Breastfeeding in public.... PLEASE HELP!

Kathi - posted on 02/09/2011

Use a pin or chip bag clip to pin the blanket to your shirt at the shoulder. A bit bigger blanket might give you more confidence. Nobody knows you are nursing. I used to do it publicly anywhere. It just looked like I was rocking the baby to soothe him. Under the blanket you can easily slip your shirt up for the baby to nurse.

Brenda - posted on 07/10/2010

It takes time but you can do this. Just ease into it. My son refused a bottle so I had no choice. I was a little uncomfortable at first, but what bolstered me was finding a business card sized thing to put in my purse with my state's law on it. Then I felt I could do it because I had the law to back me up. Just use a receiving blanket or a shawl and you'll be good to go!

Alesha - posted on 07/10/2010

you know it really pisses me off to hear that people have the nerve to get upset when a mother is feeding her child in public. MIND YOUR BUSINESS! thats what i say! if people have a problem with it then stop looking and walk away. in most states its illegal to not allow a mother to breastfeed where she pleases...so the public will just have to deal with it. i love to see women nurse in public...i just want to go up to them and give them a big high five for their courage. keep your head held high and feed away. if you get nervous just think of all the people who support your decision...you're doing the right thing for you and your baby and thats all that matters:)

Nicole - posted on 07/10/2010

I wear a tank and a regular top, pulling my breast out of the top of the tank and my bra, belly/sides/back are covered, breast is covered by my daughter and shirt. No one ever has known I was nursing.

Kelsey - posted on 07/10/2010

Don't be paranoid about it! Be PROUD that you are doing the best thing for your baby that you can possibly do! I was a little apprehensive at first as well, but my baby is now 2 months old and and I have no problem. Sometimes I use a receiving blanket tuck it/tie an end around my bra strap and have it drape of your breast and the baby. Yes, people will know what you are doing - just smile and be happy that you are feeding your darling baby!!



Good Luck! You and your baby are the only ones that matter!!

Brenda - posted on 07/09/2010

Personally I dislike nursing covers, they seem to make latching very difficult and draw attention to what you are doing. However, if you want one they don't have to be expensive, you can make your own. Just take any big piece of cloth -a crib flat sheet, or a twin flat sheet would work depending on how big you want it. Then attach ties (if you don't sew use no-sew tape or glue, or even safety pins.) Then attach something rigid to make enough space for you to look down and latch baby (craft wire, coat hanger, whatever)

Another form of nursing cover is just a loop of fabric or two loops like this: http://babybondnursing.com/couture/ or http://babybondnursing.com/couture/ personally I think you just need one loop because your top is going to go the other direction but whatever). Again you don't need to know how to sew just find something that would work or a fabric that doesn't fray when cut.

Or just do the two shirts, one goes up one goes down. As long as one can be pulled down under your breast any two shirts are fine. The one you pull down goes under the other

Or a shirt under a button up top. The shirt goes up, and the unbuttoned shirt on top blocks the side view of your belly. If the under shirt is somewhat baggy it will fall down if your baby unexpectedly unlatches blocking your breast.

Otherwise practice, practice, practice. And try to meet other nursing moms in you area who show you how easy it is to nurse in public!

Sherrie - posted on 07/09/2010

Use a bigger blanket and put a corner under your bra strap to hold it in place. It is hard at first but keep at it and you will learn the tricks to make it work for you. Practice at home so you are more comfortable out in public. Don't be considered w/what ppl think. Be proud of yourself that you are giving your baby the best thing in the world, your milk. You are great for doing that and if someone says something say, "what do you think ppl did before formula?"

