Any Moms Ever Nurse in Public??

back when i was able to nurse I always nursed in public. I loved to nurse my son in a sling or meitai carrier. that way everything was concealed and most people didnt even notice. I also wore nursing tops that were two layers so i just had to shift the fabric to the side.

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I nursed my daughter for 15 months (first 6 months were exclusively - she would never take a bottle). I would nurse anywhere - even on a bench in the mall! Every once in a while, I would get a nasty look or a rude comment, but I was always discrete about it, but some people are just ignorant! I would be thinking, would you rather hear my daughter scream because she is hungry?!? It is the most natural thing and that is why God gave us breasts in the first place!!! I don't know what it is about people in this country when it comes to breastfeeding, but in other cultures, it is the norm. I think some women are just jealous that they didn't or couldn't nurse their babies and the rest of the population that has a problem with it are just uninformed and uneducated about it. Some people are funny and you shouldn't let that stop you from doing what is best for your baby and you - studies are showing that nursing reduces breast cancer.

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I know exactly how you feel. All I can say is keep at it, and eventually the insecurity or awkwardness will fade. I learned to concentrate on my baby and not what was around me. I also found a great lightweight blanket to use. It is huge (42" x 42"). I think it is called 1,2,3 Swadle and you can get it at Nordtrom.

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I breatfed all three of my kids everywhere. I never used a cover up. I think that just announces your breastfeeding. I would just put the baby to my shirt. Then unhook, lift the shirt and put the baby on. Half the time people just thought they were sleeping and not eating.

No one ever mentioned me breastfeeding in public. I actually was waiting for someone to say something but no one ever did. I think people are more used to it.

Give your baby the best there is to give. Keep up the breastfeeding!!!!!

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YES!!!! and i encourage everyone i know to nurse exclusively as long as possible, and to get comfortable doing it in public. now, 2 things you must know about me. 1- i am a nursing-rights fanatic. 2- i am NOT the kind of fanatic who thinks you should have unrestrained freedom to hang your boob out there in public. i'm all for modesty, discretion, and respect.

but i'll tell you, with all of that being said- my daughter never had a bottle while we were nursing. and i never retired to a bathroom, empty room, car, etc. to nurse her. we always nursed right where we were- whether that was in a restaurant, a church service, or in the mall.

i'll leave you with an analogy, to challenge your ideas about not offending people by nursing in public.

if you are out to dinner at a nice restaurant, and the man at the table adjacent to you has terrible manners.....chews with his mouth open, eats while he talks, etc., do you march over to his table and reprimand him for the offense? NO. he is eating, and you respect his fundamental right to do so. well, when you are nursing your baby in public, she is EATING- something she has a fundamental right to do. anyone who has a problem with that....well, i have a whole list of things they can go do with themselves ;)

please be encouraged- nursing your baby is the BEST thing you can do for her! doing so with pride and confidence is something good you can do for yourself :)

blessings,
L.

ps- a tip i was given before my daughter was born that served me AMAZINGLY throughout nursing my daughter: go to target and buy lots of their stretchy camisoles. (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_5/602-###-#.... then, when you unhook your nursing bra, stretch the top of the cami down under your breast, and nurse away. (they're stretchy enough to make this easy.) this way, while you're nursing and your shirt is up, your belly stays covered by the camisole. this is a good move for 3 reasons. 1- modesty 2- the less skin showing (of any variety) the less likely a stranger will be clued i to the fact that you're nursing (and not just holding a sleeping baby) 3- if you're like me, you're looking for any way possible to keep that baby pooch out of the public eye!!!!! ;)

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Hi J.

It's definitely a personal decision. I nursed my first 13 months and second about 18 months. I'm currently "on break" but am due again in May so I'll be back to it soon enough. I was uncomfortable at first and when it was possible I would find a quiet space to nurse away from lots of activity - it also helps them focus on nursing as they get older to not have too much activity going on around them. But there come times when the baby is hungry and needs to be fed and it just doesn't work to find a completely private space. Most places you can find a semi-quiet location though which may be more comfortable for both you and your child. As the baby became more skilled with nursing, it seemed easier to do more discretely. I had a couple nursing tops or just wore loose shirts. A light blanket can be helpful too if it makes you feel better. Another option is pumping and taking a bottle of breastmilk with you when you go out. Sometimes it's convenient, other times I found it to be just too complicated to keep cool and find a place to warm up. Follow your comfort level.

I nursed all 4 of my children. Sometimes you have to do what is best for your child. I was embarrassed at first. I would stop what I was doing and go to the car and nurse. But as I had my next child, I just realized that it shouldn't matter if I feel embarrassed, I am giving my child the best thing for them. I even went to a park when my child was a couple weeks old and I saw a mother just open her shirt and nurse her baby. She wasn't even trying to hide it!! My husband even saw it and said that is how I should be. You know what I did? I sat in the middle of the park and nursed my child.

