How to Breastfeed in Public

The key to a long-lasting, satisfying breastfeeding experience is learning to breastfeed pretty much anywhere. The physical and emotional health benefits of breastfeeding are incomparable, and yet many mothers give up far too soon, frustrated by the shame and societal pressure to hide in a dirty public bathroom or dressing room every time their baby wants to eat (which can be a dozen or more times a day). Breastfeeding mothers have the right (both legally and morally) to discreetly feed their babies wherever necessary, and it is our responsibility to encourage and support them in this healthy habit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nursing top or covering

1. 

   The World Health Organization (WHO) released this statement regarding Infant and Young Child Nutrition in April 2002:
   
   "Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. As a global public health recommendation, infants should be
   EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFED FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health.
   
   Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for UP TO TWO YEARS OF AGE OR BEYOND."
   
   Wherever you nurse, know that you are doing the best thing you can for your baby's health, and have nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, you should be proud!

2. 

   Choose a comfortable nursing bra that is easy for you to quickly open or close with one hand. Try several different styles, and practice using it while you are still pregnant (don't forget to practice with a nursing pad, too). Consider a nursing sleep bra, because they have no clips or snaps, and are super easy to use. Find the style you like, and stock up on it.

3. 

   Choose your breastfeeding wardrobe. Layering a button-down shirt over a sleevless undershirt is an old standby. Today there are very well-designed nursing tops which enable you to discreetly breastfeed your baby without drawing unnecessary attention or using a covering (especially in warm weather). Once you get the hang of it, most people won't even know what you're doing! It is well worth the investment if it enables you to breastfeed longer and more conveniently. Check Motherhood.com for different styles and openings.

4. 

   Some women feel more comfortable using a receiving blanket or other covering while breastfeeding. There are a few challenges to using a covering, such as not being able to see what you are doing, your baby continually grabbing or pulling on the blanket, or becoming overheated in warm weather. You can find specially-designed nursing covers which slip over your head and help minimize these challenges.

5. 

   Before you sit down to breastfeed, grab an extra nursing pad to replace one which may be full. Put a burp rag or bib under your baby's chin to absorb drips and leaks. Have a bottle of water handy for yourself, because letdown often triggers an extreme feeling of thirst. Try to choose a seat with an arm rest for support, or use a special pillow like Boppy or My Breast Friend, which enable you to sit up straight. Bending over your baby for a 10 or 20-minute nursing session can be straining for your back.

6. 

   Practice breastfeeding at home as if you were out in public. Look forward as if you were in the middle of a conversation, place your baby across your lap, arrange your top, unhook your nursing bra, and put your baby in place. Soon it will become second nature, and you will be able to do it without flashing everyone, and even without looking.

7. 

   If you have latching difficulty or other issues, contact a lactation consultant or your local La Leche League.

Tips & Warnings

• In most countries around the world, breastfeeding in public is a normal and natural occurance which barely earns a second glance. In the US, however, the over-sexualization of breasts and stigma surrounding public nursing has made many mothers feel that it is actually more "proper" and polite to bottle feed. This is simply not true. Your baby has a right to eat wherever anyone else would, and so long as you are trying to be discreet (using a nursing top or cover instead of openly exposing yourself) it is completely proper and appropriate for you to feed your baby wherever it is most convenient. Don't let disparaging glances (especially from the older generation) discourage you. The more women who exercise their right to nurse in public, the sooner public opinion will change.
• No breast pump is as efficient as your baby in getting the maximum amount of milk, especially hindmilk (the nutrient-rich milk at the end of a feeding). Pumping and filling bottles with breastmilk works great if you're going away for awhile, but if baby is going with you, it's far more convenient to learn how to breastfeed in public.
• Worldwide, the average age for weaning is between 2 and 3, and the benefits of extended breastfeeding are many. Don't feel you have to hurry up and wean before you and your baby are ready, regardless of pressure from more squeamish members of society.

Resources

• Breastfeeding.com
• La Leche League International
• Breastfeeding & Parenting Information at KellyMom.com
• Motherhood Nursing Wear
• Hooter Hiders Nursing Covers
• How to Stock Up A Diaper Bag
• How to Support A Postpartum Mommy
• How to Fly With A Baby Or Toddler
• How to Get Breastfeeding Off To A Strong Start
• How to Save Money On Baby Gear

[joni04]

on 5/26/2009 Ah I remember those days, nursing is such a wonderful experience!

[modestmiddles]

on 12/1/2008 checkout www.modestmiddles.com It can help you nurse confidently in public.

[cboone]

on 11/8/2008 Thanks for the great info! I am still bfing after 22 months - it really is the best for baby and mom :)

[Limowreck]

on 7/22/2008 Great info for new moms. Thanks so much! *****

[showpup]

on 7/21/2008 Wonderful article. More women need to become more comfortable with nursing their babies and we all need to support them. Go Moms! :D 5 stars