Racheal - posted on 07/09/2010

its an acquired art and like everything worth having takes time and patients :)

Racheal - posted on 07/09/2010

i just used a speghetti strap tank top with a bra thingy built in and a tee shirt on top. when my son needs to nurse i pull the tee shirt up(the tank top covers the belly)and once he is latched on i pull part of the shirt down to cover the top of my breast..honestly hunnie in public most people assume he is sleeping since they cant see my aactual breast. but at your house if family and friends are there making you feel uncomfortable just politley ask them to leave or something. im sure most of them wll understand your baby needs to eat! plus if someone says something to you ask them how they would feel if they had to cover up to eat. lol you probably shouldnt say that but thats what i think when someone says something. lol. you really shouldnt give a bottle since he is so young, it could mess up his latch..best of luck

Stevie - posted on 07/09/2010

Do what feels right, nurse your baby wherever whenever and do it with a smile on your face! I cover up if there are men around or I'm in public (try tucking the corner of the blanket under your bra strap) that's what I do and any extra shirt material that's hanging in my babys face. Don't ever be ashamed of feeding your child it is your right. I'm 21 and this is my first baby, I didn't think I would love breastfeeding as much as I do but I nursed him in his sling while walking home from the beach the other day and I will tell you I have never felt more empowered, feminine, beautiful or important than I do while I am nursing my precious baby boy! I'll admit that I'm guilty of being one of those women who thought extended breastfeeding moms were creepy and during pregnancy told myself I would *try* to nurse 6 months, 3 if I hated it. I think I'm going to end up one of those creepy moms I made fun of :D

Angie - posted on 07/09/2010

I completely empathise with you in this situation. With my first I stopped breastfeeding at 5 weeks down to the pure fact of an unsupportive family in law. After I switched her to bottle however I felt really guilty like I had failed as a mother. When I had my son my second baby I said from the start I would be doing it for 6 months at least and then switch to formula. Bad idea as breastfed babies gain weight from breastfeeding first 6 months and lots of it and then switching to formula that also gave him lots of weight the last 6 months of that first year end result was a fat child. 3rd baby girl my dd who is now 4 was breastfed for 21 months only stopping because we both felt it necessary at the time, the right time to do so. When I was feeding her I had it down to a fine art and did not care much for other peoples opinions. I got the idea into my head that my baby needed her lunch and did not care who was watching. If someone else feels offended by you doing it then you should ask them to leave the room not the other way around. I felt I was doing the most natural and the best thing a mother could do for her child giving her the breast start in life. I even bought a badge from ebay to clip to her pram which said Mummy is giving me the breast start in life which acted as a warning this mum may pull her boob out in public at any given time. I feel lucky to live in scotland where there has been a law passed that a mother can breastfeed her child wherever she likes and no one can say a thing about it. I hope you find the courage to continue because you are doing the best thing for your baby :) x

Sheree - posted on 07/09/2010

Hi there, I don't know if anyone said this but my friend told me the best advice she ever got was to go to a movie, and practice there. It is dark and no one can see what you are doing. I had a hard time with NIP but after the first 2 times it just became normal. My husband and I don't like to stay home so I just came to enjoy it. I have not had anyone say anything about it yet. DD is 2.5 months old. I couldn't afford to buy a cover either so I made on out of a crib sheet. I hope this helps! Good luck!!

Shelley-Ann - posted on 07/09/2010

I never liked the idea of nursing in public either. My first didn't breast feed at all, so with the second I was completely new even though everyone esle thought I should be accustomed to it. Anyway, what I found is that the least bit of attention you could draw to yourself, the better. This of course means not asking permission. Sometimes while chatting with friends or interacting with others I would breast feed, and some of them never even noticed! The trick I found was to use loose clothing and a nursing bra. I would use one hand to unhook the cup from under my clothes while holding the baby. Nobody noticed that. Then I would position the baby in the nursing position, lift my top up and put her to the breast with the top slightly covering her mouth. Unless people were looking intently to see what was happening, most people just thought I was cuddling her. I believe it helps to go brave and not feel apologetic for something that is natural and healthy for the baby. Nobody apologizes for bottle feeding, right?

