First place you breastfed in public

Lydia - posted on 12/07/2010

i think the funniest situation i breastfed was in the bank when i opened a new account... you know between all the signatures and ID and formality. it felt a little like comedy to breastfeed there.

Taygan - posted on 12/07/2010

I live in my mom's boyfriends house with him and my mom and brother. My mom always expects me to use a cover when he is around so i am used to covering up and find it quite easy now.
The first time i breastfed in public, i was sitting on a couch in the middle of the hall in the mall. She was about 3 weeks old and she kept cryin becuase she was really hungry. I had to take her out out of the store and i didnt know where the bathrooms where so i sat on the couch and covered her. It was a bit uncomfortable for me, but after that i am ok with feeding in public now. I do always use a cover though besause i am usually with my mom and she does not like when i dont cover with other people around, otherwise iwould not care to use cover.

Anna - posted on 12/06/2010

It takes until my babies are 6wks or so before I really feel comfortable breastfeeding in public. For the most part, I'm just home while they are still learning anyway. After that, I'll bf anywhere. I think it's so much harder to do with a cover, my baby doesn't like it and I can't 'direct' her as much. As long as I have a loose fitting or stretchy top, we're good to go.
Church is the one place that has been difficult for us. My baby is always so distracted, she'll nurse for 2 seconds, then look around while I'm hanging out there, then nurse a bit more. So I don't like staying in the pew, and I couldn't get comfortable sitting in the pews anyway. I prefer to go to the cry room where the seats are comfy. I feel that's what the room is for anyway.

Lydia - posted on 12/06/2010

First Place to Feed in Public: Government Registration office. It was not the so nice because the place was hot and packed with people and the whole experience was stressful. We had to be there with baby to get her birth certificate and passport... She was 1 week old. It was OK, but I never had any trouble breastfeeding in public.

My favorite place is the furniture store in the mall. They have very comfi couches standing around and I just sit down and breasfeed there. Also Ikea is nice for the same reason...
For first time bf I'd suggest any place that is not too hot and not crowded. Not because of the people but because of the baby... they like it cool and quiet.
I usually still use the cover, but I sometimes don't. I use it mostly if there are guys around that I know (like in church) because I don't feel comfortable.

I breastfeed anywhere anytime in any position and I love it!

Krystle - posted on 12/05/2010

Awesome post Laura!

1) First public breastfeed: Starbucks
2) baby was maybe 6 weeks old
3) I was super nervous, but wouldn't let feeling uncomfortable mean having my baby go hungry. It went okay, but it took many more times to get comfortable. I'd say there are still places/ situations that make me uncomfortable.
But I refuse to use any cover-up: the more people who see it being done, the more accepted it will become. :)

Amanda - posted on 12/05/2010

I was shopping with my hubby 3 days after our son was born and wore my coat to cover my back and the nursing cover for my front and walked around the store! He was so tiny at the time that it was really quite simple to hide it :) Only place I ditch the cover is when I am alone with a close girlfriend!

SONJA - posted on 12/05/2010

I BREASTFED OUT IN THE CAR AT THE UTILITY COMPANY BC I WAS UP THERE WITH MY HUSBAND AND SHE WAS HUNGRY. IT WAS KINDA HARD FOR ME TO EVEN DO IT IN THE CAR BUT NOT AS HARD AS IT COULD BE. THE SECOND PLACE WAS IN THE WALMART BATHROOM BC I COULDNT BRING MYSELF TO DO IT WHILE SHOPPING.I WOULD SAY THE EASIEST PLACE WOULD BE IN THE RESTROOMS WHEREVER YOU ARE UNTIL YOU GET USED TO IT. AND THEN SLOWLY MAKE UR WAY OUT AT YOUR OWN PACE.

Alysha - posted on 12/05/2010

The first time I breastfed in public would have been at the Olive Garden while waiting for my God mom and her family to come.

Tabitha - posted on 12/05/2010

First public place was in the mall- my baby was around 2 weeks. I sat in those massage chairs and nursed her. I was totally covered, but felt like everyone was looking at me, then a few moms walked by and smiled at me. That helped me gain confidence. My favorite place to breastfeed in public is Chick Fil A. My older one played in the play area while I nursed the baby in the booth. It's a great place!

