Tips for Breastfeeding in Public
Because life does not come to a halt once baby is born, nursing mothers must get over the breastfeeding in public hurdle. It should not have to be the daunting task that it seems to be. With some practice a mother can be very discreet at nursing her child wherever she might be.
The first thing that you as an on-the-go mother should do is begin practicing in the privacy of your home once you and baby are settled in. Sit down in front of a mirror and figure out how you are most comfortable positioning baby in a way that you can nurse as discreetly as possible. You’ll find that eventually you’ll become quite adept at holding baby and supporting her head and body to get her latched on without involving too much eye-catching gymnastics. Check out what it looks like in a mirror to see if you have any obvious skin exposed or you can enlist the help of someone you’re comfortable practicing in front of so that he or she can give you pointers. Practice a lot and you eventually won’t have to look at your baby to get her latched on. You’ll be able to get a proper latch even while talking to someone else.
Your nursing wardrobe is very important to breastfeeding in public as well. Billowy tops or stretchy shirts are best. A great staple to have is an array of stretchy tank tops to wear under your outer shirt. There are actual nursing tank tops that involve a clip at the strap to pull the top down but they are pricey, and a simple spandex or stretchy cotton tank does just fine. All you have to do is pull down the top of the tank, pull up your outer shirt and pop baby on. No skin on your torso has to be exposed and most of your breast is covered by baby’s head.
You should not have to cover yourself with a towel in order to remain covered. Most babies don’t like nursing under a blanket or towel anyways. They prefer to keep eye contact with their mothers and it can become quite hot under them. Covers also tend to be a herald to others that you are nursing. Kind of a neon sign “hey look at me, something is going on over here that I’m trying to hide from you- but don’t look!”
This is how I prefer to get my baby latched on without anyone seeing skin: coming prepared with my tank top under my outer shirt I get baby into a good hold to nurse in, then I pull down the top of my tank top, pull up my outer shirt, and then taking the hem of the outer shirt I create a sort of hood by pulling it outwards. I then bring baby up from below underneath the outer shirt to latch on. The outer shirt covers my entire breast up under my baby’s nose.
Investing in a good baby carrier is one key to satisfying your child’s nursing and comfort needs and still being able to get things done. A good mei tai asian-style carrier or a wrap is best for support and coverage purposes. I have nursed my baby countless times walking around the grocery store, the mall, or when traveling and no one has noticed the nursing, just the cute baby! No having to search out a corner or bench- just nurse while you’re walking, and you have two hands to carry things or contain a toddler.
The final important key to successful discreet breastfeeding in public is to not make a scene. Everyone has heard stories from others about women “whipping” it out in public, with everything exposed, or involving a crying baby and a red-faced, practically crying she is so frustrated mother. Try not to let your baby get to the point that she has to cry to nurse. Look for cues that she does want to nurse, like getting fussy, mouthing her hands, and rooting around. Remember that nursing is not just nutritive but is also the best way to comfort your child and help her feel loved and secure.
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