Feedings in Public

Emily - posted on 03/11/2009

I don't ever cover in public, my kids totally overheat, and pull off any cover as soon as they get control of their arms. I also don't wear nursing specific tops. Instead, I wear a tank top under any normal shirt, then pull the shirt up, and the tank top & nursing bra down. I have complete access, my belly and breast are covered, and I'm not showing anything. I keep my hand holding the bottom of my shirt right up against my kids' cheek, and if they pull off to look around, I can quickly cover so I don't flash anything.

Honestly, I've flashed much more, and had many more rude looks the few times I've tried nursing with a blanket or other cover. I find that most people don't even recognize that I'm nursing... but if I pull out the blanket it's like a giant neon sign, "Hey, I'm nursing over here!!"

Courtney - posted on 03/11/2009

I am not sure how much you are out in public to "practice" however I find that if I where a long enough shirt ( not to enough to look sloppy) this adds extra material to cover most of me and what is not covered by my shirt my daughter covers. I also pull my shirt down as close to her face as possible. The sling/wraps work once you get accustomed to them I never was comfortable with them though. I hope something one the mothers has said helps. Just try to be patient and know that the more relaxed you are the less people will notice, and the better your baby will nurse.

Barbara - posted on 03/11/2009

Just keep at it!  The more you do it the less uncomfortable you will be.  Soon enough it is second nature and you won't think about it at all.  In the beginning I felt like people could see more than they actually can.  You'd be surprised at how little flesh is actually visible when you nurse from under your shirt, even without a blanket over it all.  I once saw a picture of myself nursing in what I felt was an obvious way, and you couldn't even tell.  Don't worry, it's you and your baby's right to nurse wherever you are, and you are protected by law.

Allison - posted on 03/11/2009

I really like Motherwear shirts for nursing in public. http://www.motherwear.com.

I also find that the more you do it, the more comfortable you are with it. I was very self-conscious with my first, but am not really worried about it with my second. I've only ever gotten positive comments about it, too. The funniest one was when I sat down at a coffee shop in a store to nurse and a person walked by and said "Oh, look, he's getting his latte too!" It was cute :-)

Paige - posted on 03/11/2009

I have breastfed everywhere. Movie theater, restraunt, other peoples houses, the mall, in a parked car, at the park, everywhere. I wear a sweater or jacket and lift my shirt just above the nipple. My son or my partly zipped coat cover my belly and he gets to eat in the open and not under a blanket. I don't eat with a blanket on my head and neither should he. Don't feel uncomfortable about it because you are wonderful and selfless in giving your child the best start possable. Much love and luck

Nicole - posted on 03/11/2009

I still BF my 26.5mo old son in public. I will BF my daughter, due very soon, in public too. My son also hated/hates to have his head covered. I just make sure to wear clothes with easy access and whenever possible nursing tops that have extra material to help cover some of the exposed breast. I also make my son put his hand on the exposed part of the breast so between that and his head, you can't see anything.

Here are some of my favorite shirts:
http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Vi...

http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Vi...

PS... I have never had a negative experience with it either, anyone who has ever commented has made positive comments that they think it is great I am BFing my son. I have probably been lucky.

Tamara - posted on 03/11/2009

Quoting Dee'Jean:

Thanks ladies, You all have been a great help. I never thought about the layering thing so I am going to try it. I have this privacy sling but I don't know how to work it so I am just going to practice until I get it right. Hopefully this will work and I can go back EBF. I hate giving him formula just because we are out.

What helped me was practicing in front of a mirror and asking my husband if he could see anything.  Did you look at the picture of myself nursing that I posted?  You can't see anything because a.) the undershirt covers my belly and sides and baby's head covers the rest.  You can do it!

Dee'Jean - posted on 03/11/2009

Thanks ladies, You all have been a great help. I never thought about the layering thing so I am going to try it. I have this privacy sling but I don't know how to work it so I am just going to practice until I get it right. Hopefully this will work and I can go back EBF. I hate giving him formula just because we are out.

Emily - posted on 03/11/2009

I breastfeed in public all the time - I think of it as my own personal public education campaign.  The only way people are going to get used to it is if we do it!   Those who are uncomfortable are capable of averting their eyes.  I also use the layering technique and nursing tops but mostly to keep myself from getting cold!

