Would you be uncomfortable with a man in your breastfeeding class?

Question

I have a wonderful husband and he wants to support me in every way possible during and after our pregnancy.....

But....I was told by a friend that him attending the breastfeeding class may make the other women uncomfortable. The person who signed us up for the class said that men do occasionally attend with their partner and she felt it was great for him to sign up as well.

Anyhow...I'm just trying to get a poll of if what my friend thought was true or if my husband attending the class would be peachy with my fellow attendees.

Thanks :)

Answer 1

Having your husband attend is a WONDERFUL idea, as breastfeeding is demanding and much, much more likely to be successful with great support!

Skip this question and bring him! :)  Anyone that has a problem with him being there should politely excuse themselves. He has every right to be there (and should be there), it's his baby too. :)

Answer 2

If it was some random dude who dropped buy and is just lurking around and staring, then yes, I would feel uncomfortable.

If the man is somebody's husband who wants to learn more about what his wife is going to go through and he sits with his wife/girlfriend, I wouldn't feel uncomfortable. Personally, I think it's commendable that he wants to support you.

Answer 3

Hmm, that's a good question! I didn't take a breastfeeding class (wish I would've lol), but I think if I had....I probably wouldn't really be uncomfortable with it, unless the man was staring me down or sitting so close to me that it would be impossible for me NOT to flash him. I think if your hubby makes it clear by his body language and where he keeps his eyes that he is only interested in being there to support and help you, then I think it will be fine. I'm quite sure your husband is not there to ogle other women and I'm sure he will want to make that as clear as possible. Try to pick a seating position on the end (like if you're in a semi-circle or whatever), and have him sit on the outside, so that all he sees is you and no other women. I think it's great that your hubby wants to come along and support you, and if other women have a problem with it, then they need to get a grip. And you know what? He probably will get the occasional flashing from someone, by accident....it happens. Sometimes when you're trying to get the position for nursing just right, you just can't keep everything together, until you've had more practice! Warn him of this, and just tell him to keep his eyes averted during the actual practicing time of the class! During the informational time when every woman is still fully covered, it's fine for him to look around the room like we all do....he shouldn't feel like he has to walk around with his head down like a beaten dog. lol Anyway hope this helps.  Good luck!

Answer 4

No - I wouldn't feel uncomfortable at all so long as he is the partner of someone else attending.  Just having a man drop in to shoot the breeze would be creepy.

Answer 5

No I would not be uncomfortable, and a man attended my first class before I had my first baby.  It is wonderful that your husband wants to attend!  In fact, the lactation specialists were happy to see the fellow there and supporting his wife's choice to nurse their baby.

Answer 6

It is not like the women will be exposing themselves in any way during the class so I don't see it as a big deal. I guess they may be shy to ask questions though.

I see no reason for a man to be there though. Your husband can't help in any way when it comes to breastfeeding. If you want to bring someone with you, bring a sister or friend.

Answer 7

Wouldn't be uncomfortable at all.  He's with someone there...its not like he's a stranger dropping by.  Let him go...he may be more uncomfortable than the women.