How to Nurse in Public

Nursing your baby is a very emotional and private experience. Nursing in public is an even greater challenge for some women. We can't control when a baby will be hungry, so nursing in public may be a necessity. There is often embarrassment for the nursing mother, those around her or both. However, there are few things you can do to make this time a bit easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Blanket or nursing wrap

1. Carry a covering with you. Whether you use a blanket, nursing wrap or burp cloth, having something to cover you may make it easier for you to remain covered. If you have a little more experience with nursing, you may not need these as you may have perfected the art of using your own shirt to keep yourself covered.
2. Find a comfortable and private place to sit. If there are benches or chairs nearby, use those. If you can't find a place and the floor won't do, you can relocate to your car or a bathroom stall if you wish. While not ideal, a bathroom stall may also be great if you are just learning to nurse or have a child that refuses to be covered.
3. Turn your body away from crowds as you attach your baby to provide a little more privacy. You can remain turned if you like, or turn back towards the group after you have adjusted your clothing to ensure modesty.
4. Remain calm and smile. If you are stressed, your baby will sense it making it harder to latch and stay latched. If you remain calm and smile as if what you are doing is normal, others may pick up on it and stare less or give less repulsed looks. Sadly, some people feel nursing is disgusting, but if you remain confident they may leave you alone about it.
5. Know your rights. Nursing in public is freedom we have that is also protected by law. You cannot be arrested or asked to leave a public place because you are nursing. If approached about it, just smile and say that you know your rights and that you are perfectly comfortable, thank you. It should stop the comments and you can go back to your day.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have someone with you and are afraid of showing too much, ask your partner to act as a wall, or hold up a blanket between you and others so you can attend to the baby a little more easily.
• <br>Check your states laws about nursing. Some states offer more protection than others.