think about the Parisian reaction to breastfeeding when I had my last baby, Max. Luckily, in general, the attitudes were perfectly fine, and if they weren't, I was too busy to even notice!
The difference between feeding in Paris compared to Ireland was that this time, I found myself having to feed on-demand in a few unusual places:
Roland Garros tennis tournament 2014
We left the older four with a babysitter and headed off with the Sextons (Johnny and Laura) for a day out. Max was all snug in the baby sling but when duty called, I found myself having to sit down at the entrance beside where are seats were, to feed him. I noticed more than a few raised eyebrows, but I turned a blind eye – the baby needed feeding, and his lunch came from me! We also had to take turns keeping Max inside, as babies understandably were not allowed courtside. There could be no distractions for Federer after all.
Gridlock Parisian traffic
I know this sounds crazy, but anyone who has ever been in gridlock traffic in Paris will know that it can be exactly that – locked – no movement, not even an inch, for a long, long time. This story definitely breaks the rules of the road, but when my newborn was only a week old, I found myself in traffic while he was screaming for food – the cars weren't moving so my sister just passed him to me for a super-quick top up! I promise it was only for a few short minutes... I felt nearly as bad as Britney Spears.
Walking around Galeries Lafayette
Trying to navigate our way around this enormous department store was anything but relaxing, and then the baby kicked-off, crying for grub – we were really stuck for time, so I had to keep on walking and feed him with a strategically placed scarf. When you have a newborn who needs feeding, there is no time to waste. I do remember a few glances in my direction, but really, nobody seemed to mind and nobody said a word to me which was great and the way it should be for such a natural thing to do.
My other memories of breastfeeding in Paris are a bit of a blur of sleep deprivation and life being so hectic. It's still hectic with five children, but it's definitely easier now that my baby is not so dependent on me anymore. These phases are exactly that, phases, and when it comes down to it, you just get on with whatever is put in front of you and do the best that you can (despite raised eyebrows), to me, that's what parenting is all about.
Jessica O'Gara is a mother of five, wife of retired rugby player Ronan and a primary school teacher. She lives in Paris in a suburb outside the city centre.
Join her for more ramblings on raising a brood in France.