I actually never really ditched the cover. I don't like making people uneasy, so I always covered up as much as possible. When my kids got to the age where they pulled at the blanket or cover (maybe around 5 or 6 months), I'd hold their little hands while nursing to keep us covered. I did end up sitting in the car a few times when they were feeling particularly feisty! :) I don't know where the best place to nurse a baby is. I guess it depends on your lifestyle.

Amanda - posted on 12/05/2010

Mine was East Midlands Airport when my son was 5 months old. Talk about jumping into the deep end! I was so scared. I put it off and put it off until I just couldn't any longer. So I found a seat and did it. I didn't use a cover because even then I thought they were ridiculous and I don't think my 5 month old would have liked it. There were SO MANY people walking around right next to me. eep! It's funny that now I'm nursing a 2.5 year old I don't even think about it. I've also got a new baby due in Feb and I know I'll be nursing in public ASAP without a care in the world. I've changed quite a lot since that first experience. :D

Amanda - posted on 12/05/2010

I dont remember with either of my kids the first place lol.. yes it was a bit hard because the cover was in the way. again don't remember how old... I don't really recall it being confidence building. the confidence building for me was having my kids all natural. no epidural.. umm fav place to breast feed is any store. I like that I can walk around and be relaxed look at stuff and she can take in all the milk she wants. (at home I tend to rush her : ( because I have a 14 month old and have to deal with him... a good place to breast feed?? IDK.. and with my daughter (2 months old) I ditched the cover at about 1 month lol. it got to be a hassle to get that thing out and ugh it's frustrating. I just have her blanket. throw it over my shoulder, get the boob out lol.. and wrap it around her. you can't see anything unless you are looking directly down on me. and sometimes if its a bit breezy I throw the corner of the blanket over my shoulder..

Shontelle - posted on 12/05/2010

the first public place i bf was in a parents room at the mall when my daughter was 3days old and i stoped using a cover at a month as it was really anoying and got in the way ive seen other woman use them then they see me not use them so they dont and they say its way eaiser. to me if others dont want to see they shouldnt look ive never had a bad comment said bout me bf only good comments and smiles did does get a bit embarsing when my daughter is being nosy and takes herself off but im use to it now

Stephanie - posted on 12/04/2010

The 1st time I breastfed in public was when my son was 10 days old and I had to go to centrelink (i think you guys call it social security or gov assisitance) to sort out some paperwork. I went to the shopping centre and tried to feed him on a bench (the parents room was closed for maintanence) but he didn't want it and some guy winked at me!! Then he got hungry on the way home so I had to feed him on the bus!! It was really uncomfortable lol but I got over and ditched the cover when he was about a month old.

Valerie - posted on 12/04/2010

Logan Airport

Krystal - posted on 12/04/2010

The NICU in a hospital in Saudi Arabia! In a country where public breastfeeding is illegal, I was able to breastfeed my son in front of others in the NICU...otherwise only in private (in the dirty stinking toilets if out and about...hence I express a bottle when out of the house!).

Katie - posted on 12/04/2010

The first place I nursed my son Was at Olive Garden. My son was six weeks old. I was so nervous I had heard so many stories about moms that had nursed there babies and had been asked to leave. But it ended well. It was a little difficult the first few time because I did use a cover so getting him to latch right away was a little tricky while trying to chase my six year old around.I would have to say it was a defendant confidence building experience for me. I think a great first place would be at a park where its public yet plenty of personal space. I am very comfortable nursing at a park while my older son plays.

Rebekah - posted on 12/04/2010

I think the first public nursing was at church, but I'd already nursed in front of my family, in-laws, and several friends (male and female) at home or in the hospital. My son was 14 days old.

Leah - posted on 12/04/2010

It was at a restaurant. It was hard the first few times, but then I got to thinking. This is my baby and my right. He needs to eat too. I love the t-shirts that say, things about people having problems with breastfeeding, just need to get over it. I loved and bonded with both of my babies through all my breastfeeding experiences; and look forward to it all over again with our 3rd very soon.

