Comments on: How to Breast-Feed in Public

on 7/12/2008 When I can't find a chair or bench, I like to sit in the car with the A/C or heater on so we're comfortable. Breastfeeding is nothing to be ashamed of. I wish more mom's would nurse in public.

on 12/15/2007 Instead of a blanket to cover baby, while nursing, I use a poncho shawl - much easier and it doesn't call attention to the fact you are nursing. While I agree with the comment, not to nurse in the bathroom, there are many places, like Costco or ToyRUs where families go but there isn't anywhere to sit and take care of your baby if he/she is seriously hungry.

on 11/28/2007 Buy a "hooter hider". Bebe au Lait and Hooter Hiders make pretty nursing covers (http://www.bebeaulait.com/about.html). The cover has a strap to hang the cover over your neck and the fabric is cut in just the right shape to help you nurse discretely. A wire sewn in the top of the cover shapes it so you can look down at your little one while you nurse her. There is also a smart little pocket in which to store your nursing pad.

on 10/26/2007 It it is ironic that we living in societies that recognize the huge health benefits breast feeding has, but accommodations are still not made for mothers.

Great how to/advice. Thanks for sharing.

on 2/16/2006 Rather than buying tops specifically designed for breastfeeding, I find it works out very well to simply wear a shelf bra tank top or cami under my normal shirts. When it's time to feed my baby, I simply get my daughter ready to nurse, lift my shirt, and pull down the tank top so she can latch on. The tank top helps keep my stomach hidden and also prevents drafts in colder weather and air-conditioned buildings. I've also heard of other women buying men's white undershirts and cutting slits in them at breast level, and wearing them under an outer layer, or wearing a tube-top on the stomach below the breasts, to cover the stomach when the outer layer is lifted to nurse.

on 11/22/2005 A shawl with a cut-out for the head makes a great cover-up for nursing. It is much easier to keep on than a blanket - and fashionable right now.

on 11/22/2005 The Burlington Coat Factory in Philadelphia (and probably all the others) offer their display rockers to nursing Moms. One day while shopping in their Baby Store I asked a sales lady where the fitting room was. She asked if I needed it to nurse my baby and when I said 'yes' her response was, "Honey, you just sit right down in one of those rockers and feed your baby". What a relief to be so comfortable and to be treated with such respect!

on 11/22/2005 Not only would you not like to eat in a restroom, it's not healthy for you or your baby to nurse in a restroom. It's very easy to pick up a staph infection or transmit other bacteria to your baby. I got a terrible breast infection after nursing my first baby in a public restroom at a wedding reception (I felt I had no choice.) As careful as I was, I still picked up staph bacteria and was extremely ill within a couple of hours. I didn't get to enjoy the rest of the reception and ended up in the emergency room later that evening. Don't let restaurant or store employees bully you into using the restroom as a feeding station! I always ask them how they would like to be served their meal in the john. They wouldn't be allowed to serve your meal to you there either! Fortunately, most shopping malls and several department stores have separate mother's rooms now. Fitting rooms are a better alternative than the restroom.

on 11/22/2005 There are tons of sling-making websites online, if you don't want to buy one. An easy way to make one is to use a length of lightweight but strong fabric, twist it once, and then sew the ends together. Make several passes to be sure it is secure. Viola! You have a sling. Just put the twist at your shoulder so that your shoulder is supporting the baby, not your neck. The twist gathers the fabric to create the pouch. Measure the length you'll need, then be sure to add a few inches for the seam. This makes a very light and compact sling that can also be used as a blanket for the changing table.

on 11/22/2005 Rich's department stores also have a "Baby Lounge" where you can nurse if you are at a mall.

on 11/22/2005 If you're in a shopping mall that has a Nordstrom, go there to nurse. They have special Mother's Rooms where you can quietly nurse your baby in a comfortable chair. It's much better than a restroom or fitting room.

on 11/22/2005 I threaded a short length of elastic through the hems of 2 receiving blankets and tied the ends together. I can slip it over my head and the blankets completely cover us. Plus they are lightweight so my baby doesn't over heat.

on 11/22/2005 I have found it easier to nurse at a table, rather than a booth, since there isn't always enough room between the booth seat and the table. If only a booth is available, I may nurse in a chair pulled up to the end of the booth.