How to Breastfeed in Public

More and more women are breastfeeding their babies. Experts agree that breast milk is the perfect food for infants and that mothers should breastfeed exclusively for the first six months if they are able (and it is ok if you are not). Many women still feel uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding in public, but there are laws that protect a breastfeeding mother. Still, if you would rather nurse your baby discreetly, there are a few things you can do.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Many department stores and malls offer lounges or nursing areas in their restrooms. They usually have a comfortable chair and are in out of the way areas. If you are out shopping and need to breastfeed in public, ask an employee of the store if they have one of these rooms.

2. Invest in a nursing cover. This is a great way to breastfeed in public. They are cute, stylish and relatively inexpensive. Some even have fun names like Hooter Hider and Bebe Au Lait. They fasten around your neck and drape over you and your baby, but usually have an opening so you and your little one can see each other. This is the perfect thing for babies who do not like to be totally covered with a blanket while breastfeeding and, thanks to the neck strap, it won't fall off in the middle of a meal while you breastfeed in public.

3. Don't be showy about it. Chances are likely you've seen a mother breastfeed her baby in public, but you never knew it! There are nursing tops that you can buy that have discrete openings in just the right places. If you position your baby just right, people may never know what you are doing! To buy a nursing shirt, just type in nursing shirt into your favorite search engine for a wide variety of stylish nursing gear.

4. Just go for it. Many states have laws to protect mothers who breastfeed in public. To know if your state is included and to know other breastfeeding laws, see resources below.

Resources

• Breastfeeding laws