How to Nurse a Newborn in Public
In many parts of the world, nursing in public is as accepted as bottle feeding. In the United States, however, the idea of breast feeding a baby in public is not as widely accepted. Things are changing, though. Many states even have legislation upholding the rights of mothers to nurse their babies in public. If you feel comfortable, there is no reason that you cannot nurse in public. You can learn to breastfeed in public so discreetly, that most people will not even notice. The following guidelines will come in handy the next time you have to nurse your baby.
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Instructions
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Dress properly. If you dress correctly, you will be able to nurse your baby while barely exposing any skin. Wear a button down shirt or special nursing tops.
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Practice before going out in public. Sit in front of a mirror and nurse your baby to see how much skin you actually expose. You will be able to see how to hold your baby so that you are barely exposed.
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Use a blanket or nursing cover and drape it over you and your baby.
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Use a sling. Wearing your baby close can make nursing in public easier. You will be able to eat, shop and walk around while nursing. People will just think that your baby is sleeping.
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Find a private area to nurse while you are out. Find a bench, a spot under a tree or a booth in a restaurant away from others. Turn your body away from everyone until your baby latches on. You can then turn back and be almost completely covered.
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Feed your baby early. Don't wait for your baby to start wailing and crying before you feed her. A crying baby will attract more attention to you while you are trying to nurse.
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Be comfortable with your rights. Breastfeeding in public is not illegal anywhere (except in a moving vehicle). Breastfeeding in public is not illegal even in states that do not have special legislation for nursing mothers.
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Tips & Warnings
If you wear a button down top, when you nurse, unbutton it from the bottom up. This will expose less skin.
The first few times you nurse in public, have your husband or friend keep an eye on you to let you know how much skin you are showing.
Many public places have special areas set aside for nursing mothers.
If someone is staring at you while you are nursing, return there gaze without backing down. This will usually encourage the person to look away.
After practicing and giving it a try, if nursing your baby in public does not feel comfortable for you, do not force yourself to do something that does not feel right for you.
When using a blanket or nursing cover, be sure not to cover your baby completely. She needs fresh air and needs to breath freely.