Tina - posted on 12/04/2010

i've breastfed my baby everywhere, car, loos, waiting rooms, you name it! what CAN you do when you're exclusively breastfeeding your baby, and you need to step out to the hospital or shopping or whatever? i didn't ditch the cover entirely, but i did stop bothering about it when i was trying to get my baby to latch. once he latched, i covered up. :)

Laura Zoey - posted on 12/04/2010

I'm super excited, but think maybe a three year gap might have been nicer..... Eric will be two by my due date so there's a lot of stress to keep my milk supply up so he doesn't get sick, and he still needs me to bf him to sleep and then once or twice more in the nights. So I think it will be ok, but I'd recommend maybe three years in between next time. Lol

Rachael - posted on 12/04/2010

oh Congratulations Laura!!!! I can't wait to have another one... have to finish nursing school first though

Laura Zoey - posted on 12/04/2010

Oh rachael, been there done that! O my I had so much milk and it was like jet propelled! I remember so many times spraying the entire living room trying to latch him on! Should be fun with the next baby in may, all that again!

Rachael - posted on 12/04/2010

first time nursing in "public" was the doctors office at 4 days old the day after discharge when we had to get his jaundice test repeated... also happened to be the day my milk cam in and I ended up spraying milk ALL OVER it was on Alexander, the chair, the floor, and my husband... It was hilarious I thought the nurses were going to pee themselves laughing... there weren't many people in the waiting room so it wasn't stressful. As far as the cover goes, I could never latch with a cover on, then my son would cry when I covered him up so I never really used one... When he was little my favorite place was walking around the mall (he was snuggled in his carrier against my chest. I also like restaurants or a book store where others I am with are not hanging around waiting for me... I miss those days!

Jeanine - posted on 12/04/2010

she latched on the first day in the hospital...I remember feeding her at Cheese Cake Factory....months old....no, it was difficult because dad was embarrassed and tried to cover me but it made me more a spectacle and I so thought it was beautiful and comfortable. the park...someplace empowering for you (the beach, the park...) with people that are supportive or just you and the baby. You know, I really liked feeding her in a baby wearer (mine is Mauna Wrap)...you could barely see!!!! :)

Heather - posted on 12/04/2010

Where was the first place you breastfed in public?
Either the grocery store or DH's work

Was it hard to do it the first time?
No, but I hadn't learned to do it from under the shirt yet :">

How old was baby?
A couple weeks old? It was the first time she asked in public

Was it a confidence building experience?
I suppose--I refused to pay attention to anyone around me and just did what my baby needed. It certainly wasn't damaging.

Or where is your favorite place to breastfeed in public?
The zoo--lots to look at while I'm nursing

A suggestion for a good first place for new moms to venture in to breastfeeding in public?
In a group with other nursing moms if they can--it helps to feel like you're not alone

And how long before you ditched the cover :)
Cover? LOL, I tried to use a blanket I had been given as a present for baby, but since I was learning and needed to see how she was latching and had to be careful of my stitches, I'd say it was part of one nursing session, LOL.

Marisa - posted on 12/04/2010

My daughter is only 8 weeks old but I cant remember the first place I fed her in public!

I have never used a cover - I think it actually draws more attention to the fact that you are breastfeeding. I wear a vest with a baggier top over it and then I can pull the top up and the vest down (once baby is close) and only my nipple is uncovered! Some people dont even notice Im feeding my baby even when I am talking to them!

Savona - posted on 12/04/2010

*thinking back* hmm was probably at a Tim Hortons XD
-was slightly awkward feeling.
-Baby was about 2-2 1/2 weeks?
-not really, just felt like another feeding time =)

-wasnt really big on the feeding in public even though theres nothing wrong with it. Didnt have a favorite place to breastfeed in public just kinda happened where it needed to happen.
-Just dont let people "gawking" at you discourage you from breastfeeding in public, your baby is hungry, has the right to eat and you are their food supply. People can bite their tongue, old saying of 'take a picture it lasts longer' and get over it. *nodnod*

Aicha - posted on 12/04/2010

I don't use a cover because I carry my babies in a sling and it is really easy to latch them on and nurse without being exposed , I honestly don't remember the first time I nursed in public as my oldest child is 11 years old and my youngest is 14 months old and still nurses

Heidi - posted on 12/04/2010

a local park during a meetup with my local Le Leache Leauge...

