breastfeeding in public! Does anyone do it w/o a cover ?

Cleaver - posted on 02/23/2013

why is there shame?? because it makes other people uncomfortable even at my in laws when his uncle is there i cover up people put breasts and sex together i love it when i do to places that have rooms for breastfeeding the one at the mall near me the breastfeeding room is nice

Audrey - posted on 02/23/2013

I am the same as Mary. I will happily take my top off in public to breastfeed if it makes things easier.

Christy - posted on 08/12/2010

I actually see woman out to eat w/ blankets over them. i personally have not breastfeed in public. I take my son to the bathroom and sit on the edge of the toilet. or if its night outside, i sit in my back seat w him. I just got my windows tinted for this purpose. I say do what you want.

Rachel - posted on 08/12/2010

I've never used a cover. I make sure to keep covered by wearing two tops or using a blanket, so I don't think it's necessary to use a cover. In my mind, a cover will just draw attention, which you don't need, especially if people give you nasty looks. I usually don't look at people, because my focus is on my daughter. I think this doesn't give anyone the opportunity to look at us funny... and if they do, I don't know about it. :-)

Ashleigh - posted on 08/12/2010

Hi! I have nursed all mine with out a cover.Have you ever tried to eat with a blanket on your head?Its hot right now and I would imagine that its quite suffocating under any type of cover.Also babies tend to want to look at Mommy when they eat.You are allowed to feed your baby whereever you want or need to.Its not wrong,its not gross,its not perverted.You are doing whats right for your baby.And if nothing is hanging out then nobody has any reason to say anything at all except "GOOD FOR YOU!"Keep up the good work.And the more you have to NIP the more comfortable you will be,and most of the time ppl wont even notice that you're doing it.

Connie - posted on 08/12/2010

I have nursed all of my children w and w/o a cover and now nursing our fourth who is a week old, I have never had any comments made to me but then again my husband says that I look intmidating so I guess I don't really worry to much, and besides if people are spending all their time looking at you and making comments they must not have anything better to do.. So nurse your baby how ever you two are the most comfortable and be proud that you can..

Gretchen - posted on 08/11/2010

I totally feel you. My son is 11 mo old and has never liked a cover. So I try to be as discreet as possible. I tried everything and he just does not like anything in his way! I feel its natural and if you dont like it dont look.

Denise - posted on 08/11/2010

If you want to use a cover I recommend the bebe au le. It is like atent it goes around your neck so you don't have to hold it. Also it has apiece that makes it stand outaway from baby, but if you are comfortable nursing without a cover then I say you go girl!

Laura Zoey - posted on 08/11/2010

Melanie, with that atitude of breastfeeding in public, your breastfeeding relationship will be shorter then necessaary, and also more stressed then it should be.
Bottles are far from ideal, and a mom who has working breasts, and is with her baby, shouldnt need to bother with bottles.
many moms dont even own bottles or a pump unless they need to work etc.
If no one breastfeeds in public then the public will never know there are moms breastfeeding!
If no little girl ever sees a mom nursing, she will only experience bottle feeding and so she will naturally think that the only way babies are fed is by bottle.
And if no little boys see moms nursing, they will grow into men who discourage their wives from breastfeeding because they can only picture boobs as play things.
No one must see your breast while you feed your baby, but if some is seen, I bet its far less then you would see at the beach!! by far.
And at the beach, boobs are pure sexuality, while nursing it is pure love and careing.
People NEED to see us nursing, or the formula comapnies WIN!
I would be ashamed to feed with a bottle in public, I wouldnt feel like I wasnt the best mom I could be.
I need to show the world that this is what we are supposed to be doing.
And no one likes to only go out of the house for 1 and a half hours at a time. Babies eat every 2-3 hours for months!
My 16 month old still eats every 3-4 hours (eats meaning Breastmilk).
Id never get to go to the zoo or the mall because he'd need to eat before I get home.
We are mothers, and mothers breastfeed
anytime anywhere
:) :)

Kendra - posted on 08/11/2010

i loved reading alot of these replys !! i am nursing my son and he is 3 1/2 months old an di noticed when we are out in public and i use a cover.. he doesnt stay focused and it is a fussy feeding. but when i dont use one like at home n outside around my yard.. hes fine. so i am ditching the cover. i have a couple tops and a nursing bra and that will be good. i live in MA and i believe we too have laws to protect nursing moms !

Lauren - posted on 08/11/2010

I always breastfeed in public without a cover! Would you want to eat with a blanket over your head??

Adrianne - posted on 08/11/2010

I regularly feed my son in public with out a cover! He just plays with the darn thing and exposes me anyway. If I don't use a cover I can control how much skin is exposed. I have never really gotten any dirty looks either - or maybe I just don't care...