I nursed my oldest (now 21) and my twin girls (now 17). At 1st, w/my oldest-it was hard--a little akward. After a few times out, tho',I found people to be very respectful.If they appeared a little too curious or bothered, I would say excuse me-my baby is hungry or this is so much easier than carrying bottles. This is your body and your baby. You have the right to nurse in public w/o feeling odd. I always carried a lg receiving blanket and would sit in the corner of a booth or the anteroom to a restroom w/chairs or a couch. I was glad I did this. My oldest nursed her son w/o blinking an eye b'cuz she had been nearly 4 when my twins were born. She felt it was very natural and knew how good it was for her little one. I was w/her almost all the time then & found people to be very accomodating & respectful. I hope it works out for you. If you are very shy--try pumping & having a reserve, then you can just carry bottles of your milk. J.-Erie PA

I fed my kids out in public. When my eldest was a newborn, my husband and I owned a retail store, and I was there a lot. I had a sling that I could use. It kept me covered completely, and I would throw a blanket over my shoulder. No one even realized what I was doing.

I nursed both of my children, public - private - wherever we were. Its not that serious and its nothing to worry about...I usually used a baby blanket over my shoulder or if i was lifting my shirt i had it low enough that nothing was seen. Ignore the passerby's.

J.,
I nursed both my children (now ages 19 and almost 16). I nursed whenever and whereever I was. It's possible to be inconspicuous and not be overt about doing it. I used to sit in restrooms or dressing rooms and tried not to think of it as being an inconvenience but a special time to quietly relax. If I was in a place where I could not get to a restroom right away, I would put a blanket over me (such as in a restaurant where I could continue to eat). I always felt that anyone who got embarrassed was not educated. I felt very proud to be breasfeeding my child but I didn't want anyone to feel uncomfortable so I'd be considerate of their feeling and try to conceal myself. If anyone would look I'd just smile and then continue to talk to my baby. When I see someone nursing I always smile at them and let them know that I did it and hope that by doing so it makes them feel comfortable knowing what they are doing is benefitting their baby. I wish you much luck. S.

I was the same way at first but I have a kozycarrier (www.kozycarrier.com) and I realized that I can nurse with him in it and no one can see. I have gotten so comfortable nursing in public that I do it without the kozy as well. My baby has to eat and I want him to have the very best so I just don't care anymore. But I started out in the same boat as you. You can even nurse him in it and drape a receiving blanket over the top and no one knows what you are doing. The kozy has a high back and even w/out a blanket even if people are right on top of you they can't tell what you are doing. It is the best thing I have ever bought!!

I nursed my kids in public a few times myself but more often than not I took formula. I have seen plenty of moms nursing in public-there is nothing wrong with it and don't let anyone make you feel like there is something wrong with it.
Your feeding your child. Plain and simple.
If you are in a mall, sit on the bench grab a receiving blanket and drape it over your shoulder on the side that you are feeding your child on, then just place your child under the blanket to give you and your child some privacy.
I have seen a lot of moms do that.
I was just at Sesame Place last weekend and a mom was walking around feeding her child-she had the blanket draped over her child.

J...I nurse EVERYWHERE..restaurants, food court, mall, zoo...I have a 3 year old and 4 month old and do not want one to suffer because of the other. I use a nursing shawl I got a target and have bought a few nursing shirts whcih help. Otherwise I wear lots of button down shirts. People do give me "looks" at time, but I am sure they would rather me nurse discrretly than listen to my daughter wail because she is hungry. It is perfectly acceptable to nurse in public. If you are very uncomfortable you could always pump and give your baby a bottle when you are out. I have done this as well. Good luck~
S.

I've been nursing all over the place for 19 months now. :) I have never had a rude comment, only positive ones. Not quite what I expected around here! We do use a sling, and I think that helps. I also wear tank tops most of the time because I'm way more embarrassed of my belly than my breasts. ;) We have a family history of diabetes, autoimmune disease, and digestive illnesses, so I didn't feel that we could risk any formula. I was kinda shy at first, even though I felt very strongly about it, but you do get used to it. Early on I would go places where I wouldn't be out in crowds, or mostly be around women; like sitting in the chairs at Lane Bryant, or ask for a booth in a restaurant. Eventually I've gotten to the point where I don't think about it any more than I would think of, say, drinking a soda in front of someone. If you're nonchalant, most people won't notice.

i know that it can be hard sometimes. i have nursed both of my children past the age of two and have sometimes experienced the awkwardness you feel. i, too, wish to see more women nursing in public. just last month, i attended a "nurse-out" that is a public gathering of families who support breastfeeding (in public or otherwise) and raises awareness for breastfeeding. it always feels so good to be around other nursing moms. you might want to visit www.promom.org. ProMom is dedicated to increasing public awareness and acceptance of breastfeeding.

keep in mind that you are doing the absolute best thing you can for your child by breastfeeding. you are giving her the best nutrition possible and if anyone has a problem with that, it's their problem, not yours.

initially, i wasn't 100% comfortable nursing in public but, with time, it became much easier and i have now nursed in every place you can imagine. i found that a baby blanket worked better than anything if you have to cover up for some reason and the baby doesn't mind. also, alot of the department stores and places like babies-r-us have cozy suites that you can take your baby to in order to nurse. another thing that helped me was to spend time with other nursing moms and you can meet a lot of them at support groups like laleche (can find info for local contacts on their website lalecheleague.org). There is always strength in numbers.