Lequita - posted on 07/09/2010

for one do not beat yourself up. it is ok to feel uncomfortable about exposing your breast in public. i think that you should just do it public one day. i think once you get past that first time you will have more confidence and feel free to nurse your son.

Kate - posted on 07/09/2010

you need to stop thinking about anybody else and what they think as it really doesnt matter. who cares if they know your brest feeding?! it just means they know youre doing whats best for your baby, i always used a big scarf, in a fine material or just a big square of any material from a fabric shop as a cover up, put it over your shoulder, lean on that bit so it cant fall off then arrange the other bit over your breast. it does take practise and you'l get less bothered by anybody seeing after a while...get em out & be proud! lol

Nicole - posted on 07/09/2010

Please do get out there! I have never and will never cover. Remember, by nursing, you are doing right by your child. To be nursed anytime, anywhere is their birthright. maybe this will be encouraging, I love it so ♥ : The Indiscreet Breastfeeding Manifesto


* I will nurse my child anytime, anywhere, no matter who is present or what I am wearing.
* I will bare my breast with pride and confidence.
* I will not apologize for nourishing and nurturing my child.
* I will not smother my child with a napkin or blanket.
* I will smile at everyone around me and ignore rude stares.
* I will know that I am giving my child the perfect infant food from the most efficient, ecological, and economical delivery system.
* I will know that I am giving my child the healthy start that is his or her birthright.
* I will set an example for women and girls, educate the public, dispel breastfeeding myths, desexualize the breast, and make the world a better place, all through the simple act of feeding my child.

Sela - posted on 07/08/2010

Congrats on breastfeeding! I am a single mom of 1, my daughter Leilah is now 5 months old and I have been breastfeeding since the beginning. As Nike says, "Just Do It!" lol.. At least that is what I tell myself. I have a cover, but I never remember to grab it so i just use whatever I have around, usually just a receiving blanket. I just tuck it into my bra strap and lift my shirt.. I wear BF bras under a tank top.. i pull down the tank on the side i'm going to feed then undo my bra.. between the tank covering my belly and my shirt covering most of the breast i really don't show much of anything.. My daughter hates being covered and will usually pull off anything i try to cover her with because she gets hot. i've found that this way i don't get too embarassed if she does pull the blanket off.. I live in a very conservative mormon community in utah and have finally gotten over the awkwardness of NIP.. Its part of life. If people can't accept it, then that's their problem not yours.
Good Luck!
And it def gets easier with time!!

Mary - posted on 07/08/2010

First thing....relax. It is OK. Your feelings are normal, especially at such a young age. If you are uncomfortable you can excuse yourself and go to a more private area to nurse. I applaud you for making the decision to breast feed but if you are self conscious or shy it can be hard. As your baby gets older you may find more techniques to nurse discrete. I never had a problem nursing in public, but my niece always went somewhere private even if she left and went to her car and she managed to breast feed for over a year three times (all three kids). Stick with it, you may find that it will get easier, but if it doesn't just excuse yourself and your baby to the next room etc.
As far as cover ups, you can make them rather simply. You take receiving blankets and you can hand stitch one corner with needle and thread or go to the nearest craft store and buy snaps and you can glue them on one corner. This way they can be thrown over your neck and won't fall down.

Jess - posted on 07/08/2010

I just read a little ways down....ask permission to feed your baby? Please if you are hanging out with people, they are important to you and hopefully care for you and your baby, they will not mind! Or if they do, reevaulate your relationship! You just have to remember you are doing what you feel best for your baby, it comes first. If people are offended they are clueless. So don't worry about it. Maybe you just feel self conscious about breastfeeding in public but maybe no one is even worried about what you are doing. I got an udder cover online, they run specials so I got mine for 5.00. Normally they are 35 dollars which is just crazy! But here is my idea to make an at home udder cover, take a recieving blanket and cut a slit about two inches from the top, leave it attached at both ends, so it makes a long slit, put that part around your neck, instant cover that wont fall off. Good luck and just remember, it is what is best for the baby and don't worry about what anyone else says!

