Save Those Boobs for Daddy

I’ve been amazed at how many baby products have come out since my first son, Cash, was born six years ago. At that time, it already seemed like there was a gadget for every possible scenario that could arise in parenting. My mom of course commented that when my brother and I were babies she didn’t have all these “things” and we slept in a drawer, blah, blah, blah, blah… 

But even she has had to admit that some of the new baby and maternity products that have come out in the ensuing years are fantastic, like the Bumbo seat that props infants as young as six weeks in a sitting position. Sometimes we put Catcher in it and plop him on the dinner table like a centerpiece so that he can feel like he’s really part of the family while we eat. 

My current favorite is the Hooter Hider, a cotton nursing cover that loops around your neck and has an underwire-like ring at the top to allow you to see the baby. They come in a variety of chic colors and styles. Some of the styles are a little loud and may draw more attention than a boob would, but for the most part, they are made of pretty hip fabrics. There are several companies that offer similar products but none have that irresistible name. I found it a little disappointing that the company making Hooter Hiders felt like it should sugar coat the issue and now offers covers for the more reserved mom under the label Bebe Au Lait. 

At first, my husband balked at spending nearly $40 on the contraption because he thought that I could just use a blanket to cover up. But he changed his mind after the blanket kept dropping off, allowing my nipple to pop-out. He now thinks it was money well spent. It isn’t that I have a problem with pulling the boob out in public to feed Catcher. At this point, they are just functional (It doesn’t help that whenever we play Charades, Cash says, “Oh, I know what you are: A COW!). But sometimes it is distracting to be nursing, say during a business meeting. Since Catcher is almost always with me, he’s been to many of those. And I’d rather that the person concentrates on what I’m saying rather than focusing on trying not to stare at my breast.

This past weekend, we went to a coed baby shower. I was sitting in the back of the room when it was time to nurse Catcher. Because a loud band was playing at the front of the room where I had left my stroller, and thus my Hooter Hider, I just pulled down the side of my v-neck shirt and popped Catcher on. As I sat there, my friend Priscilla grabbed one of her relatives for an introduction. After looking down in um, Catcher’s direction for probably 30 seconds, he gasped and said, “Oh my God, I’m so sorry, I was just staring at your boob!!” I wasn’t at all embarrassed and we all laughed. At least he acknowledged it. I’ve got that Hooter Hider for the guys who won’t admit it!

photo credit: www.bebeaulait.com