Above all, just remember to smile at the people who become "aghast" at the fact that you'll breastfeed in public. And don't give up. . .you're doing the right thing.

I'm also a proud nurser, but I do feel that it is a private matter between a mother and her child, not to say that you shouldn't do it in public, b/c you have too, you really don't have an option! But I don't think that anybody should just "whip it out" either, after all your a mother now. How you behave, even in these early years of your childs life, sets the example for how they should behave. I agree with the suggestion of loose fitting t-shirts, with a blazer or zipper down hoodie over top. Or you can try pull down nursing shirts, with the same over top apparel, your going to be be some what exposed, but at least it will be respectably.

I nursed both of my kids in public, I think that if you feel comfortable with it, other people will have less of a reaction. I always covered up with a small receiving blanket or wore a baggy top I could drape a bit. I'm not sure how to ease your anxiety except to say that what you are doing is totally natural, you are feeding your baby. People wouldn't have a reaction to you feeding a baby with a bottle.

I can honestly say that I had very few times when another person seemed embarrased by my nursing. And even if they do, it's their problem, not yours.

You know, each us has to do what is right for us and our families. But you aren't alone. It is awkward at first, getting situated and getting the baby to latch on. But it gets easier!

S. H.

Hi J.!

I unfortunately don't have any little ones to nurse anymore, but I did nurse them all in public. As with you, I began nursing my first in the car, restrooms, etc. By the time #4 came along, I had no problem what-so-ever nursing in public. It can be done very discreetly...in fact we were at a restaurant getting ready to order and the waiter had no idea I was nursing or he just didn't have any response. I just draped a small blankie across my shoulder to block any view of the baby and my breast. I never encountered anyone making any remarks to me about my nursing in public. It did take me a few times to become comfortable with it, but my thoughts were...nobody else eats in the bathroom, why should my baby? Nursing in public is not for everybody, but it did work for me. I hope this helps. Good luck to you!

B.

I breastfed 3 children for 6 months each, and i could not even let down in front of my dad. Only my hubby ever saw me breastfeed, and a few girlfriends but that was my insecurity. I was always on the move, and i held my baby while standing in a restroom many times, how awkward is that?? Often I fed in my car backseat or with a blanket over my shoulder in someone's chair. i did not let it stop us from going out but I would have a problem with people watching. Breast feeding is the single best thing you can do for your kids if youa re healthy, and my kids were never sick and are healthy to this day. I understand moms who can't , and I'm sorry , but you just do your personal best and do not worry what people think.

I just used a breast pump while at home so I could still give my son breast milk but had the convienince of a bottle.

First let me start by saying you are not alone. I am still nursing my child & she is 27 months. She only nurses once a day in the afternoon now so I dont have to nurse in public any longer. I felt odd at first as well. I would try to cover up & go into changing rooms. I even would put a liner on the toilet & sit there to nurse. I started to run out of ideas when I was limited & she needed to eat. I started to just wear looser clothing that would allow to cover up some with that. I feel that the first 4 months was the hardest to get her latched with a blanket & after that we were good to go. You should never feel ashamed in public of doing whats natural. Now if its easier to use a bottle while you are out than thats a different story but I can honestly say until I joined my play group I felt alone. I felt like there were NO moms out there nursing then I met a lot of wonderful ladies that were all for it. I think joining the group changed my view point & allowed me to feel comfortable with what needed to be done. To this day if I am not with those moms I never see nursing moms. Nurse if you need to & just forget about all the igmornat people out there with comments. They have NO clue to all the benefits you are giving your child.

I definitly was a public breastfeeder, and was not ashamed to do it anywhere. My daughter was a few weeks old, and she decided to be hungry when i was at walmart. I was uncomfortable at first, but the i read if you dont feed them when they want, they wont feed when u want them too. Besides my girlfriend said that she didnt feed enough in public, and she felt that is why she dried up so quickly...She was ashamed, so she would buy formula for when she was out...Not a good idea. She dried up quick

When my baby was hungry, I fed her. Bottom line. I didn't have too many issues, no one really bothered us. I got a lot of stares, but after a while it didn't notice them. I refused to feed my daughter in the bathroom, especially publuc bathrooms! Its gross! That's where we pee pee and there are no grown people eating in the bathroom!

I just read the other responses and had the same things to say...of course I nurse in public...all the time. I don't worry about what other people think and figure that they would be more upset if he was crying! At least he is quiet when he is nursing! Also, I found that wearing a nursing tank top like the glamor mom brand or I think Target has a brand so that no skin was showing then people didnt really know if he was asleep or nursing. Good Luck!