Casandra - posted on 07/07/2010

I got over that quickly it happened because I ran out of milk (as I couldn't pump as much as I wanted to anyway) but I was out longer than usual so I had to feed him, now I wear one of those shelf-top shirts the ones with the elastic band to mimic a bra, over my nursing bra but over a loose fitting shirt, not necessarily a tshirt but a shirt I can comfortably pull far enough over my breast to feel comfortable and still have him feel comfortable. I one time had to feed him while getting communion at service. No biggie.

Marya - posted on 07/07/2010

I was the same way with my first child. It did not help my inlaws treat it as a private thing to. But when I had my daughter I was basiclly like screw it I am not going to miss out on life or conversations jsut becuase they r uncomfortable. I am built that I cant use a coverup they dont make them long or big enough since it takes 2 hands for me to feed due to my size. What i had to do was took 2 receiveing blankets and sewed them together then pined one by where she laid and that way she was covered up but her waste down was uncovered it helped her with the heat. As far as people looking they really dont notice as much as you think. Heck by the tiem i was almost done BF my duahgter i was doidn it on benches at the mall and everything.

Stephanie - posted on 07/07/2010

I'm a mother of four and it's either that i come from back in the holler and don't know any better but i feed my one month old the same way i do my older kids where ever they want to eat. If my son gets hungry in the middle of wal-mart i'm goin' to feed him. God gave women boobs for that reason. Most people don't mind and the others can turn their heads. We don't watch people eat so why should we watch a baby eat it's the same thing

Cinda - posted on 07/07/2010

You don't have to buy a special cover. You can EASILY make your own. They are basically just old-fashioned aprons without the tie around the middle, if you think about it. Ok, so the 1 I got has a metal or plastic tube across the top to bow out the top so you can look down & see your baby w/out mannually pulling out the top. Big deal. Just use an apron with the over-the-neck piece. You could even just SEW something onto some of your recieving blankets to go over your head / around your neck to keep them from falling off.
I also just wear very blousy or button-up-the-front shirts to use to keep myself covered when I go out in public, knowing I may have to nurse. Mostly, I've just continued to wear my maternity shirts for this.
For some, the 1st time can be a little scary or awkward. Once you do it a few times, you'll start to feel more & more comfortable. You'll likely find that most people don't really notice or if they do, most will purposefully not look to try to give you as much privacy as you can while nursing in public. I think most people are more understanding than they are given credit for. I've been nursing my son, IN PUBLIC, for 19 months now & have NEVER had a negative comment or strange stares.
You are making a physically and emotionally healthy choice for both you and your baby. Don't let others make you feel bad, ashamed, embarrassed, or any other negative feeling about it!
I couldn't agree more with the posting from Emmanuelle Abina, "Don't be ashamed of nursing in public! It's people who are disgusted by it or who don't accept it who should be ashamed!"

Leanna - posted on 07/07/2010

Basically, just do it. I used to sit and wait for someone to come up to me and be snippy because I was breastfeeding my son in public. I've done it in the middle Wallmart before because he was hungry. Just keep reminding yourself, it's the most natural and amazing thing we can do. If they have an issue with it, just smile and say "You're jealous". Every male has seen a boob, every person almost has sucked on a boob. For all of us, it is a necessity of life. You'll be fine, drop all the voices in your head. Good luck!

