difficulty nursing in public

Celeste - posted on 12/13/2010 ( 6 moms have responded )

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My baby is almost 8 months old. I've never been shy to nurse in public before, but lately my baby hasn't been making it easy on me... Anytime I try to nurse outside of our home, he will only latch on for a few minutes, then let go and start looking around. I try to nurse in darker, quieter rooms with limited distractions, but it's not always possible.

Today, for example, I was in the waiting room at the clinic. We were out the whole day, from 10:00 am till 9:00 pm - and I could barely get him to nurse the whole day. He lets go of the boob and starts laughing and singing, which of course draws attention from everyone - until they notice I'm just sitting there awkwardly holding my nipple at a baby who seems totally disinterested.

Like I said, I'm not shy... but it's kind of embarrassing having my boob out without a baby properly attached to it. Anyone else having this problem?

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Gina - posted on 12/15/2010

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yes my daughter is almost 7 months and tryin 2 feed her while out is so funny she tends 2 play with my nipple pullin it in and out her month and is 2 busy lookin at wot is goin on around her i put my boob a way and she starts moanin uess she want the cafe 2 see wot she is doin

Becky - posted on 12/15/2010

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HAHA YES... my 8 month old is doing the SAME thing.. and i thought i was alone in this. he has been doing that since he was bout 5 months... i just nurse him in the car (he seems to have fewer distractions) or in a dark quiet room...
He has this lamb sound machine that plays different sounds... i bring it with me when i'm out and play the rain sound softly when i nurse him.. it seems to help drown out other sounds and helps settle him down to nurse... good luck

Heidi - posted on 12/15/2010

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I have always had trouble bfding in public. Especially now that she doesn't stay latched like you described! Pulls the blanket or hooter hider right up. O lol

Stephanie - posted on 12/14/2010

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I have a nursing shawl that I bought at k-mart.. or you could make one/ have someone make you one!.. That way not so many people will stare, and it will make for a darker, more isolated environment for your baby!

Diana - posted on 12/14/2010

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Your son sounds so cute! But yeah, it's hard in public when they're older. I actually find that my second won't nurse properly during the day at home either b'c she's too busy watching her brother. Consequently she nurses a lot at night.. sigh.

Lauren - posted on 12/13/2010

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I have this problem constantly. My daughter is 9.5 months and she started this about the same age yours is. I just tell her she can either visit or eat, and I cover back up when she looks around. It is totally awkward, though, and I always worry people will be weirded out. But hey, a girls gotta nurse, right?