I did nurse my daughter in public when needed. It is hard because there are people who take offense to it. There are some moms who don't let others opinions bother them, but I hate to admit I'm one that did. So I mostly nursed in the car in an out-of-the-way spot in the parking lot, or in a corner somewhere with my back to the public. I quickly learned which stores had the best restroom lounges for privacy (Nordstrom is one!), etc. As long as you are covering yourself, you really need not be embarassed by it - but I know it is easier said than done. There are MANY woman who nurse, and for every one that may give you a look (I only had one the entire 10mos I nursed, if that is any consolation) there are others who are privately thinking "good for you!"....as I do whenever I see a mom nursing in public. I hope to run into you some day! :)

Yes I nursed in public and yes the first few times I was a little nervous. But I soon got over it. Bottom line, I don't care what other people think, that's not why I nurse. I care what I think and feel about my baby. My son was an active feeder too. Off the boob then on the boob, off and on. So people could get a look at my nipple if they wanted to. Who cares? Its a nipple! We have all seen them. I would try to be discret and sit somewhere where the traffic of people wasn't a lot simply because it was better for my son. Nordstrom's (at KOP mall)has a great Mothers Room, with comfortable couch's where you can breast feed and change the baby. But when needed, I would feed my son anywhere! There's a slogan I live by, "its none of my business what you think of me and its no one business what I think about you." This helps me to stop being judgemental of others and worrying about others opinions of myself.

*Addendum*

I came back to edit. You know - one thing I have noticed throughout the whole of this chain is that no one - including myself - seemed to point out that hello - lol - feeding children is what these milkbags on our chest are for! HAHAHAH! It was only MEN (who are often the ones who are the most offended) who generally can't deal with it.

Let me ask you this, If a woman with a flat stomach, a PUHYOW butt, and 36 DD boobs walked through the mall winking at all the men in a bathing suit that barely covered the silicone ta-ta's, do you think many of them would say, "That's gross"? LOL, NO.

The one time I had someone say something to me, I asked the MAN - "um, excuse me - do you have titti-envy?" (defaulting to hormones as an excuse). He said no - and proceeded to explain why. I said, well, when women complain about something only men can do - you men call it "pe*is envy". heh heh. He shut up and walked off.

But really, WHY should we feel embarrased? that's why we have them, to FEED our children. Its not a sexual act, so we should not feel embarrassed. I was discreet - certainly if other children were around but for the most part, I never felt ashamed.

----------------------------
You know, one trick I did was buy a sling. A GOOD one. and lot's of cheapo men's button down shirts..lol. The sling covers you, and the mens' button down shirts are baggy and big enough to open right up. LOl. Literally, the sling covers you, your stomach, the baby, everything. I used to walk around the mall doing it and no one even KNEW...heh heh. Of course, it was nice to be able to wear comfy clothes. I got them from freecycle, so they didn't cost me anythign to get (the shirts).

Hi, J..

You're not alone! I nurse in public plenty of times. I'm fortunate in that there are a lot of nursing mothers in my church (we actually have an area for mothers who nurse during the service). I just nursed at Chili's last night while eating dinner. I know it's awkward at first. With my first child, it took awhile to get the hang of covering up and everything. What I would recommend is practicing at home when you're not worried about people being offended. I just use a blanket. I drape it over my shoulder, then slip my son under my shirt. What's hard is making sure they latch on properly if you aren't looking. Again, if you practice at home, that should help. Maybe you could do it in front of a mirror, to make sure you're not showing anything. If you end up feeling like you're too uncomfortable (I was a little at first), that's ok, and don't feel guilty if you just don't want to do it. But know that you're not alone! There are plenty of us who do it. Good luck.

E.

P.S. Some stores actually have "mother's rooms" that are set aside for women to nurse. I know Babies R Us has them, and I think Nordstrom does. You might try that out, knowing that it's not the end of the world if you accidentally reveal something.

I nursed both my boys, each for a year. At first, I felt the same way you did, but after a while I didn't care where I did it. Nobody ever said anything mean or gave me a dirty look, and I know that the law protects mothers nursing in public. Just give it time. Keep a small blanket with you so that you don't accidentally expose yourself. Don't give up on nursing...you are doing a wonderful thing for your baby!! Good luck :)

I breastfed my daughter for 13 months. The first six months I did feed her in public. I used a big blanket to throw over my shoulder and my daughter. It worked well for us and I got to the point that I didn't care what others thought. In the very beginning (the first two months), sometimes I couldn't use the blanket because I couldn't tell what Lauren was doing and then I just tried to be as covered up as possible. I think it's great when a woman is feeding her baby in public! That is the point of having our breasts!

I am breastfeeding my second son now, and I am more than happy to pop out a boob in public.

I have been in situations where I can't even really cover up all that well and had to reveal my entire breast because of an unwise outfit choice. Do you know I actually had a man come up and thank me for being so brave!

I have ever only had one idiot yell something obnoxious from his car. Even then, I was breastfeeding on a bench on a busy street on a hot summer day in a questionable part of town. In some ways, I was just asking for it.

In many ways, I am completely opposite of you. I am like, "Nursing Woman, Nursing in public since 2004... pushing the tolerance of breast in public!" It's me and Janet Jackson baby!

If anyone raises an eyebrow, which honestly I rarely get... it's mostly just an initial "Shock" and then immediate acceptance. And if anyone has the nerve to say anything, you just look at them and say "I'm just feeding my kid lunch. Did you want some?" hehe

I joke, because I do believe in respecting others and descression when appropriate. But I do find that taking a little humor helps my confidence. In general however, people are usually happy to see a breastfeeding mother in public because it shows a parent who cares for her child to be willing to take the extra step. Breastfeeding is so HARD, and most people respect your right to feed your child.