Rachel - posted on 12/04/2010

The first time we nursed anywhere away from home was after seeing the chiropractor a few days after my little girl was born. She came out a bit crooked, so it was painful fr her to eat at first. One trip to the chiropractor fixed us both! We then nursed with my in-laws, and nursed in Target... pretty much everywhere we go she wants to eat (unless we're only there a few minutes). I was a bit nervous at first because I've read stories about women being harassed for FEEDING THEIR BABIES... but it was great! We've never used a cover. If we need a bit more coverage then my pulled up shirt provides, we always have a blanket. The only comments I'VE received were positive. My husband's brother told him that he wasn't comfortable talking to me when she's nursing... but I'm going to feed her anyway! :-) I guess he just won't talk to me. :-p
I find it fun to think of all the places we've nursed now.

Anna - posted on 12/04/2010

The NICU--if you think that isn't public, you've never been in one! :) The cribs/incubators are very close to each other, and so the next baby's family is about four feet away. The nurses always wanted to bring big screens/curtains on wheels to surround me, but it felt claustrophobic.

Unfortunately, with her medical issues, she never really got the hang of it, so other than LLL meetings, lactation counselor's offices, and church once, that was it. I pump everything now (she's 10.5 m/o).

Sarah - posted on 12/04/2010

1. At a mexican restraunt.
2. I was a little self-concious while he was latching on, but other than that I was fine.
3. He was 2 months old; it was our first trip out during which he got hungry. Before then, he slept the entire time we were out in public!
4. Not that day, but as the months and years progressed, having to defend my choice has not only built my confidence, but has made me a much more easygoing woman. I've learned that I don't have to defend myself all the time. If I'm doing what I truly feel is right, then that is all that matters.

5. My favorite place is the park. I can let my older kids play while I watch and enjoy bonding with the nursing baby.
6. Depends on your personality. A park or mall might be a good place, because people are not going to be sitting and paying a whole lot of attention; they are going about their business and may not even realize what you're doing. At the same time, a restraunt or someplace similar can be good because you don't have to get anxious every time someone new approaches or walks past. Its just you, whomever you are with, your waiter, and the tables around, if they happen to be paying attention to you.
7. My kids are now three years, two years, and nine months old, and I still use the cover anytime I'm around anyone other than my husband or my closest friend. If it is too hot, then I will escape to a bathroom or my car so I don't have to make the little one suffer. My youngest tries to stand up when she nurses, and THAT is a challenge, trying to keep the cover on while she writhes around and pokes her head out of the top...but we make it work. :)

Kathy - posted on 12/04/2010

The first time I fed my eldest son in public was when I went to show him off at work at 1 week old. I was nervous, but the men who walked into the staff room were more nervous!! We all survived and the Mom's at work gave me a few pointers to make it easier the next times. We ended up breastfeeding everywhere as we travelled a lot when he was a baby...restaurants, gas stations, parks, malls, stores, etc. I found the more I did it the more comfortable I felt!

I think a great first experience in public is with other breastfeeding moms or women who breastfed their children, especially if they did in public. They'll be there to help out if you need

We now have our second son and we breastfeed wherever we go. (We're out around town nearly every morning so it happens often!) I still have a nursing cover and it depends on who I'm with whether I use it. We have friends that bottle fed and are extremely uncomfortable with nursing so I always cover up in front of them. Around my breast feeding Mommy friends, I don't usually use one and the baby prefers this!

Melinda - posted on 12/04/2010

The Zoo baby was 2 weeks old. It was challenging as I was still getting the hang of BFing but now I really don't care where I BF. I try to do the blanket in the bra strap if I can manage.

Kasie - posted on 12/04/2010

I'm not sure but I think the first place was the county fair. It was sooo hot and I had to use a blanket to cover and my poor guy was all hot and red. It was aweful but I wasn't gonna use a bottle. We went like a week after he was born. I felt great breast feeding him though and I think it helped me get over a little fear of breast feeding in public.

My favorite place to breastfeed in public would be the mall, they have lots of places to sit if you don't want to use the nursing rooms they have.

A good place to start for new moms who are a little nervous about breast feeding in public, some place that has a lot of comfy places to sit (besides the bathroom) and YOU feel comfortable.

I still use my cover out in public unless Im at certain houses. Then I just whip it out and cover with my shirt what my son isn't covering with his mouth. At home I don't even bother covering at all when nursing.

