How to Breastfeed Discreetly in Public

The idea of nursing an infant in public can be a daunting one to a mommy who is new to breastfeeding! In all actuality, it is easier than people might think--and so convenient, too!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your sweet little baby!
• A small to medium sized blanket or a "wrap" or "hot-sling."
• Nursing-wear.

1. To start, invest in a few trendy (and functional!) pieces of nursing wear, available online or in the maternity section of your favorite store. A nursing bra is paramount, preferably one with unsnapping flaps. You've got to be able to latch the baby on without disrobing! Button-up shirts and tank-tops also work well.

2. If using a (baby-wearing) wrap (such as a Moby or Maya wrap) or a hot-sling, read the instructions or watch the DVD enough to get familiar with how it will work. It should have a section devoted to breastfeeding holds and positions. Practice! Your baby will enjoy the bonding that baby-wearing promotes, and so will you. The discretion this handy little item will provide while nursing will be well worth it.

3. Simply cover your upper body with a blanket (or even a jacket!) then cradle your little one close to you, just as you would in the privacy of your own home. (This is where "easy-access" nursing wear really comes in handy!) There are special products--throws, shawls and other items designed for the act of public nursing, but in reality a wrap or blanket works just as well. The beauty of using a sling or wrap is that you can even nurse, hands-free while walking around!

4. Practice! The more you nurse on the go, the easier it will get. And, as a "public nurser" you are performing a service to others, letting people know that it IS acceptable to nurse an infant in public!

Tips & Warnings

• Attend a Le Leche League meeting or contact a lactation consultant/educator who can offer you additional advice on public nursing, or any other breastfeeding issue you may have.
• Be aware of the laws of whatever city, state or country you are in. Some places have outdated laws on the books that might discourage public nursing. Right or wrong, it is important to be abide by the law.
• Your little one will probably not be as modest as you, so be prepared for baby to "pop off" and say hello to the world, possibly "exposing" more of you than you would prefer! That's why having a blanket handy is a good idea!
• Take special care to watch your step, and wear sensible shoes when you get to the point of being able to nurse while walking/standing. You're carrying special cargo!

Resources

• Le Leche League International
• Moby Wrap

[mrsjenkins525]

on 8/4/2009 Okay listen women.... You dont need any kind of cover. Whip out your boob.... and Feed your fussing baby. You dont have to eat under a blanket, and neither should your baby. Breatfeeding is the most beautiful natural thing you can do. If someone is bothered by it, screw them. You are a mother now and if you cant stand up for something as simple as feeding your own baby, you're going to have a lot of problems in life. People nurse all the time here in Jersey in the food court in the mall. No cover or anything.... AND its in a very rich area. No worries.

[modestmiddles]

on 12/1/2008 www.modestmiddles.com has a nursing undershirt/tank that can make nursing in public with or without a sling very easy. You can avoid having to cover your baby's face to keep your body covered and use any shirt in your closet as a nursing shirt

[ZenMommy]

on 11/25/2008 My daughter is kind of the same way--I had to choose clothes that didn't "rest" on her face, but that I "pulled down" instead, so I DO understand what you're saying!

[mindyis20]

on 11/21/2008 my son even as a newborn refused to have anything over his head he always and still keeps pushing the blanket coat or whatever i use off of him. i just always had someone else cover him for me or go to an empty room so i could do it in privacy.