How do I breastfeed in public?

I finally had my baby -- three weeks ago.  We're happily breastfeeding, and starting to venture out in public more and more.  At home, I have to get a specific pillow and have everything set up just so for comfort.  I want to be comfortable with bf-ing in public,  but I'm not going to drag around my pillow and whatever else I need.  Does anyone have any tips on positioning or just tips in general that make it easier?

Get a sling, this will help you position the baby. Also in just a few months baby will have more head control and you wont need as much support even at home you will probably loose the pillow. Look into a Ring Sling type so you can cradle the baby and adjust the sling to the best position. ( stay away from the baby bjorn, or other front loading carriers, that wont let you nurse very well and is not good for the babies spine.

Never ever nurse yout baby in a public restroom, it is not sanitary.

If you are exclusively breastfeedingyour baby, that is an extra 500 calories that you get to eat! lucky girl.

I'm not a germphobe and I nurse my baby in bathrooms all the time. I don't take her in a stall. I usually just turn my back to the door and am as discreet as possible.

If the bathroom is a bit nasty or small I will nurse her in the car. We were at outback steakhouse a while ago and I just sat in the corner of our booth and nursed her with a sweater over her and my boobs.

Practice really makes perfect and the more you do it the more comfortable it will become for you.

"Never ever nurse yout baby in a public restroom, it is not sanitary."

Really? I do all the time. I don't sit on the toilet or anything. I stand, facing the toilet and put one foot up on the seat so I can rest my "holding" arm on my thigh. I don't see how it's unsanitary to nurse in a public restroom. My baby doesn't touch anything and I wash my hands before nursing. I'm fairly modest so I prefer nursing in private when I can.

I never used a sling. I bought a very basic nursing cover (at Target) and that's what I still use at 8.5 months. I try to always find a chair with arms so it can serve the purpose of my nursing pillow (something to support my "holding" arm). If I'm in a public place that's not very big, I'll usually ask someone if there's a place for me to nurse (if I'm not using the restroom). This allows them to direct me somewhere that THEY feel comfortable having me nurse.

Be prepared in advance, if you can, for public feeding and wear tops that allow easy access. I've stopped wearing my nursing bras because they just aren't comfortable and don't provide the kind of support I want so I try to wear a tank top under any shirts so I can just slide off the tank and bra straps while keeping my tummy and back covered.

I've only nursed in public a handful of times because, as I said before, I'm very modest and not a fan of it. I will be nursing on a plane in a couple weeks and I've made sure the airline is aware and I know what their policies are so I don't have any issues. I'm still nervous about it. I just know how people are and I know that some people don't appreciate public nursing.

Anyway, congratulations on the birth of your little one! :)

YAY for you breastfeeding you little babe, it's truely the best thing for you and the baby.

Breatfeeding in public might seem like a lot but I suggest practicing in front of a miror at home try some different positions and differnt top options to see what works best and makes you feel most comfortable.  Remember that you can see more boob than anyone else can on the outside.

I second getting a nice ring sling, you can also go to your local Le leche league meeting and those wonderful women can help you with hands on positioning and so forth.

Good luck and remember it gets easier as the baby gets bigger.

I made myself a simple sheet that fit quite amply over myself and my baby.  It was just a square of fabric from a bolt that I had trimmed the edges, so it was light and airy, but more coverage than those dinky baby blankets.

That being said, I never perfected being able to position everything without peeking.  The most comfortable position I found was the one where the baby's feet are behind me, her hip under my arm, so I had one hand to hold myself and the other for the baby, with the help of a pillow.  It was hard for me to do any other position.  I always went to a restroom or the car to feed, so I could readjust as needed.  I was even able to do it standing.

Well as far as nursing your baby in the bathroom goes, I guess to each her own. I have nursed in public just abut everywhere except the bathroom.

I would never eat my lunch in the bathroom and  never subjected my baby to the smells and noises and germs that happen in a public restroom.

I also never covered my baby while nursing. It looks as I am the odd mom out on this one as well.