Mary Renee - posted on 12/03/2010

First place I breastfed in public was the pediatrician's waiting room for her check-up!

It was slightly confidence building because I realized that I cared a lot more that my baby was fed and healthy than that the dad across the room might get a peek! Baby was probably only two week sold.

My FAVORITE place to breastfeed in public is outdoors in a park or at the beach. I live in Hawaii so there are a lot of public parks and beaches. I figure if homeless people can sleep there and european tourist can wear thongs there then I can breastfeed there with out thinking twice. I would say an outdoor place would be the best place for a first time mom to breastfeed. Someplace comfortable and spacious, so that even if there are people around, you feel like they're doing their own thing and not staring at you.

I started ditching the cover when my daughter was about four months old. She would pull it off herself. Then I joined Stroller Strides where there were a lot of other Breastfeeding moms that didn't use covers and then I just said the heck with it. I still use a cover if I'm in line in a indoor public place like a grocery store or pharmacy or shopping mall. But if I'm outdoors I never do.

Breastfeeding in public is AWESOME because it finally hit me that I CAN get out of the house, and I don't have to be home in less than two hours. It totally was the freedom I needed to keep from losing my mind and to continue breastfeeding,

Mary - posted on 12/03/2010

The first time i breastfed in public was when my daughter was about 3 weeks old. Me and my mother went for a walk in the park. It was a really hot summers day.My daughter became hungry. There was no cafe or anything near by. So i sat underneth a tree in a sclueded part of the park. My mum helped me fold up my coat to suport my daughter. i was nervous but my mum was very suportive. a few people past by but they didnt really notice i dont think. they couldnt see anything as i had a shawl over me and my daughter. it was definatly a very confidence building experience. My mum was great and very suportive. it felt great and i was so proud of myself. the best place to breastfeed would usually be for me in a cafe or in a family resturant. you can find a nice cosy quiet place in the corner. although i once breastfed my daughter in the middle of subway on a busy saturday. i did feel like i was being watched but my daughter was hungry and it was my job to feed her. i didnt care what peple may have thought. i wasnt exposeing my self or anything. so i wasnt embarresed. i was too busy eating my yummy subway, while my daughter was drinking her yummy booby milk. :)

Samantha - posted on 12/03/2010

I NIP for the first time at church (with a cover) it wasn't hard at all. Jude was 2 weeks old. It was a big confidence builder, I was able to nurse in IHOP because of it. I still can't get away from the cover, it might take awhile

Becky - posted on 12/03/2010

first time in FRONT of other people was in the airport/and airplane...
LO was 8 weeks old and we were waiting for our flight... a 6 hour flight...
it was VERY hard fo rme but i got over it pretty quick when i noticed another young mother nursing her child on the plane after we boarded.. after that i had no prob feeding him

as for fav places... i have fed my son at the zoo , car, plane, airport, restraunt, bathroom, mall , park, lol you name it.. if he's hungry i'll feed him :)

i ditched the cover after 4 months... i could handle the latch on pretty easily by then and it's just too much work keeping it on.. and it's pretty easy to just make it look like he's sleeping..
now he's 8 months though so he likes to drink and then look around lol..

Tammy - posted on 12/03/2010

First public place I breasfed was on a local rainforest walk, when my son was 10days old. I was so nervous because there was alot of people around, and I was having trouble breastfeeding at the time too. I also used a cover. Only took about a month to get rid of the cover.
I would say breastfeeding in public was a gradual confidence building thing. I weaned my son at 17months and by the end of it, I could nurse anywhere, anytime without a cover.
My favourite place to breastfed was at home, in this really comfy nursing chair that I had in his room. We would sit there quietly and I was able to treasure the time I had with my son :) Didnt really have a favourite place to breastfeed in public as I did it in so many locations!
A good suggestion for first time new moms is would be in the park, as you can be far away enough from people (if you dont live in a hugely populated area that is!) but still in public, or in a nursing room.

Mary - posted on 12/03/2010

Where was the first place you breastfed in public?
Church
Was it hard to do it the first time?
Nope, i was kind of scared but the actual nursing session went great
How old was baby?
less than a week old (she was born on a wednesday was back to church the next sunday)
Was it a confidence building experience?
yes ma'am, after that session went well i nursed her at check ups in the waiting room, at the park, in the court house. any where, any time.

