The New Mom’s Guide to Nursing in Public (and Liking It!)
Photo: Shutterstock / The Bump
As a new mom breastfeeding twins, the first few months were rough for me. I definitely felt like a prisoner in my own body (and home) at times. Getting out of the house was hard enough, and I also felt pressure to get back home before the next feeding to avoid a scene. I have to say, my life change dramatically when I became comfortable nursing in public.
Here are some tips to help you nurse with ease on the go:
1. Nursing in public really is all about you and your baby.
You are attending to his needs and you shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed for doing so. Your attitude will color the experience, so try to keep it light. Relax and enjoy this time out in the world with your baby.
2. Do some recon ahead of time.
Ask friends for recommendations or look around online for family friendly establishments like restaurants or play areas (but beware — there’s a fair share of bad advice out there!). Some places even have “family rooms” or similar, where you can nurse your baby privately, but some are nothing more than glorified bathrooms. Don’t feel like you have to use them, especially if they stink of dirty diapers!
3. Dress the part.
It might sound odd, but part of my confidence to nurse in public comes the right wardrobe — one that will get the job done without a lot of fuss! Personally, I find the commercially made nursing covers to be a big distraction and actually call attention to the fact that I am breastfeeding. For me, a drapey tee is enough to let baby nurse and still provide coverage. My favorite outfit for easy access is a nursing tank layered under a lightweight jersey t-shirt with a cardigan on top.
Once you have your attitude, outfit and location sorted out, all you have left is to get ready, get set and latch! All it takes is some practice and you will be able to nurse discreetly and confidently no matter where you are.
How did you get comfortable nursing in public?
Plus, more from The Bump:
A Smart Start to Breastfeeding
Top 10 Health Benefits of Breastfeeding Baby
How Breastfeeding Changes as Baby Gets Older
The Knot Blog
The Nest Blog
Many women are afraid to breastfeed in public because of the comments and looks that they get from others. It’s unfortunate because on top of feeling down due to drastically fluctuating post-partum hormones, new mothers often feel very isolated because they spend so much time in the house. Being able to get out of the house can make moms feel more socially connected. Great suggestions for helping new moms step out with confidence!
And many women don’t feel comfortable sharing that intimate time with a bunch of strangers walking around. Feeling nervous or stressed can actually affect let-down, and it certainly isn’t going to do you any good for bonding. It’s great when a woman feels fine breastfeeding in public (I have) but it’s also great when a woman decides she isn’t going to and breastfeeds in a more secluded place. It’s all up to her, and should be left to her, and if she never feels comfortable then that’s fine too.
I never felt comfortable with my first two children, my third was much better with latching and she liked to use me as a pacifier so there were times when I was carefully breastfeeding her while shopping in a store walking around (she was in an Ergo, no one saw a thing, but she wanted that.) No mom should feel pressured to feed in public though. This is all her choice, and if she feels like she doesn’t want to then pushing her to ‘get over it’ is wrong.
I breastfeed in public if I had to and didnt worry too much about covering up. I have pretty small boobs so it no one could see anything anyway. My problem was the huge amount of milk I had. If my daughter didnt latch properly or came off the boob, milk would squirt everywhere! Ive seen a few mums walking around with slings so baby can feed whenever, whereever. Very cool
My lil one was hungry and I wasn’t about to feed her in the bathroom. All I did was ang;e her sideways across her car seat, threw a blanket over her and walked around the store hunched over the shopping cart. No one was the wiser. I also figured out how to loosen the baby bjorn enough that she could latch on and you couldn’t tell without being right on top of us. My mom crocheted a blanket that I use because it’s much more airy and comfortable. I will walk the store and it just looks like I am rocking her to sleep while she sucks away!
We can be very creative when necessary! I haven’t tried nursing in my carrier yet but that’s one of the reasons I got it.
My first public nursing experience was in a Save A Lot grocery store. I had gone shopping with my oldest on a Saturday apparently during his feeding time. It was the only time my husband could go with me so it is when we went. I’ve since had 4 others and time things better.
I don’t know if it was confidence or just desperation, but I flipped over a milk crate, sat down and started nursing him. An elderly gentleman saw and asked how old our baby was. He was only 2 weeks old at the time and the man moved my blanket to admire my son. He told me never to be afraid of nursing in public. Women were made not only to give birth but to nurse. His wife nursed all 14 of their children and it was not a problem back in the 30s and 40s, so it shouldn’t be a problem now. Though I do remain covered, I have no fear of nursing in public, anywhere.
When out in public I often find my son is hungry and I have nursed him almost everywhere. At the mall (out of the way benches, dressing rooms with stools), in restaurants (booths offer privacy, but tables give you more room to maneuver), NCAA basketball games (better to sit in a less crowded section- gives move space), In the nursery at church (very comfy nursing mom room with the service on a big screen so we don’t miss anything.), Hiking in the park ( just slide the snugli carrier down and pop one out! No one was around to see!) My son is now 4 months old and even though he is my first I feel very comfortable nursing him whenever and wherever he is hungry. While I was pregnant I read a lot of articles about breastfeeding and they helped to form my attitude that breastfeeding is natural and beautiful and as long as you are discreet it shouldn’t bother anyone else. I have returned a couple dirty looks, but most people just smile or don’t even notice us.
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