Shannon - posted on 07/07/2010

My son is 13months now and I am proud to say that I successfully nursed him for 9months. You are doing the right thing even if you dont feel good about the situation. You have chosen to bf, everything else doesnt matter. Remember you are doing this for the benifit of your son, not what other people think. It's natural, it's not somthing that is new or innaproprite. Wear two tanktops if you cannot get a wrap. Pull the top tank up over your boob, pull the bottom one down under your boob so all of your body is covered and babies head will do the rest once latched, have a light recieving blankie lightly draped over your shoulder. Who cares really, you are nurishing your baby, everyone else can suck it. (not literally lol)

Dawn - posted on 07/07/2010

First off, congrats on choosing to breastfeed!! Don't beat yourself up for being nervous about it in public though. It's a hard thing to get over. Remind yourself that you are doing what's best for your son. And it has life long benefits for you and him. Some people will just not understand, but you are his momma now, it's your choice to raise him how you see fit.Everyone else will not always agree with your ways, bt that's ok becase he isn't thier child! Think of it as the first of many decisions for him that others may not agree with. My FIL actaully told me a carseat was not neccessary to bring my son home in! While I know he meant well, (he was trying to save us money) I would never have listened to such crazy advice from someone who obviously doesn't know what he's talking about. Look at people who have negative opinions on you breastfeeding the same way. They may mean well in their own heads, but they are horribly misinformed if they do not understand that breastfeeding is the best for babies. Some doctors aren't even that supportive. It's sad. :( Here are a few tricks I have used. First off, if I feel I have to cover my son, I tuck the blanket in my bra strap. It's makes it harder for him to pull, or it to fall. He hates to be covered though and now that he's older he will throw it off him. So now I wear a stretchy undershrit/ tank top under my shirt, that way my top shirt can come up, while I just slide the tank off my shoulder. It leaves a little slit for just my nipple to poke out. Sports bras as well as hoodies make it easier as well. Play around with it. Yes, in some cases people will know, but who cares? You are feeding your son, not flashing someone. Would you let your son sit in a dirty diaper if there was no where to change him private, for fear of someone maybe seeing his boy parts? The world has seen many a boob, and anyone who has problems with the possibility of catching a glimpse of yours is a boob themself. :)

Christina - posted on 07/07/2010

I can't really make any real suggestions about NIP yet because my little one hasn't made his big debut just yet. HOWEVER! I did notice you asked about asking people if they are comfortable with it.

I am from the south and most mom's down here have a pretty straight forward way of things. The easiest way for me to explain to you how my friends, family, and I feel about it is this: It is your child. You have chosen the best possible way to provide him with nutrition. The decision was made by you and others should respect that. It may not be the choice they made for their children but that's why there are so many different types of feeding options available now days. Secondly, your child has the right to eat just as everyone else does. When they ask why you don't pump, the best thing I've ever heard a woman say is, "Pump? How about I give you a fork to eat your soup with."

Do what makes you comfortable. If you feel more comfortable asking ask away! If you feel like you should be able to feed your child as it is your right and his, go on and feed him however is best suited for you and your child.

Just remember, as far as I am concerned there is no WRONG decision. You won't be a bad mother no matter what you decide to regarding breast feeding in public. Hey, as long as you aren't drugging your baby to go out in public I'm cool with whatever you do!! =) Best wishes dear!

Marian - posted on 07/07/2010

oh and never feel that you HAVE to cover up I only ever did for my comfort, and now 13 months later I don't care! it does get easier!! oh and singlet tops under neath are a fantastic way of staying covered up when needing to feed! and yes I also did the club lounge with the pram between me and everyone else - you will work out what feels comfortable to you!!

good luck!!

Jessica - posted on 07/07/2010

hi my name is Jess im 23 years i had my frist baby at 19 i breastfeed him were ever i went to dont feel scared an dont worry about what people think i did for while an i hated my self for i breastfeed him in tall he was around two year my scenod baby is 20 months an i still breastfeed her when ever she wants it i have got comants and looks about feeding her in public yes i have had days were i cry an have both family an freinds think that she to old for it or its wrong to feed her in public but its made me better person because i know that im giving my baby the best thing for them. good luck keep breastfeed haas long has u can

Marian - posted on 07/07/2010

I wasn't able (for whatever reason) able to breastfeed my first born, but I was able to for my second, but even up until he was 6 months and older, I was always aware of my surroundings. I found that I felt more comfortable if I was seated in a full chair and was able to move it with my back to most of the other patrons - whether or not I had a blanket on.