Melanie - posted on 08/11/2010

let me ask you one question, would you leave your boobs bare while walking in the mall? what needs to be covered, should stay covered. you should plan your outings around baby's feeding times, or express your milk and bottle feed in public. that's what I have done with both my boys, and plan to do with my new baby as soon as he is born!!!

Michelle - posted on 08/11/2010

I breast feed with out a cover too. My baby is 8 months and she hates covers. Sometimes I wear 2 shirts. The one unders is like a tank top with a v neck. That way I can go "over" the top of it. So when I pull the first one up the second one stays down and no one can see my stomach. It hides a lot. I'm very large chested so it's easy for my to pull the "goods" over a v neck tank. When it's time for your baby to eat you have to feed! Even with out a cover.

Ola - posted on 08/11/2010

lol. Hey I feel you!!
Don't worry about the looks, your baby has to eat! and aslong as nothing showing, you're good.
I have only bf w/o a cover when im sitting down. But when Im out and she is hungry (when walking around) I will feed her and put a receiving around and if she get hot I pull the blanket up so her head is out and gets some air

M - posted on 08/11/2010

My Baby is 12 months old, a loose T-shirt helps a lots I have been feeding her everywhere and have not had many stares and most people dont even notice and if they do they feel embarrassed for staring so they just pretend they didnt lol.

Sarah - posted on 08/11/2010

when i was bf my daughter (it only worked for the both of us for about a month or two since she preferred the bottle) i was extremely shy bf in public cause of the looks i got. but now that im not doing it anymore i really wish i was more confident in giving my baby the verry best i could. breastfeeding is NOT something you should hide. it the most loving, and tender way to connect with your baby. and it should be more widely excepted with all ages groups. hold your head high, your baby deserves it =]

Heather - posted on 08/10/2010

Other people just feel uncomfortable about it, that's why they give you dirty looks. If they don't like it, they don't have to look. It's a completely natual thing to do, and you have every right to do it. I do it. Go for it and just ignore everyone else. Your daughter has to eat when she needs to eat, no matter where you are or what you're doing.

Hermin - posted on 08/10/2010

Try to nurse with a baby sling.. it is a good way to carry your baby while you're nursing, without the baby feeling hot, or feel the fussy of being covered, you just need to cover your breast without covering him.. see on the youtube to see what I mean..



I sell them also... take a look at my collection

http://marissababyshop.multiply.com/phot...

Brandy - posted on 08/10/2010

I don't personally but it's for my own comfort not anybody else's. Do it if you're comfortable.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/10082010/74/b...

Candy - posted on 08/10/2010

I don't use a cover.. My son would never let me.. He didn't like it, and would yank on it and pull it up so there was never any use in one. Plus, it was pretty hard to keep track of it. It would get taken out the diaper bag, or get loose in the car. I'm not sure how.. So i just wear a large shirt, not massive but big enough that I can fit his head under.

Maggie - posted on 08/10/2010

i have never used a cover and my 15 month old still nurses on occassion. if people don't like it, they don't need to be looking.

Anita - posted on 08/10/2010

i never use a cover and yip i get the ugly looks but i just give that look straight back... uv gotta feed yah baby no mater what so hu cares i say

Kara - posted on 08/10/2010

My son is 3 1/2 and our second is on the way. I NEVER used a cover in public with my son and I don't intend to with the new baby. It can difficult enough to balance and manage everything without being blinded by the cover, and the cover prevents baby from being able to look at Mom and bond which is one of the things they love most about nursing!!! DO what you need to do for yourself and your family and screw the idiots that would give you dirty looks. It's their problem, not yours. Just make sure that your state has laws on the books to protect your decision. I know in some states, moms nursing in public can still be ticketed for indecent exposure, covered or not.

Candace - posted on 08/10/2010

i use a cover whenever i feed my son in public. what i think is weird is that we, as women, are made to feel bad if we don't breastfeed, but if we feed in public people look at us as if we are doing something wrong. continue feeding your daughter and don't let the looks bother you, like you ou said its not like you're letting every thing hang out.

Laura Zoey - posted on 08/10/2010

you can always just tell a nay sayer to put a blanket over their hed until your baby finnishes!!
or tell them they can eat in the bathroom if they are so sure its an ok place to eat!

Jessica - posted on 08/10/2010

I do it without a cover. My daughter hate being covered up. The way I see it if someone has problem with it they can get over it. Do they eat in the bathroom?