I too am modest and am not one of those boobs all out nursing in public moms.

I had very little money when my son was a baby so expensive nursing bras and shirts were out of the question. I went to old navy and got some of those thin $5 shirts that you can layer so I could pull one up and one down this way the top of my breast was covered and my waist was as well.

I nursed in the sling all of the time. I got to the point that I could walk around target and nurse in the sling. Not only did people not know I was nursing, they many times didn't even relize I had a baby in there! I sometimes would use the tail of the sling to cove the top of my breast if necessary but never his head.

I nursed openly and modestly all at the same time. There is nothing rude or lude about feeding your baby.

Seriously ladies please re consider the bathroom thing, eating and bathrooms just don't mix. Is your modesty really more important than the experience you give your child while they are eating? Just some food for thought.

I am not being judgmental, I know that the lack of support that we get from this society, even our own family members can cause us to not make the best choices

OK - I wasn't talking about the nasty bathrooms in a gas station or convenience store.  I was talking about a friend's house, or a clean business bathroom (I did that ONCE).  I never would nurse in a place that I felt like I got my hands dirty just walking in.

What you did, magicalmoon, was really resourceful.  I didn't buy any special shirts, either, though I did purchase a nursing bra.  I just wore regular t-shirts.  I didn't have a sling, either, didn't even know about them until I didn't need one anymore.

I have seen people nurse their babies contendedly and peacefully as they went out in public - I never got that good at nursing.  I always had to have a hand to support me and one for my baby.  Things were always popping out and flipping around when the baby lost suction or got fussy.  She'd reach up and pull the sheet off.   And I have big boobs, so it didn't take much to flash.  But I kept nursing, so I didn't use that as an excuse.

My brother-in-law made the comment one time that he didn't see what the problem with nursing in public was.  The baby's covering the best part.  (He's prone to tacky comments) 

I am so glad other people have an easier time!  It makes it better on the human race .  Maybe I'll be able to help my daughters more than my mother helped me (she's an A cup!)

Original Post by magicalmoon:

Well as far as nursing your baby in the bathroom goes, I guess to each her own. I have nursed in public just abut everywhere except the bathroom.

I would never eat my lunch in the bathroom and  never subjected my baby to the smells and noises and germs that happen in a public restroom.

I also never covered my baby while nursing. It looks as I am the odd mom out on this one as well.

I too am modest and am not one of those boobs all out nursing in public moms.

I had very little money when my son was a baby so expensive nursing bras and shirts were out of the question. I went to old navy and got some of those thin $5 shirts that you can layer so I could pull one up and one down this way the top of my breast was covered and my waist was as well.

I nursed in the sling all of the time. I got to the point that I could walk around target and nurse in the sling. Not only did people not know I was nursing, they many times didn't even relize I had a baby in there! I sometimes would use the tail of the sling to cove the top of my breast if necessary but never his head.

I nursed openly and modestly all at the same time. There is nothing rude or lude about feeding your baby.

Seriously ladies please re consider the bathroom thing, eating and bathrooms just don't mix. Is your modesty really more important than the experience you give your child while they are eating? Just some food for thought.

I am not being judgmental, I know that the lack of support that we get from this society, even our own family members can cause us to not make the best choices

 

I'm with you puh8,  I nursed in public a lot, especially my second child, and we never used a bathroom, especially not at a friend's house.  Most of the time I didn't even use a sheet to cover up.  It is posssible to nurse your child without flashing anybody.  And the only people who ever said anything were little old ladies who told me how wonderful it was that I was breastfeeding my baby.

Of course, as your kid gets older, it gets more interesting.  Like when they want to look around while still attached.  At that age, they're pushing covers off too.  Good times. 

I'm glad you're able and willing to do it.

haha Yeah, old ladies LOVE to come up to me while I'm nursing in public. I really could care less about people seeing my breasts, I'm not a body shy person, but I do not want to make anyone else uncomfortable. A lot of my guy friends feel really uncomfortable about it because they are so scared they might see a boob (even though they won't!)