I breast-fed in public all the time. I covered up with a blanket. Sometimes the baby would yank it away and expose me but hey, what can you do. You will be more comfortable with breastfeeding in public by just doing it. You begin to master whipping it out with little attention towards you and you overcome your fears. It's just like anything else in life that's new. It takes practice. Over time you will laugh about how you used to be afraid to feed your baby outside. I bet more people breastfeed in public than you know. Most of the time, people couldn't even tell I had a baby with me once he or she was feeding.

R.

I nursed my daughter anywhere we happened to be at - Wendys, Waffle House, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, etc. Sometimes I nursed her in the car, but that was only if I was already in the car waiting for someone.

I nurse my son (eight weeks) everywhere. By the time he was four weeks old I nursed him in two Wal-Marts, three times at Target, at two grocery stores, twice at the doctor's office, and at various restaurants. Also several times in parking lots if I happened to be waiting in the car for someone.

Please don't be embarassed, or worried about what others think. Honestly, I walk all over stores nursing my son, and I barely get a second glance from anyone.

And honestly, I wouldn't bother with blankets and cover-ups. In my experience, it's one more thing to juggle and position, and you wind up drawing more attention to yourself.

Edited to add:
I'm also rather large breasted - 44DDD/G currently. I make a habit of wearing tops with scoop necks or buttons or ties, so I can pull a breast out from the top, rather than the bottom. I feel less exposed, and the breast is pushed up and "rounded" in such a way that between my son's head and my hand (supporting his head/keeping the excess breast off his nose) not much of anything is flashed to other people.

My daughter was allergic to milk, soy and had collic to boot! I nursed her until she was 16 months. I did have to nurse in public and it is always awkward (especially when they are older and large children).

Fortunately, there are many family changing rooms or ladies lounges these days. I was so scared to do it but thought the only way to get over the fear was to just do it. One evening, I sat on my porch and breastfed as neighbors walked by - you would be surprised how many people either don't care or don't even notice! I tried the coverups as well and frankly they just make it more noticeable. I learned to buy the cami sets and buy the sweater a little larger. Take one arm out and drape that over the baby. Anyone that criticizes you for providing food for your child should feel awkward!

I would say use discretion though. Try to find a quiet and peaceful location appropriate for you and others to alleviate any unnecessary discomfort of YOU and YOUR BABY. Its always great to have a friend with you to sit and talk to you while your feeding to 1) develop a shield for wandering eyes and 2) to make the time pass.

Hope this has been helpful!

J.

My baby is 8 weeks old and I nurse him everywhere. The dollar store, ihop, target, preschool and oddly enough the cemetary. I do try to be discrete. I don't want to have to use any of the witty retorts I have stored up. I love breastfeeding because I can do it any where. You can't fix a bottle anywhere. Also, most women are not uncomfortable with it. Men are generally clueless. I nursed my son in the men's dept. at macy's during a sale and no one said a word! I am a public breastfeeder and proud of it!!

J.,
I have nursed pretty much everywhere. I've only ever had one negative experience where a woman told me I should be ashamed for 'exposing myself' in public. I told her that my rights as a breastfeeding mother were protected by law and perhaps she should pay a little less attention to my breast and the baby attached to it. I do try to be as discreet as possible. Neither of my children liked having blankets over them, so I wore a lot of tanktops with button ups over the top. Pull the tank top up over your breast, the buttonup with cover your sides and back. I usually pull the tanktop down as far as I can and then 'tuck' my son in the button up shirt. Most people don't even realize I'm feeding him.

Good luck! I wouldn't worry too much about what other people think. As long as you're not hanging out all over the place, you have nothing to be ashamed of. If a 'spectator' feels awkward, they're paying too much attention!!!

T.

since it seems alot of moms have already given you a lot to read let me just say this. I breast fed both of my kids. And the most uncomfortable place I did this, but also realized people understood.....in church. So you can do it. I always had my big shirt and blanket and it wasn't a big deal...also breast fed in the mall, restaurants you name it...my child had to eat, who cares what people think. As a mom you have to take care of your baby. ENJOY! :-)

I have a 3 year old son and a 3 month old daughter. I nursed my son until he was about 13 months old (but started adding in formula at about 10 months). Although nursing out of the house isn't something I've ever been 100% comfortable with (because I'm modest), I've done it with both children. I always try to find somewhere discreet such as a dressing room, our van in an isolated parking area, etc. I'm less inhibited this time around, though. I really don't care what other people think because I know it's what's best for me and, more importantly, my children. However, if I think I won't be able to easily find a discreet place to nurse my baby, I often take along a bottle of pumped breastmilk. Have you considered pumping? I hope this doesn't sound preachy; I think everyone needs to do what works for her and her children (however, I'm amazed how many people don't know all the benefits of breastfeeding). Good luck!