Or where is your favorite place to breastfeed in public?
somewhere with chairs or benches. i can nurse while standing/walking but its easier to sit now that i have a toddler and the baby (both of which are breast fed)
A suggestion for a good first place for new moms to venture in to breastfeeding in public?
i would start somewhere you are in often, somewhere you are comfortable. somewhere with seating. somewhere you can eat/drink if you wanted. church, park, etc.
And how long before you ditched the cover :)
never owned one in my life. :)

Michelle - posted on 12/02/2010

I think the first place I breastfed in public was actually at church (it was one of our first outings when my oldest was about 2 weeks old). I have always used the cover and felt comfortable breastfeeding just about anywhere. There are a few places where it's not very convenient to breastfeed (like the middle of a grocery store) but for the most part it works out. Usually going someplace like the zoo is a pretty good place to start because there are usually other breastfeeding mothers there.

Shavanda - posted on 12/02/2010

she was about two months.

Shavanda - posted on 12/02/2010

the first time i breast fed in public was at the library. i was confident and didn't care what people had to say because i believe it's natural and if my baby is hungry than she should be able to eat without any problems

Nicole - posted on 12/02/2010

I fist breastfed in public at the zoo, it wasn't hard, he was about 6 weeks old, But I had a nipple shield I masterd before going into public. My favorite place to breast feed in public was actually in the aquariam at the zoo, it's nice and dark, and there's lots to look at (when your not looking at your baby) and I NEVER ditched the cover in public! One thing I did before the zoo was in the car, it's semi private, It was kind of a confidence boost because I knew that no matter where we were or what we were doing I could always provied and care for my baby in everyway I could!!

Melody - posted on 12/02/2010

The first place I breastfed was down at the beach in Oceanside California when my daughter was about 2wks old. My mom had come to visit and we were showing her around. Ally got hungry and i had no other choice but to find a secluded area to feed her. I had a cover so it wasnt to public but apparently we had found the place all the couples wanted to go to make out and what not so people were constantly coming by and looked at me funny. After that day I didnt much care about nursing in public. If someone has a problem with the way I feed my daughter well they can juist get over it. Since then I feed her about everywhere and anywhere. A couple weeks ago we went to a street market/flea market type of things with some friends and my daughter got hungry so rather then holding everyone up or getting left out of the fun i pulled out the cover and breastfed as we walked around, I got some strange looks but then there were other moms who would come up and tell me I was brave they would never have considered doing that. And still other moms who scolded me saying there were places where I should feed and shouldn't feed. I don't really much care what others say, my daughter needs fed and it shouldnt matter what others think. I still use the cover in certain places and she is almost 3mn but there are other places where I don't use the cover, it just depends on who I am around.

Sherre - posted on 12/02/2010

Hospital waiting room

Sarah - posted on 12/02/2010

First time, was on a crowded train... and no i wouldn't recommend it lol
it was incredibly awkward because my girl is quite loud when she feeds, she was hidden under a big blanket so i was getting some weird looks.
i still cover up when i'm feeding her, only because it makes other people uncomfortable, it doesn't bother me at all anymore :)

Sylvia - posted on 12/01/2010

A local restaurant (in our old neighbourhood), when DD was 4 days old and the whole family, including visiting rellies from out of town, went there for dinner. It was awkward, but way less awkward than sitting there while she howled ;^)

Never used a cover -- too lazy ;^)

Kristian Amber - posted on 12/01/2010

With my second son it was the bowling alley and he was probably a week or so old. I knew everyone there, including the owners so it wasn't a big deal. The lady who ran the bar/snack place was a good friend and would close the doors to the restaurant area if I wanted to go in there to change him or be alone just to talk to her if it was getting too loud while I was feeding. I loved the experience. Personally, I don't think anyone should have a problem breastfeeding in public. I mean come on now! Women have breastfed for how many years before we had the luxury of formula and baby food? What's the big deal? Its not like it's something dirty or inappropriate, its a mother feeding her child, simple as that. LOL, I can't wait to breast feed again! I enjoyed it immensly, it was like we were in our own little world of bonding. Fabulous experience it is to breastfeed, except of course when you start to get sore, or raw, that kind of sucks, but overall it is a great experience!