That's why I am more discreet about it.

Original Post by dog_lady:

Does anyone have any tips on positioning or just tips in general that make it easier?

Oh yeah, you wanted advice, not just stories.  I think as far as positioning goes, you'll figure out what makes you most comfortable the more you do it.  I think it's mostly about getting used to it.

And aeetheri, isn't it kind of fun making them squirm?  Maybe I'm just mean.

It's all about practice and a few tricks to make you more comfortable.  My favorite helpers were:

My "Hooter Hider" which I used until the baby and I were coordinated enough to quickly latch without flashing everyone.  Then I lost it except for special outfits and really mixed company. 

A strech cami under just about every shirt I wear.  You pull the outside shirt up and the cami down.  Your torso is covered at all times and the top shirt will cover your breast.

Nordstrom's department store has a room in their restroom specifically for changing diapers and nursing with a comfortable couch and everything.  It is  a great place to practice and serves as my home base when I am at the mall.

Don't forget about the bottle!  This is my second child and I am at the point where given I have the right clothing on (I have never bought nursing attire) I can nurse anywhere.  I am not particularly modest but I don't want to be flashing anyone either.  However, when I am wearing an outfit that isn't nursing friendly for a special occassion or something, I pump and use a bottle.  THe baby still gets the goodness of breast milk and I get the best of both worlds!

Good luck!

I don't see the difference in nursing in the restroom and nursing in public. Germs are everywhere. I would prefer eating in the restroom at work over eating in the breakroom we're provided. I know that our restroom gets cleaned daily as I'm sure most other public restrooms do. I can't say the same for the breakroom.

I know that restroom feeding isn't ideal for my son's "experience" but I have fed my son in a public restroom four times in the 8.5 months he's been alive. It's not like he's constantly exposed to restrooms during feedings. So, I'm personally okay with the sporadic restroom feeding in order to appease my modest self.

I find it so hard to comprehend how we as a society can be so approving of prolonged breastfeeding on paper but when I'm seen nursing an older infant, I get odd looks and whispers. It's like the mentality is, "it's okay in theory but uncomfortable in real life." I once nursed my son at my daughter's dance class while using my nursing cover. The woman who works at the front desk saw me and has ignored or treated me like dirt ever since.

I do have a girl friend who has no problem nursing in public or in front of friends. She'll whip out the boob wherever she is. She makes sure she wears shirts that allow her to do this and then just covers the baby's face and her boob with a burp cloth.

Sorry, my overall experience with nursing in public is in no way bad. I don't want to discourage anyone from doing it because it's really easy, cheap and convenient. I'm just overly worried about making others feel uncomfortable.

Edited to add: I missed the part about a restroom at a friend's house. I'd never nurse my baby in a restroom at a friend's house. I have no problem nursing in front of friends if we're visiting their house or they're at ours. If they don't feel comfortable watching me nurse, I'm more than happy to use a bedroom or office but I'd never nurse in a restroom at a house when other areas are available.

I second the sling idea, I purchased a mya wrap with my second and it was a life saver. I went on vacation when my son was just three months old, because of his age and the time change feedings were completely off schedule.  but it ended up not being a big deal, with the sling I could nurse and nobody knew the difference. I could walk around with both hands free completely covered, while window shopping...amazing, that and my double jogging strollers were the best purchases ever.

Well the less you use to cover up the  less obvious it is to what is going on.  I got really good at nursing in public.   I nursed everywhare withh all my children.  From planes to christmas concerts etc.  I always just rested my shirt over their face and it looked like baby was sleeping.  And of course a nursing bra was essential. 

i nursed my middle child until he was 2 1/2, and am aiming for 3 years with the current one (17 months), and i never, ever tried to hide it in public.  i really feel sad that people feel the need to do that-  loud & proud, people;  loud & proud!!  where else are young women going to learn that this is ok?  that this is a good thing!?  that this is a healthy, normal, mammalian thing to do?!  far too many people don't breastfeed-  we have to be the role models, because, sadly, many are not seeing it at home. :(  i've always been a boob-whipper-outer when it comes to breastfeeding, but that's really because i'm dying for someone to ask me to put it away... 