Haha! I can relate! I was mortified even at the thought of breastfeeding my son in public for quite a while... but when it came down to it, my baby was hungry, and I was conveniently carrying two warm bottles of milk with me everywhere we went, so I just got over it! To me, the thought of having the front of my shirt drenched was more embarrasing then feeding my son in public. When I knew I was going to be breastfeeding in public, I would wear a tank top underneath of a t-shirt. When my son got hungry, I could lift the t-shirt and push the tank top to the side. My son was able to enjoy his lunch, and I was still completely covered!

Hi J.! I'm a mother of two girls also. One is almost 4yrs old and the other 15 months old. I breastfed the first until recently (being bed time the las feeding she gave up) and my baby (to me) is still mainly breastfeeding... just about began to explore solids (finger food). Breastfeeding never stoped me from going out. With my first I actually bought a set of 5 t-shirst with the openings to breastfeed. With the second, I mainly wear shirts that are a bit baggy, so that I can pull up on one side and still cover my (kind of chubby) tummy :P. I do not leave my whole breast out, although this baby is beginning to pull my shirt up, I just pull it back down as low as I can.
I do get looks, some smiling ones, others judging ones...to those I just smile back looking straight at their eyes...they usually look away first.
I don't breastfeed my babies to bother or not...it just feels like the right thing to do for me...and its my right...and my baby's. .. and so is yours... so I say keep at it!!! don't get discouraged!

M. J.

OMGosh!! I nursed all of my kids, including twins, whenever it was time to feed them, regardless of where I was. This is the best food to give your baby. Don't give into the world's ways and feed your baby inferior formula just because someone is going to judge you about feeding in public. You can be very discreet by keep your arm down and just lifting your shirt to cover their upper lip so your breast will not be showing. If at a restaurant, always ask for a booth and sit with the side you will be nursing at the wall. It really is okay and something you just have to get over and be convinced you are doing the best for your infant and just go for it. Don't be a people pleaser and feed your baby formula so they aren't uncomfortable. That is rediculous and shows lack of confidence on your part as a mother. Letting a stranger or some other person dictate the quality of food you give your baby sounds off doesn't it. I know you probably think I am being harsh but I am just trying to help you see that your baby is a priority not others peoples hang ups about nursing in public. I hope you are encouraged. I'm not saying just whip out your boob and don't worry about who sees it lol, just use common sense and yes, there will be times when you will have to go into a dressing room or some other odd place. Just think of how well your baby will be fed and you won't have to buy formula or wash bottles!! I hope this helps.

I am happy to hear that you are making the effort because breastfeeding is the hardest thing to do and I did it for both of my kids. The first for 8 months and the second for 13 months. So I arrogantly call myself a expert.
I have really large breasts to start with and with nursing they were in the E & F cups (I'm 5'2" and about 150 lbs) so I was always aware in public. My kids hated to have a blanket over there head. They were too curious. So what I did was first wear a loose t-shirt or sweater then a button up or blazer or zippered hoodie. Then you can lift your t-shirt and feel like your not so exposed on the sides and back. I always did it at restuants and never had any reaction.
My dad who is in his sixties, I think was a little uncomfortable but he never said anything and just excused himself from the room because he knew it was normal behavior for moms and didn't want to discourage me just because he didn't want to see his daughter's boob.
I only ever had one person say something at me. He wasn't brave enough to actually speak to me. I was at a store and went to the parking lot to leave but the baby was screaming and I figured I would just nurse her a little before we started the car ride home. This middle aged not so well groomed man made a comment as he walked by. Something like "discusting why are you doing that" and he was such a coward he didn't even wait for an answer. So me having alittle bit of the baby blues and a little PO'd I screamed at him "Oh, I guess you'd rather me feed my baby a bottle full of chemicals you uninformed As---le!" Boy was he shocked and I bet he kept his opinions to himself after that.
Now, I don't really think that about formula so nobody, get in a tizzy. And I did supplement with formula if I went out without the baby and so forth. It really was the frustation of the new baby and being tired and not wanting to ride 30 minutes home with a screaming baby.
I guess the lesson is feel free and comfortable but if anyone confronts you take the opportunity to turn the embassassment back on to them, but please try not to be as wacko as I was.
Good luck! And try the double shirt thing.

I nursed three of my sons in public.

My main priority was my child and them wanting to eat not what others thought.

Now, I did use common coiurtesy where as if I was ina restaurant I would go to the restroom and have a blankie to cover the chest.

I breasy fed all 5 of my kids as they were born.I'd see people stare at me in public when I'm breast-feeding while walking around in the mall.It really didn't bother me at all and besides I would allways buy the shirts from Maternity Wear, that have the peek-a-boo hide away buttons to allow you to breast feed in public. They really work without worrying about smothering baby. It actually looks like your holding a sleeping baby, and they do have P.J's summer & winter wear & summer & winter breast feeding shirts. They are good looking clothes which you can also wear after birthand now they have the nit stretch back in shape material,in the summer and winter wear.For the times when I was at catholic church I would just throw a cloth diaper or one of those pretty colorful scarves the Hindu or Indian ladies wearing(don't know the correct nationality's name). I only pumped milk if I was leaving baby with granny for a few hours. It's much easier for me to whip it out and feed sweetie pie and just be focused on feeding him,while walking around the neighborhood, and besides your lucky if your little one can't yet, let out a scream a "certain pitch" that'll actually start the milk flowing by it self. Don't worry about the public, you can't & never will be able to please everybody,and it's a kool & natural thing we women can do.If you catch them staring at you, just ask can I help you? and they ask why? with a nasty tone, then you say with a tone, because I can!& I want to & I don't have to explain my-self to you. (It's mostly attitude that people respond to ,when they see you don't care what they think about you breast-feeding baby in public)then you'll notice the difference in peoples reactions & stares & looks to you.