Andrea - posted on 03/11/2009

I do because if she has to eat, she has to eat & I'm not going to work to pump her a bottle if I'm with her. I'm usually more comfortable if I have someone with me. I also try to find a little nook that is a little more private & quiet or a fitting room. I think it's fine to nurse wherever you want- covered or uncovered- but I've found if I'm not comfortable then my baby has a hard time nursing.

Shanna - posted on 03/11/2009

For the first few weeks when it was kind of awkward to breastfeed and I didn't have the positions down pat I was really incomfortable but now I'm totally comfortable. The way I see it, if you don't like it, don't look! You are doing an amazing thing breastfeeding your baby and it's natural! And like Crystal said - you baby has to eat just like everyone else!

Shanna - posted on 03/11/2009

For the first few weeks when it was kind of awkward to breastfeed and I didn't have the positions down pat I was really incomfortable but now I'm totally comfortable. The way I see it, if you don't like it, don't look! You are doing an amazing thing breastfeeding your baby and it's natural! And like Crystal said - you baby has to eat just like everyone else!

Crystal - posted on 03/11/2009

at first i ws really uncomfortable breastfeeding in public...but then i just decided my baby has to eat just like anyone else and i have been feeding in public ever since

Tricia - posted on 03/11/2009

I know a lot of babies hate to be covered.  There are some great nursing clothes out there.  nursing in a sling or wrap takes practice but works well once you've got it sorted out.  I usually just sit with my back to the room while my LO is latching on (corner booths in resteraunts are great) or take a seat in the back when we're at church.  The thing is, if you don't nurse in public you either 1) end up a hermit with no social life and no chance to leave the house, 2) limit every trip to less than 2 hours and risk a screaming baby in the middle, 3) end up with the added chore of pumping and carying milk that your body natrually keeps safe, sanitary, and accessible inside your breasts, or 4) sacrifice optimal nutrition for your baby for the sake of social criticism that you're probably imagining anyway.  Really, most people would rather you keep your LO fed and happy, even if that means just pulling up your shirt and latching him on..  The maxim I repeat is:

A breastfeeding baby is ALWAYS less conspicuous than a screaming baby.

Teresa - posted on 03/11/2009

If you are uncomfortable w/ it and it's avoidable then I wouldn't do it.  The only 'public' place I ever fed my girls was in the car.  It worked for us.  My son, on the other hand, nurses just about anywhere.  I've never covered him.  Maybe I've just been lucky, but no one has ever said anything to me.  I do be as discreet as possible, of course.

Kira - posted on 03/11/2009

I nursed in public with my daughter. You can't deny them if they are hungry. A lot of places not have "Family" bathrooms with chairs and such. Other than that, just try the 2 shirt thing. If you are uncomfortable, odds are that baby will feel it.

Tamara - posted on 03/11/2009

I have nursed in public from day one and never used a cover. DD always hated them. What I do instead is dress in layers. I use a tank top under my regular shirt to cover up my unsightly belly. My baby's head covers up my boob and no one sees anything. I've nursed everywhere from a political rally to the mall, church, etc.

This is me nursing: http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/il... You can't see anything at all. :) But let me assure you, she is totally having boobie time.

Louise - posted on 03/11/2009

I do breastfeed in public and my daughter hates being covered too, i wear two tops. the underneath top covers me well so when my daughter wants to drink i am ok and totally relaxed

Shanna - posted on 03/11/2009

My daughter hates being covered as well.  I also where a tank top under whatever I'm wearing and feed her from the topand then whatever I'm wearing over my tank top I pull right down to her mouth.

Katie - posted on 03/11/2009

Yes I do. The first is know that in most states it is a right and no one can harass you or ask you to go elsewhere. Here is a summary of the laws so you can look up your state: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/brea...



I like to where a tank under my shirt that I can nurse from the top of, so I pull my shirt up and the tank down to be more discreet.



Any baby stores or maternity stores are filled with moms who understand and most have a room you can use.



I also have a maya wrap sling that I can position (it took a little practice) to keep everything covered and it stays in position, unlike a blanket.



Goodluck!

Amy - posted on 03/11/2009

I do. I find it's easiest (and most discreet) to breastfeed when my baby is in a sling. I like using my Maya Wrap. The extra fabric on it makes a great cover up.



http://www.mayawrap.com/s_best-sellers.p...