How to Breast-Feed in Public

Many new mothers are uncomfortable about breast-feeding in public, but all babies need to eat when they're hungry, and a crying baby is much more noticeable than a nursing baby. Here's how to nurse your baby discreetly, anytime, anywhere.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby Bibs
• Baby Slings
• Burp Cloths
• Nursing Bras
• Nursing Shirts
• Strollers
• Nursing Necklaces

1. Plan ahead. If you know you will be going out for a few hours, consider how and where you plan to nurse.

2. Nurse your baby right before you leave home to give yourself as long as possible before she gets hungry again.

3. Wear easy-access clothes. There are many types of nursing garments on the market, most of them involving slits and openings hidden in a shirt or dress. You can also just pull up or unbutton a regular shirt.

4. Find a comfortable bench or chair if you are in a store or mall. If there are no chairs, ask if you can nurse in a fitting room.

5. Try to nurse your baby before she gets very hungry. This may mean that she will nurse more calmly, without drawing extra attention or pulling at your clothes.

6. Consider wearing a nursing necklace - a string of large, colorful, nontoxic beads that your baby can play with, rather than pulling up your shirt with her free hand. Otherwise, carry a small toy to occupy her hands while she nurses.

7. Drape a light shirt or jacket over your shoulders rather than covering yourself up with blankets. Blankets just draw attention to the fact that you are nursing, and can overheat your baby.

8. Nurse your baby in a sling - just draw up the padded rail to cover yourself and your baby, turn her body toward you, and you're ready to go.

9. Forgo the public restroom as a nursing option. After all, would you want to eat your lunch in a restroom?

10. Be discreet, but be proud. You are meeting your baby's needs in one of the best possible ways, and you have nothing to be ashamed of.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a stroller or baby carriage with you, lock the wheels and use it as a footrest. This will make you more comfortable and will help to block you from public view.
• A baby can often be temporarily distracted from the urge to nurse if you slip your little finger into her mouth to suck on while you find a calm, comfortable place to sit down.
• Request a booth if you are eating in a restaurant that has them - it's easier to nurse discreetly in a booth than at a table.
• Occasionally, someone may give you a hard time about nursing in public. Don't let that stop you. Legislation that helps breast-feeding mothers is spreading rapidly, and in many countries, states and provinces, it's now the law that women can nurse their babies anywhere they want to. If you are confronted, just explain that your baby is hungry and that you are trying to keep her calm, quiet and happy.

[stonemama]

on 5/11/2009 I have the bebe au lait nursing cover to be very useful to breastfeed anywhere I go. Also, I really like the Milkshirts, especially for babies who do not like to be covered up. Both are SO worth the money!! www.bebeaulait.com www.milkshirt.comAs the other posters said...one you do it once or twice and realize that most people will not be offended, it does get easier. Babies need to eat, and the best thing to do is feed them BEFORE they get upset ( which just draws tons of attention to you anyway)

[changeling]

on 3/9/2009 I used to carry a blanket with me and let me tell you it didn't matter men know when you are breast feeding. I would be on the bus and have to ask for privacy because men will stare. Yes I would replace the word discreet with confidence too.

[madasaspoon]

on 2/6/2009 ...only by the comfort of the mother and her baby.

Look ladies, if your kiddo gets hungry, feed him. It doesn't matter where, it doesn't matter when. It doesn't matter what clothes or bra you wear, it doesn't matter if you have a "cover" or not. No one tells you "how to eat a sandwich in public" - it's sad and absurd that this page even exists...

If you feel uncomfortable, then fine, drape something over your shoulder, but do it for YOU, not for the sake of everyone around you. The sky won't fall if someone catches a glimpse of skin. It used to be risque to flash your ankles. I hope the female nipple is merely the ankle of the future. This puritanical BS belongs firmly in the Victorian era - aren't we more tolerant and open minded now?!

[madasaspoon]

on 2/6/2009 The only problem I have with this article is the term "discreet", which is subjective and generally implies that you should do it in a way that doesn't draw attention to you in case anyone else sees and is offended by it. Everyone else can go hang, it's none of their business, you are doing a healthy and positive thing which is in no way rude, naughty, weird, offensive or shameful in any way. SO why the necessity for "discretion"?

I think it would be better if the word "discreet" were scrapped and replaced with the word "confident". So - if you are nervous about feeding in public, worried about showing too much skin, shy etc. - then here are some simple, useful tips to help you nurse more comfortably. I don't like the implic ation that you this is how you SHOULD breastfeed. Breastfeeding, once established, should be a simple matter, not bound about by arbitrary rules and governed

[not4ureyes2c]

on 11/13/2008 This is great information. I have been breastfeeding my daughter for 8 months now and still can't bring myself to breastfeed in public. I always pump before going to a store or restaurant. I'm a very private person and can't bring myself to talk in front of more than a hand full of people so this may be why I have such trouble. Maybe one day...hopefully
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