I, too, like all of these other ladies, nurse in public. All three of my kids (the oldest now five) have been nursed in public from day one.

I noticed that a BIG difference in making it a little more "discreet" the kind of bra and shirts I wear. I've found Bravada (www.bravada.com) nursing bras the most comfortable and convenient.

I also used nursing tops from Motherwear. A little pricey, but worth it. I found some on eBay, too, for a reasonable amount.

If you've positioned your daughter properly, nobody will even know that that's what she's doing. Not looking down and not letting your hand linger near your breast area for very long is key. Other people will focus on what YOU are focusing on. KWIM?

HTH!! And, Good Luck!!

J.,

I nursed my son in public throughout his first year. After about 12 months, he pretty much only nursed in the evenings and mornings.

Having attended many La Leche League meetings and talked to many friends about breastfeeding, I can tell you that there are different problems that crop up depending on the size of your breasts and the positions your child is willing to nurse in.

A couple of suggestions that may help you feel more comfortable and which may already have been mentioned to you by others would be:

**buy a couple cheap tank tops and cut holes in them around your breast area. Where them under your regular shirt. When your daughter wants to eat, you can pull up your regular shirt knowing there will be minimal exposure of yourself to the rest of the world.

**another option would be using a baby sling while you are breastfeeding. This can be very effective but takes some practice. If you are planning on trying this one, try it at home a bit before taking it out in public. I know a friend who found after a few tries, she could breastfeed her daughter while cooking dinner if she needed to by using her sling. Because she is very large chested (as am I) she only had one hand to cook with. However, it was one hand more than without the sling.

**another thing to look for is nursing rooms. Most of the major malls are putting in nursing lounges for nursing mothers. While I believe you should be able to nurse wherever the need arises and you wish, for me I was a little self conscious about nursing in public most of the time. It was nice to take a break and spend some time in a nicely decorated quiet room dedicated to the needs of me and my nursing child. Some of these rooms are very nice, others are bare minimum (small room, chair, and door). Also, in some of the larger stores, the ladies rooms have lounges. These work well for a semi-private nursing area as well. Also, in the front passenger seat of my car worked. I figured if anyone was peeking into the car and was offended, it was their problem not mine. I was in the privacy of my car.

**I am sure others have mentioned large mens button down shirts and specially made nursing shirts. These can also help.

I guess my biggest suggestion is that if you are feeling uncomfortable and know you have to do it, stop, take a deep breath and get yourself a latte or a smoothy to help you relax and make it a less stressful experience for you (and for your baby as I'm sure you know they pick up on our stress).

Good luck and know that although you may not have noticed the other nursing moms out there. We (both current and former nursing moms) are out there and we support you and your decision.

I nurse my son in public all the time. He is 5 months old and have nursed him in public since almost day one. I was a little anxious at first but I can tell you what helped me was going to a meeting with Le Leche League and I nursed my son there in front of other moms and by the time I walked out I felt like I could take on the world. I have no problems now and when people give me dirty looks I just smile and say something like hungry little man or something. It does get easier. Your child deserves the best no matter what anyone else thinks.

I nursed my daughter in public all the time. I just made sure to have blanket with at all times. I just threw it over my shoulder and feed her. Who cares what people think! You need to do what you need to do. As long as nothing is "showing" you aren't being rude. I would just kindof push away from the table, or move over to a more inconspicuous place but I still fed her. Do what you want but it always worked for me.

T. K

Hi J.,
I started out doing it in the car but it got to squinchy in there. now I find fitting rooms and that works best. I would just get near one when i knew she would be hungry soon.

My supply is dwindling due to an awkward overnight work schedule, and it's becoming more painful since my daughter has gotten four wickedly sharp little teeth, but I have nursed her in public tons of times, and no one has ever said anything, nor given me any looks. I think people are just too busy to worry about what I'm doing.

It's easy to say "Just don't worry about them," but it's much harder to actively not care about the rude comments you may get. You might become more comfortable with it the more you do it. I know it took me a long time to be totally at ease - I am large-breasted and could never find a proper nursing bra, so I was always afraid I'd flash someone!

Good luck, and I hope you get more comfortable with it!

You should do what you are comfortable with. It's all about being a good mother and that has to come first, before what other people think. If your baby is hungry, feed her. Other people don't have to look.
I only breastfed for 3 weeks so I never did it in public but I would if I had to. Plus if you don't you leak and that is more embarassing! My best friend and my sister just had babies this year and they breastfeed. They usually do it in the car or in a private public place (like the bathroom if it's clean or a corner table in a restaurant). I think eventually they will be more comfortable and do it where ever they need to.

