Yesterday I had a dental cleaning. I never used to have a problem going to the dentist, but in the last year, the procedure has become very unpleasant. I’d rather get a Pap smear.
The older kids went to a neighbor’s house, and Mary and I headed to the dentist’s office. Mary wanted to nap…while nestled at my breast. This is a bit tricky, because the dentist’s chair has you lying back almost all the way which is not exactly a good nursing position. My arms were fatigued from holding her up for an hour without any support.
Like many dentist’s offices, they have semi-private chairs. At my feet was a solid wall, and on my other three sides were partition walls with generous openings instead of doors. I had forgotten to bring a blanket to aid in discreet nursing, but I was wearing one of my nursing shirts. The hygienist is a woman, so I wasn’t overly self-conscious about the bit of exposed breast.
The dentist is a woman, a mother of four, and a former breastfeeder herself. She thinks the sight of a nursing baby is sweet. I agree, but…
As I lay there, vulnerable, exposed and with my mouth gaping open, I could hear the dentist behind me. She had sighted Mary and was cooing over the beautiful sight of a mother – me – nursing her child. And then it seemed a crowd gathered, all looking at the beautiful baby at her mother’s breast. It was a bit awkward. Amusing, but awkward.
Reit This Way 
ROFL. That is awfully cute…(Incidentally, I have felt for years that I would rather get a Pap than a dental cleaning, and it’s not like I’m so fond of getting a Pap…)
Just retruned from the dentist. Mouth still numb. Couldn’t agree with you more.So glad Mary is nursing well.Kelly
That’s “returned.” Think my fingers are numb as well.Kelly
SO cute! It couldn’t possibly have been more ackward than when our parish priest walked over to me a couple months ago, rather innocently and sweetly, and proceeded to attempt to lift the blanket I had draped over one shoulder to “see” the baby underneath. God bless him. Everyone sitting at the table gasped and I had to literally grab his hand and say, “Um, Father, the baby’s eating right now”.He only turned three our four shades of red. It’s all good. The baby never knew the difference and I highly doubt our priest will ever attempt lifting a blanket of anyone’s shoulder again. Man OR woman. He is sufficiently terrified of what might lie beneath.
er…aWkward.Apparently my fingers are numb as well.
OH, Michelle, that is pricless! What a good mother you are. I’ve never even attempted to breastfeed in a dentist’s chair!And I just have to add that Nicole’s story has me laughing, as well. Poor priest!
That’s so sweet!I’ve often said I’d rather get a mammogram than go to the dentist, so I totally agree.
OH MY, lol. You won’t forget that blanket again will you? But I’m so glad to hear they were so supportive. Nothing like taking the nursing baby to an appointment and have docs and folks gripe that you dared bring an infant.
That is the best story I’ve ever heard! All of that hard work paid off with breastfeeding. Hooray for you to show the world (not the way you probably really wanted to show the whole world…lol)!
Oh, and I hate the dentist as well. Last time I had a root canal done, and they did such a horrile job that I ended up needing oral surgery to fix the mistake. I’m too scared to go back again.
Oh, and I hate the dentist as well. Last time I had a root canal done, and they did such a horrile job that I ended up needing oral surgery to fix the mistake. I’m too scared to go back again.
Hey, there was more than dental work going on there on that day…little did the dentists and assistants know they were going to witness…dinner and a SHOW! Hahaha, had to say it!So cute to picture that scene!