because i will then throw the washington state RCW's in their face and refuse :)  we've got the legal right here in washington-  sadly, this is not the case in all states of our nation... :(  there are so many things wrong with our culture... 

that was my rant. 

my advice is:  practice makes perfect.  positioning that baby will get easier as time goes on and they get older.  they can then help out more by holding themself up, grabbing your breast for better positioning, etc.  and as someone else said, if you're more modest or whatever, the cami/t shirt combo is good.  slings are very, very helpful for some.  i used one a lot with kiddo #2.  head for a chair with arms, to help prop up that baby supporting arm (also-  you will eventually build a muscle that is more like a band of steel than anything in that arm, just have patience...).  carry a spare pillow in your car, so that if all else fails you can nurse in the car between stops.  we frequently do this so that i can keep the other 2 contained in their seatbelts & not have them wreaking havoc all over the store anyways :)

hope that helps!  and congrats!  and good for you for breastfeeding!  

Original Post by pirate_annie: 

because i will then throw the washington state RCW's in their face and refuse :)  we've got the legal right here in washington-  sadly, this is not the case in all states of our nation... :(  there are so many things wrong with our culture...

Yay Washington!  :D

I've nursed 6 of my own and used to be the leader of a breastfeeding support group (LLL).  The best tip I ever learned and used with most of my babies is to shield the babies face/your breast with your hand.  Start now while baby is tiny and they will always let you do it.

Take the hand of the arm that is not holding baby's head and hook your thumb under your top (so that you can pull the shirt down quickly if baby pops off) and splay your fingers out over your breast and lightly touch baby's cheek.  Obviously with a tiny baby that arm will be basically wrapped around the baby first for support (under their bum/back).  As they get older you can rest them on your lap and have the arm completely free.  Practice at home until you get the hang of it, as it becomes natural you will always have a discreet way to nurse your baby anywhere.  Your hand is there sheilding any but the most attentive peeker from seeing the nipple when baby is latching, its sheilding baby and breast from view of casual onlookers and you are ready to pop your shirt down quickly if baby pops off unexpectedly. 

I nursed in public a lot with my son. I used a wrap once but he squrimed his way out. I covered us up but he'd pull it off. The best thing is to just do it. People see more skin on your arms when you wearing a tank then they do on you chest when your breast feeding your child.

Original Post by pirate_annie:

i nursed my middle child until he was 2 1/2, and am aiming for 3 years with the current one (17 months), and i never, ever tried to hide it in public.  i really feel sad that people feel the need to do that-  loud & proud, people;  loud & proud!!  where else are young women going to learn that this is ok?  that this is a good thing!?  that this is a healthy, normal, mammalian thing to do?!  far too many people don't breastfeed-  we have to be the role models, because, sadly, many are not seeing it at home. :(  i've always been a boob-whipper-outer when it comes to breastfeeding, but that's really because i'm dying for someone to ask me to put it away... 

 

Go boobies!  I always wanted to defend it too, but everybody (strangers, friends, men) were supportive so I never got to grandstand.

I am an advocate of breastfeeding no matter what anyone says breastfeeding is the BEST gift you can give to your child. I breastfed my first one until 18 months and then my youngest until 10 months and that was my biggest mistake. I wish I had gone on longer but wanted to stop as we were trying for number 3. Anyway, I never hid my breastfeeding. It is a natural thing. Breastfeed anywhere you and your baby feel comfortable. If people look then that is THEIR problem. OF course, alot of times I would have a little shaw to cover my breast but I never hid in any stall in a public bathroom (disgusting).  Breastfeeding is not a crime most women cannot breastfeed that is why they encourage formula. Be proud when you breastfeed you giving your child the best gift possible. Alot of people are not supportive b/c formula is easy but breastfeeding is simple the best. I cannot wait to breastfeed my third child or children.