Find clothes that are button ups, were a cardigan style top - that way you can use your clothes to help cover you up, as well as relying on other cloths etc.

Eventually you will become more confident in what you are doing, and WHY you are doing it!!

Good Luck!!

ps. what about asking family to help out and make you a cover up style top/blanket!?

Lisa - posted on 07/07/2010

Try to find some places where you feel comfortable breast feeding and stay near them around feeding time - some shopping centres have breastfeeding rooms, or some disabled toilets are actually OK. I've even used a changing room in H&M!!!

I felt horrible the first time I fed in front of people - I've always been very shy with my body, but feeling as strongly as I did about not bottle feeding I just did it. Everyone is uncomfortable but they deal with it!

Marie - posted on 07/06/2010

Tuck the corner of the receiving blanket in your brastrap on the side that you're breastfeeding! That's what i do and it works great for me :) My BB girl pulls it sometimes but not that often. I used to feel awkard like you the first couple weeks but now i love it and Im so used to it. It takes a while to get a good position and be comfortable and find the right way to tuck the blanket. but that works for me and now im able to just whip out the boob and blanket where ever I go and no one ever notices anything and im not giving anyone a show. And baby doesnt seem to mind.
Give it a try :)

Courtney - posted on 07/06/2010

U know it took me a really long time to get over that too, but the way I thought of it as that is what breasts were made for, (Sorry Dads)Not sex toys, So you shouldn't feel ashamed to do something so natural, The shall really helped me so it was easier so I didn't expose my self to evry one....Good Luck

Erin - posted on 07/06/2010

You are not alone in this..I breastfeed all 3 of my girls and am still breastfeeding my 3rd. And in public I am still hesitant to breastfeed and none of my girls would take a bottle. I solved this by wearing big shirts in public and just sticking them under it. I also use and old sheet that I had a friend hem so it looks nicer, it lets in air and so light that my babies never minded it over us also try tucking in on end into your pants in back that will give you more freedom.

Theresa - posted on 07/06/2010

Wow, some people are so ignorant! No mother should have to make an excuse for feeding her child, I would've done the exact same thing! Everytime I get caught breastfeeding in public, I get smiles and nods because majority of people are starting to realize it's not a nasty thing =]

Kaylea - posted on 07/06/2010

Hey Hun,
I'm 22 with 2 boys, my first i had at 18 and i was so paranoid about feeding in public that i didn't and after 3 weeks of mix feeding my son didn't want to feed from me anymore.
I was so upset with myself that when i had my second son i went shopping and got a few bits for BF. Muslin cloths were the easyest, i tied it to my bra strap to stop it from slipping and it was light enough that he didn't get too hot under it.
The first time was a night mare, it was busy and there didn't seam to be any quiet area anywhere, (it was Xmas) i found a seat in the corner of a cafe and parked the buggy in the way so that no one could see. i dont think anyone noticed thank god. couse i was so worried about someone comming over to glare at me.
After a couple of weeks i did have a snotty stuck up cow come up to me and tell me that i was discusting and that BF was not ment to be done in public, so i just told her to F off and mind her own buisness. everyone looked and stared at her and after she walked off an old lady a couple of tables away came over and said 'good for you.'
i felt so pleased with myself that if i ever have any more children i will do the same.
It gets easyer, you just have to think that it is best for you and your baby that you BF and if anyone dont like it then stuff them!!
I hope you find the courage to BF in public. the more people do BF, the more it will be accepted. and thats what we have boobs for so why not!