Bianca - posted on 08/10/2010

YES!! DO it.. it's totally natural - and as long as yoru baby is getting fed and your ok to do it.. go with the flow! I am not breastfeeding anymore but I did til she was 14months and without a cover.. all someone can see is a little more boob shape LOL

Erin - posted on 08/10/2010

I actually am uncomfortable breastfeeding in public without a cover, but that is my personal comfort level. I think you should go with what works for you. I mean, it is nice to take other's feelings into account, but if your kid won't eat well then the heck with others, your first priority is to your child. The other day I had to get over my discomfort and feed uncovered because it was nearly 100 degrees, Annie would have smothered under the lightest of covers. People just had to get over it. That said, I do wish they would provide areas to sit comfortably - and NOT in a bathroom. I can't walk and nurse, I'm so jealous you can!

Lisa - posted on 08/10/2010

Heck you do better than me! my daughter is 8 months old and I dont care where I am, but I have to sit down to feed her.
End of the day I show more flesh at the beach!!!

Lisa - posted on 08/10/2010

I am a mom of four, currently nursing my 7 mo old, w/o a cover. I wear loose shirts that drape around myself so that no back or tummy or boob is showing. worst part is if baby pops off suddenly to look around, or getting him on, most ppl will look away to give you privacy.
I like using a sling to nurse while walking, but when sitting I sometimes have a baby blanket but baby does pull it off. i just use it for getting him latched on. To avoid the dirty looks just look at and coo at your baby. Ignore everyone else.
I've had women come up to me while bf and say "aaaw isn't that just precious." some ppl like to see a nursing baby, since they look so contented. :)

Serena - posted on 08/10/2010

I didn't use a cover either. I live in Texas and it was just too hot most of the time. I breastfed by baby until he was 10 and a half months old. I never got any dirty looks, but heard another mom telling her young children (maybe 4 and 6) that I was feeding my baby "special" milk so he would grow up strong.

Laura Zoey - posted on 08/10/2010

ive not used a cover for Eric in about 13 months and ive not gotten ONE bad comment or ONE rude stare! the only comment Ive gotten was one woman said to me 'i nursed all my babies past a year too" (Eric was 15months at the time and she went on to say "i was a lll leader too, and I recently have been seing so many moms nursing in public and t warms my heart!"

such a sweetie!

Also I have had 2 elderly women smile at me and one even gave me a thumbs up!!! way too cool :)

I dont look people in the eye while I nurse, often I dont even look up at all. I look at Eric, or I pretend to text on my phone. It helps to act like its the most normal thing ever. People will pick up on your vibes and not flip out on you.

rememeber your rights, and find out your states specific breastfeeding laws and memorize them so you can be confident!

Most states specifically state that even if the nipple is showing its not an offense. and any amount of breast can be exposed and this is fine.

I dont really show any of my breast while feeding, I just pull my shirt around it but I am confident that if someone bugs me I can tell them theyre breaking the law here in WI.

Go on and breastfeed with confidence!

Robyn - posted on 08/10/2010

Covers are so hard! I thought for sure I simply had a problem due to lack of experience since by the time my daughter weaned, we were pros at it, then I had baby #2 and could not do it! Newborns can be so hard to nurse in public. Just be prepared for funny looks, wear clothes that won't make you self-concious, and make eye contact with other adults who are looking at you. I'm not sure if that puts others at ease or in their place. Anyway, I did find success by wearing bella bands then pulling up my shirt to nurse instead of pulling it down. Then it looked like I was wearing a shirt under and noone ever saw my belly fat! The shirt also served like a blanky to hide extra cleavage but didn't upset my babies. Good luck and enjoy this sweet time! Don't let others make you feel bad for doing something so amazing for your baby!

Jodi - posted on 08/10/2010

I went through the same thing. My daughter refused to cooperate using blankets or covers of any kind, she brought more attention to our situation than when I nursed her without one! She's 17 months old and we're still going strong! I wear a tank top under a t-shirt or whatever so that I pull my top shirt up and the tank top down and nothing gets exposed! Good luck!

Darla - posted on 08/10/2010

We have NEVER had success with a cover! You are right about getting hot and frustrated---who wants to eat under a blanket? ;-) Keep doing what you're doing b/c some woman who is nervous about nursing is going to see you and feel encouraged!

Tyasia - posted on 08/10/2010

people need to get oer it, i breastfeed my 15 month old in public (when he wants to) without a cover. i have never used a cover and never will. its not a natsy or inapprooriate thing, next time follow those people around or if your in a resturant after your done bfing if someone gives you a dirty look i would totally go stand beside them and start wispering about howw nasty they looked eating their food. but thats just me. ignore them their stupid. covers are for the ashamed or embarrassed, i for one and not ashamed or embarrassed to nourish my son.

