Monday, November 16, 2009

Milk's up! The breastfeeding gang sign

It's always nice when I notice a mom nursing in public (challenge those norms!). But, being paranoid, I worry that if someone notices that I'm noticing that she's nursing, she'll interpret it as disapproval. So usually I go for a brief glance and a big smile. But this is a cute idea too: a sign to give props to moms who are out, about, and nursing. You can skip to around 3:10 to see the sign in action:



Would you use it? I'm going to wait for it to become more widespread before I spring it on anyone, but I think it's a really nice concept.

6 comments:

Dou-la-la said...

Funny, Lily already does the "Milk's Up" all on her own!

Love it.

Jessica said...

I'm not sure if I would but I shared the link here on The Leaky B@@b blog to see what my readers think too. My toddler signs milk that way, it could get confusing for some, lol! In a way I like the idea of a sign but I also think a smile and nod communicates so much more without requiring an explanation. Plus, since that is already a universal sign of encouragement, recognition, and approval, any onlookers that may see already understand that which provides an educational opportunity.

So I'm not sure personally. I'll have to think about it some more.

Amy said...

Very cool! I would totally do that IF I ever saw a mom NIP around here!

TempestBeauty said...

CUTE idea!! Would LOVE it to be widespread, would LOVE to share some support for a nursing momma without being awkward. :)

Hope it spreads!

stvancer said...

Yeah, uhh... if you want it to not be awkward, stick to a smile or a nod. The "Milks Up" sign.... lioos like how a guy... errr... uhhh... yeah

anyway, you will get laughs not only from others who are not familiar with the sign, but also from any guy from 5th grade on up because of what it looks like. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Why not try holding up the M in sign language. You could even fist-bump with the M in sign language, how cool would that be. Better than giving an air-handy.

Anonymous said...

I think that many women who are already uncomfortable may get even more comfortable that people are "noticing" them breastfeed. If you do happen to notice that someone is breastfeeding, a smile would be fine! Please don't do the milk's up sign. I know I would get weirded out.