Theresa - posted on 07/06/2010

lol I feel your discomfort with it! It took me a good 3-4 months to be completely comfortable nursing in public, but with practice it becomes second nature. You don't worry what others think, you just worry about satisfying your little one. The wraps never worked for me, but what I absolutely LOVE are nursing tops; I have a few that I got from Meijer for $13 each, and I love them. Give those a try! People know what you're doing with or without a cover, but really, a cover makes it even MORE obvious if you think about it lol

Don't worry about feeling selfish, it's only natural to feel like you're "showing" things you shouldn't...it takes time =] Good luck!!

Emmanuelle - posted on 07/06/2010

Don't be ashamed of nursing in public! It's people who are disgusted by it or who don't accept it who should be ashamed!

Everyone on earth knows "how to make babies" and they don't think it's disgusting! But BF suddenly becomes disgusting!!! And for how had formula milk been on earth? How long have women and babies been on earth? So how did we do all that time?

NIP can feel awkward at first, but it can be done discretly! If you can't afford a nursing top, try to wear 2 tops together (for exemple a T-shirt and a cardi in winter, or a light shirt on top of it, or any combination that suits you!) It works!

I BF my son EVERYWHERE!!! In the park, cafe, on the underground, on a plane etc... It's like riding a bike, first you need to practice, and then easy peasy! And it gets easier as baby grows.

Good luck and don't let other people stop you from BF.

Cecelia - posted on 07/06/2010

That's a great ideal Yuliana~ ! I like that one :P

Schmoopy - posted on 07/06/2010

Those coverups are worthless anyway. Once your baby is old enough, he'll pull it right off.

It can definitely be a little embarrassing if you're in a public place, like the grocery store. (I've had to do that a couple of times.) But I just find as discreet a place as I can (not easy sometimes) and pop my baby on. If you wear a t-shirt, you'll look like you're cradling your baby and no one should suspect too much unless they're stalking you.

Try not to get too hung up on the embarrassment issue. My mom always says, "You'd stop worrying about what everyone thinks of you if you knew how little they did."

Yuliana - posted on 07/06/2010

I had to learn how to do this too because my baby is strictly breastfed. If you only have receiving blankets try twirling one corner around your bra so that it does not fall and try to sit in a place where you can still see your baby's face but others cannot catch a glimpse of your breast.

Cecelia - posted on 07/06/2010

I know what you feel like I use to feel the same way but then my baby wouldn't eat from the bottle from me in public...I so had to get over this fear. So I started out feeding her in public areas where I felt like only ppl could see me from the front once i felt comfortable with that I just came out witha big blanket and just fed when she was hungry. The key is don't think about what others are thinking...Just think about your baby.

I wouldn't waste your $$$ on those cover ups I think they are a waste of $$ anyways. Just get a big blanket. If it's hot try to get your grandma to make you a hand made blanket with holes in it so they don't get so hot...It may seem like they can see your boobs but in reality they really can't. I also always have a fold up chair with me so if I'm out somewhere I always have a seat and my boppy pillow with me. You will enjoy it much more once you get the hang of it...Much, much, easier than a bottle and no mess too!

Tam - posted on 07/06/2010

To MAKE a cover, get a Safety pin, pin it to the receiving blanket at each end, put it over your head. To make it longer, find some string or a tie (anything including a shoe lace) & use two safety pins & tie that at each end. $1 or less! :)

As for what people think, they will think it & be ignorant if they are regardless of what they do. There are always two sides to every coin, I get sad when I see people bottle feeding and long for the days before formula became normal...

You have two boobs, they are almost free to use, they work. Use them. Very simple. Cover up if you need to, as for what they think about what you are doing under there, "GOOD for her she's not willing to show us she's Breast Feeding her child, but she sure cares about the Nutritional needs & Health benefits of her baby".

Andreja - posted on 07/06/2010

Just remembered, you will also feed him over night in winter time, which for me was problematic because you always have to pull your shirt up exposing your kidneys. So, I cut off holes in the places where my breasts were on some old undershirt. This way you can just pull up your shirt, slide aside bra and give your baby nipple!