Saskia - posted on 08/10/2010

Hello,
I'm a mom from Holland and i have 4 kids.
I bf them all.
My youngest son is 4 moths en i still bf him.
I always bf in public.
I think it's a natural thing to do.
Don't worry about what other people think.
I think it's a beautiful thing to do.
Good luck!!
Greetings from Holland and sorry if my English isn't verry good.
Saskia

Jennifer - posted on 08/10/2010

I tried using a cover, but my daughter never wanted one on. I figure I don't use one at home and I don't want her feeling as though I'm ashamed just b/c were out in public so I don't bother trying to cover. Plus who wants a cover over them in the summer heat...My daughter is 14 months, still nursing tons and I never worry about bringing something to cover up with. People may look but oh well. They get to eat so why can't my daughter.

Schmoopy - posted on 08/10/2010

I never use a cover. In fact, yesterday, I was on a crowded airplane sitting next to a young college kid. I politely warned him that I would have to BF my baby at takeoff - I didn't want him to feel embarrassed. :)

Sithembile - posted on 08/10/2010

I dnt use it period.. also maybe its more acceptable here in sa. but there is nothing more natural than nurturing a child. those women have their own insecurities and issues around child rearing to deal with its got nothing to do with you. you do what works for you.take care of that baby because she is the only person that matters

Noreen - posted on 08/10/2010

I nurse without a cover all the time. When people give me dirty looks, I just stare at them in their eyes. Maybe thats a little aggresive on my part, but I DO NOT apperciate being judge for giving my baby the best meal possible. My daughter comes first when it comes to her getting what she has to have to survive. With my 2nd son, I learned very quickly that wearing a nursing cover was like having a huge billboard on that said, "I'm breastfeeding." So I found a way to nurse uncovered but in a discreet way. I wear a lot of nursing shirts and if I'm not in a nursing shirt, I wear an under shirt that can be pulled down while my top shirt can be pulled up. I get a lot less dirty looks that way.

Nikkita - posted on 08/09/2010

I did it once before in a Tropical Smoothie. I was waiting for my stuff, and my daughter was QUITE fussy! So, I fed her. The workers looked at me like I was crazy, but I didn't care. I know a girl who breast feeds in church, or anywhere else without a cover & doesn't care. Breast feeding is your right! You don't have to cover yourself!

Ash - posted on 08/09/2010

My daughter is 7 months old and most of the time when I am out in public I don't use the cover. My daughter ends up getting distracted and playing with it or gets too hot. Only time I really use it is when I'm eating at a restaurant and someone at another table has a straight on view of me. I never know if I get looks or not because I don't pay attention to the people around me...and if they do...I really don't care. I'm doing what's best for my daughter and if they have a problem with it they can look the other way....or keep on looking! Either way I still don't care! We have the right to feed our children in public with our without a cover. So if you're comfortable doing it without, then go ahead and do it!

Lilette - posted on 08/09/2010

for me... its ok breastfeeding in public... i have 3 kids all of them are breastfeeding until they reach 3 yrs old...

Diana - posted on 08/09/2010

I have only ever used a scarf to cover my child whilst nursing in freezing temperatures to keep us both warm, or in high winds. I also wear nursing tops by the Swedish company 'Boob' as they allow easy, fast access without ever having to expose your upper chest or your belly.

Connie - posted on 08/09/2010

i tandem feed my two sons--1 yrs and 2 1/2 yo. i whip them out anywhere and everywhere if the boys are hungry and don't think twice. being in apretty conservative town, i expected to get more dirty looks or comments than i actually do. many people are pretty accepting i've found. when i first met my partners grandparents, i'd leave the room and go somewhere else in the house, but they said it wasn't necessary cuz i was doing the right things for my boys and now i have no problem with my boob out at their house and they don't mind either. it's pretty freeing. it's not like i try to show off my chest, but if people don't like it, then they don't have to look. CO has laws protecting bf moms, so i've never had a problem with that either.

Gayle - posted on 08/09/2010

Hello! don't laugh, but it is very common for babies to take the covers off when you are trying to breast feed. My kids would just yank the blanket off. Many times, I would always wear a big t-shirt to cover his mouth and my breast, but not cover his nose. I've breast fed on hayrides, malls, dressing rooms- you name it, i've beast fed there.

Jennifer - posted on 08/09/2010

i breastfed my two yr old up until his first birthday and i'm planning on doing the same with our next. i never used a cover in public because it simply got in the way and it was too hot. i never really paid attention to other people while i was doing it. if they want to give you dirty looks, its them that is in the wrong, they shouldn't be looking in the first place ;) just ignore them and keep doing what you are doing... nothing wrong :)

Kaila - posted on 08/09/2010

Hi i am breastfeeding my 8 month old and i never use a cover. at first i use to but she hated being covered up just like your little. so i stopped doing it. they way i see it is it is more embarrassing to have your child screaming and acting a fool then to just pull your breast out and give them what they want. Good Luck!