If you can deal with it, then you will have problem being an active mother, doing things like you did before. There is no reason to stop going out, traveling, and doing other social activities just because you are breastfeeding.

Getting over the first few times of breastfeeding in public is essential. That first time can be the most stressful. (Of course there are moms who go for it with no problems) Once you do it a couple of times, you yourself will come up with ways on your own to make it easier.

Yes it can be embarrassing. Yes you can feel as if you are being exposed. Yes you can feel you are in the spotlight. But breastfeeding is normal.

One of the most important aspects of breastfeeding in public (perhaps the most important) is to wear appropriate clothing. A skin tight halter top is not going to cut it. There are many fashionable breastfeeding clothes for women now. The main aspect is comfort and discreteness. Check out online shops and mall stores. Choose a few different outfits for different occasions. Be sure and wear your nursing bra! You can even wear a somewhat loose top and tuck baby underneath. You do want to have eye contact with your baby, so cover up as much as you wish with eyes still exposed. Baby slings are perfect to be able to breastfeed without have to hold the baby and leave your arms free.

Practice breastfeeding at home as if you are in public. Try it out. How can you make your baby comfortable and still be covered? Try doing it walking around. You may even have a social get to together at your house and try it out. You will have the opportunity to breastfeed in public while still in the comfort of your home. Do not let your first real public breastfeeding be the first time you have tried it. When practicing, you can come up with little tips of readiness on your own. Practice in all sorts of different outfits and even look at your self in the mirror. If you practice at home, covering, eye contact, latching, etc., eventually you can probably breastfeed in any type of situation. It will become automatic.

IMPORTANT: Your baby needs to have practice too! The earlier you start at home practicing with your baby to breastfeed in public situations, the better. If you skip this step, your baby will not be used to it and act up.

Remember, if you wear the appropriate clothes and practice discreteness, you can breastfeed anywhere, anytime!

Only you can make the choice as to how and where. Your level of comfort will dictate this. You do not have to always go to a back room. If people stare, smile and stare back. They’ll get the picture. Some people are fascinated with breastfeeding. It does not mean they are being rude. They are just seeing something unusual. And remember, you are exposing next to nothing when you breastfeed in public the right way. Some women drape the baby, some use a little camouflage. Whatever you are comfortable with. You can always turn and face another direction, but the less you draw attention to yourself, the better. Look and act normal and you will blend right in most of the time.

Another important aspect of breastfeeding in public is to know your baby's feeding habits and cues. If you know your baby eats at 10pm, and you know you will be out, you need to plan on being somewhere that you can breastfeed. If you breastfeed your baby in public before he starts fussing, you will be able to do to very discretely. There is no shame, however, in having to take the baby to another spot. Do not delay in breastfeeding your baby when in public. Very important. It will be harder to do it smoothly and discretely. You don’t want to get that why-is-that-baby-screaming look.

Here are some things to remember:

You can and should still have a social life and breastfeed.

Choose appropriate clothing. The occasion will dictate what you wear. Choose wisely!

Know where you will be when you normally breastfeed and be ready!

Practice in a mirror and remember only YOU need eye contact with the baby.

There is no shame in moving to another room. We all have our comfort level.

Your baby NEEDS to be breastfed when he wants to! Don't put it off because you are in public!

Medical Dislaimer: This Website provides users with general baby care and breastfeeding information only to assist mothers and babies. We are not giving medical advice or diagnosis. Nothing contained on this Website should be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. You are urged and advised to seek the advice of a physician before doing any baby care or breastfeeding.

Custom Search