Andreja - posted on 07/06/2010

Please, don't be emberassed to nurse your baby, it is the most natural thing in the world. He has to eat and the best thing for him to eat is his mommies milk. If people around you don't agree with that, that is their problem.
If you still feel too emberrased to feed him openly in public, try putting on a cotton fabric (nappy) and just conect it with your clothes with a clip. So what if people know that you are feeding your baby, you are doing it decently!

Rebecca - posted on 07/05/2010

First of all, congratulations on your decision to breastfeed! Not only are you doing the very best for your baby AND self, but you are showing young moms and girls that breastfeeding is natural and normal. Breastfeeding in public takes practice, self confidence and support. Try practicing in a mirror. You will quickly get the hang of it and realize that you are not letting it all hang out =) As for the part about people 'knowing', just keep reminding yourself that breastfeeding is truly what breasts were made for. Our culture here has gotten way off track about that. Try going to a Le Leche League meeting. It does wonders for one's self esteem and confidence when surrounded in a roomfull of nursing moms. Some babies don't like being covered up and when you are trying to keep covered, it seems as though you expose more than you wanted just from fighting a blanket and squirming baby! Shirts that can be unbuttoned from the bottom up can really help spare the fear of hanging out for the world to see. If tummy skin makes you nervous, use the blanket to help hide that. Try to remember that the more nervous you are, the more upset your baby may become, making latch on difficult, exposed, and frustrating. Hang in there - it can get easier with some more practice and lots of support! Good luck!

Brittany - posted on 07/05/2010

Something that I also do is if I know I will be going out in public for a long period of time (i.e. trips and such), I will wear an undershirt. I use a receiving blanket because my son does not like to be covered. So that way if he does more the receiving blanket my whole boob isn't popped out for everyone to see. I f you are nervous and stuff, I think its important to understand your rights before you nurse in public. It is totally legal and nobody can tell you anything. If its you that you are worried about then that is something you can work on, but try not to let that effect your babies feeding!!! It takes time to have confidence to be able to whip it out anywhere lol. Good luck!

Lauren - posted on 07/05/2010

If you could afford $10 for a cover up, then go to Uddercovers.com and pick out a cover and put in the code Family2010. Basically you just pay shipping. Not sure if they are still doing it, but I have bought a cover from there and it is wonderful. I take it everywhere with me. I suck at using the blankets especially since my daughter was all over the place until she latched! I was nervous with my son and something just clicked with my daughter. Maybe more determination! Who knows, you will figure it out!

Shannon - posted on 07/05/2010

i have the wrap thing from walmart. my son gets hot too, but i wear it different. my boobs are just a lil too big for it to fit laying on my shoulders so i stick my arm through the top on the side im not nursing on and make it so theres a little air flow. if your out somewhere with no available dressing room the wraps woek. just find a corner. i just was at Univesal studios so i had to feed my 4 month old son in public and thats what i did---cuz he wont take a bottle and it was fine...no dirty looks or anything :) people know its natural and if you get a dirty look just...well...id probably say some kind of snooty little comment to them lol....or gnore them lol. good luck

Laura Zoey - posted on 07/05/2010

I was nervous too, but now I am adament that until mothers start showing the world that breastfeeding is the way we are sopposed to feed babies, then new moms will just stay ashamed and hide. YOU can show a young girl who passes by you that breastfeeding is normal! We have to be teachers for this country that is set on bottles of artificial milk. Try to be discreet if you must but let the world see that this is not disgusting! It is the best way to feed a baby and by law no one can tell you to stop. It is your right to feed anywhere you are allowed to be. So be confident! It is up to each of us to teach the next generation of moms that BREASTFEEDING IS NORMAL!!! We can change societies image of breastfeeding if we all come out of all the private areas and nurse with pride. Give it a bit of time and Im sure you will feel confident too. and remember that it is recommended to breastfeed for at least 2 years so you can not hide away that long! you can do it!