AITA For tossing a blanket over my BILs head when he said he didnt want to see my baby nurse?

At a lively family birthday dinner, a sleep-deprived new mom was just trying to feed her nine-week-old baby. But when her brother-in-law griped about her breastfeeding, she didn’t just sit there—she lobbed a blanket over his head with Olympic-level flair. The restaurant erupted in laughter, but the mood soured fast.

Was her sassy move a stroke of genius or a step too far? The blanket toss landed in her BIL’s food, sparking family drama and a Reddit debate about nursing rights and petty revenge. Let’s unpack this deliciously chaotic tale.

‘AITA For tossing a blanket over my BILs head when he said he didnt want to see my baby nurse?’

My wife and I had our second baby two months ago (nine weeks) and as with our first I am breastfeeding. The first time round my family were meh about me nursing. I was much more conservative and covered up, until we had a dangerous situation where my daughter overheated and breathed milk in. Very scary, she's fine now, though.

Anyway, this time around I have warded off all types of covers. I am boob free and my daughter has a much easier time nursing. My family formula feed, so this is all new for them. My brother in law is less happy with my recent confidence. We all got invited out for my dads birthday dinner, and obviously I took my little ones with me.

While there my baby got hungry and I fed her, as one does. Afterwards my BIL mentioned how 'things like that' make him uncomfortable, and asked if I'd cover up if baby nursed while eating. I told him no, and we ordered. Food got there and she got hungry again, so I popped a lady out to feed her, yknow. He made another comment about not wanting to see a boob while he was eating.

I was pretty annoyed and so I apologised with a smile and said something along the lines of, 'Sorry, I'll just get this covered for you,' and flung the blanket I had on my lap over his head. I'm still proud of myself for managing it tbh. Even if it was an a**hole move, it was a damn good throw.

A few people outside our family started laughing, and in his flurry to get it off, dropped it into his meal and had to reorder, so we all ate while he had to wait for his food again. I made things pretty tense, but no one mentioned it again. Afterwards my dad told me I was immature and he wouldnt be inviting me to a family meal again if that was how I was going to act.

Following that everyone is upset, some even going as far as to call me a bad mother because I was petty. I personally am not super sure I was in the wrong, as my wife nor anyone we've told thinks so, but they all tend to be quite nice to me post baby due to hormones.

I also cant tell if its my hormones making me feel like a s**tty person. Obviously I feel bad about making him wait for his food, but that wasnt directly my fault? He was pretty humiliated with people laughing at him as well, but I do kind of feel it was deserved.. AITA?

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This blanket-tossing saga is a masterclass in standing up for oneself with a side of humor. The mom’s refusal to cover up while breastfeeding reflects a growing confidence in her rights, but her BIL’s discomfort highlights a common tension. Her playful retaliation, while epic, stirred the family pot.

Dr. Leana Wen, a public health expert, states, “Breastfeeding in public is a protected right in most places, and shaming mothers perpetuates stigma” (source: CNN Health). Data shows 84% of Americans support public breastfeeding, yet discomfort persists, often rooted in cultural norms (source: CDC). The BIL’s request reflects this unease, but his insistence crossed into controlling territory.

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The mom’s blanket toss, while cheeky, diffused tension with humor rather than confrontation. Still, it embarrassed her BIL, escalating family friction. Dr. Wen suggests educating family about breastfeeding benefits to bridge gaps. The mom could calmly explain her stance, while the BIL might benefit from redirecting his gaze.

Heres what people had to say to OP:

Reddit roared with applause for the mom’s blanket-throwing bravado, calling it everything from “legendary” to “a baller move.” The community didn’t hold back, slamming the BIL’s attitude and cheering her clapback. Here’s the best of their takes:

JetItTogether - NTA-. You offered him the covering he requested. I'm a Jewish person and could be wrong but conservative christians love some Jesus... And what was that Jesus said about 'if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee' in relationship to seeing a woman's body when you don't want to?

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A blanket seems a far more liberal interpretation than a blinding and very kind. Feel free to offer up the conservative Christian recommendation should they perhaps desire further alternatives.

Graves_Digger - NTA. He can direct his attention where he'd like. If he doesn't want to see a miniscule flash of titty, he can avert his eyes. He doesn't get to infringe upon your rights because he can't handle himself.. Also that is a legendary move that I as a breastfeeding mom, have only dreamt of doing.

mrs_spanner - Haha, absolutely NTA and I am laughing picturing this. Also, how dare your Dad call you the immature one when your BIL has the mentality of a teenage boy?

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CrystalQueen3000 - This is golden! Have my poor mans award 🥇. NTA. I’m sick of ultra sensitive AHs shaming breastfeeding. That you managed to humiliate him is just a juicy bonus.

[Reddit User] - NTA, as a new mum myself (even though I’m bottle feeding) he can grow up. If he doesn’t want to see boobs he can look away. I guarantee he won’t like to hear a hungry baby crying more than seeing a boob.

MonPanda - NTA loool this was great. Absolute baller move a

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toofat2serve - NTA. He didn't want to see, so you solved the problem for him.. I think it was a rather lighthearted and kind way to clue him into his misogamy.

BuryMeInPitaChips - NTA Were you sitting directly across from him and was he wearing a neck brace that prevents him from turning his head?

insomniac-ack - NTA and great throw! I have a few shirts from The Little Milk Bar that say things like 'Mind Your Own Tits' to help drive the message home for people who care to comment on my breastfeeding habits.

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Partyofoneopinion - NTA. If he can’t stand to watch a mother feeding her baby, you helped him. In a baddie way. Blankets off to you!! And please remind the people in your family that they wouldn’t bat an eye when they watch Nat Geo. We’re all mammals. They should get a foken grip

These Reddit gems are as bold as the mom’s throw, but do they miss the nuance?

This breastfeeding showdown proves a well-aimed blanket can speak louder than words. The mom’s witty retort defended her rights, but it left family ties tangled. A calmer chat might’ve eased the tension, but her point was made. Have you ever faced judgment for a natural choice like breastfeeding? What would you do if someone tried to shame you at a family dinner? Toss your thoughts into the comments!

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