Hi J.,

I can understand how you feel. I am a very modest person and hate it when others may be uncomfortable. BUT, breastfeeding is completely natural, good for my baby, and my legal right! Although I am sometimes uncomfortable nursing in public, I do it because the more people get used to seeing mothers nursing (discreetly, of course), the less "taboo" it will become in society's eyes. Also, the more you do it, the more comfortable you will become!

Best of luck,
Laury

Seeing other moms nursing in public does help your confidence - which is why I always did it - or at least until my kids got old enough to want to see what was going on. And seriously? I NEVER got a negative response! People may not nurse in public often, but I got so many thumbs up and proud smiles you wouldn't believe it! And the rest of them didn't know what I was doing. LOL! Go ahead - give it a try!

I use cloth diapers as burp cloths. They're great cause they're huge, lightweight and really absorbant. They're also good for tucking under your bra strap to conceal yourself while nursing in public.

I tried to feed my daughter right before we had to leave the house. That way I wouldn't have to nurse her in public too often. Nursing shirts didn't work for me. In the event I had to nurse her in public, I would just drape a light weight blanket over my shoulder and her. I'm sure people knew what I was doing, but I think that makes it a little less obvious. The only place I tried to not do it was in restaurants. We saw a woman nursing at a restaurant once and while I wasn't the slightest bit phased, my friends all had comments to make...to our table, not to the mother. My friend had one of those baby carriers (the ones that kind of look like a sash...I can't think of what they're called) that she would use all the time and no one would know a thing.

Hope this helps you out a little. You are definitely not the only one who nurses in public. I belong to a MOPS group and I'm sure plenty of them nurse in public, as well.

~ A.

I DIDNT BREASTFEED BECAUSE BOTH MY KIDS WERE ALLERGIC TO DIARY UNTIL THEY TURNED ONE AND THEY GREW OUT OF IT. BUT I HAVE SEEN A TON OF WOMEN BRESTFEEDING THERE KIDS IN PUBLIC. I HAVE SEEN WOMEN WHO DONT EVEN USE ANYTHING TO COVER UP WITH . BUT I WOULD SUGEST USING A BLANKET OR SOMETHING TO COVER UP WITH . JUST SO PEOPLE DONT FELL UNCOMFORTABLE .. AFTER A WHILE OF DOING IT , I HAVE BEEN TOLD YOU CAN DO IT WITHOUT ANYONE EVEN KNOWING WHAT YOU ARE DOING . ALOT OF PEOPLE MIGHT THINK THE CHILD IS JUST SLEEPING AND YOUR SHEILDING THE LIGHT OR WIND. GOOD LUCK

You have to keep in mind that this is a cultural issue. As Americans we are told that nudity is taboo. Breasts are taboo. However, breats were made to feed infants. In other cultures this question would be laughed at. Mothers are meant to feed babies. Breasts make milk to feed babies. Where is the problem? Why should bathroom stalls be the dinning room of infants in America. Third world infants get to eat with everyone else, no shame, no waiting because the mother may be embarrased and has to find a "suitable" place to feed her child.

Are we the ones that are backwards?

It is your choice. Don't let embarrassment keep you from feeding your baby as God intended. Be proud that you nourish your baby with everything you have. It is a gift to an infant, giving of yourself. In many ways it is a sacrifice that mothers make. Whether you choose to do it in public is your choice.

Hi J.,
I'm sure you see from all the other responses that you're certainly not alone. I also breastfeed in public, my daughter is five months old. At first I tried blankets to cover up with more out of sensitivity to others than my own embarrassment, but I simply found it too hard to juggle a blanket, my baby and not totally expose myself. Now I just discreetly lift my shirt and let my baby latch on. I wouldn't necessarily worry about buying breastfeeding tops either unless that's the only thing that will make you comfortable. I think they're expensive, and by time you put your baby to your breast your stomach is pretty much covered by your baby anyway. Enjoy your baby and the closeness breastfeeding brings!!

Hi! I'm also a new mommy and breastfeeding my 3.5 month old. I only did it a few times in public also but I have to tell you, I bought some tops from this website that really makes it easier. The construction/sewing/quality is just ok but it helps so much with breastfeeding and being descrete and also now that I'm back to work and I'm pumping during the day. Check them out. I got a few on sale first to see if I liked them. When you wear these tops, you only lift the top layer of the shirt so your belly is always covered and the layer underneath has a slit which only lets a very small part of your breast be exposed which should be in yr baby's mouth anyway. I am very shy and this made it so much easier for me. I just wish more companies had clothing that was similar so there was a little more to choose from. Check out www.motherwear.com and good luck!

I never nursed, but my friend do and they do it in public. i also worked @ Gymboree and women did it all the time. It doesnt bother me and it doesnt bother most people. i have some friends who used blankets and othes used slings & some used both. i hope you are getting the help you need.

I nursed both of my sons in public - they are now 17 & 9. They didn't have anything fancy 16 yrs ago - I just used a baby blanket - the small ones you use to burp them over your shoulder- and just folded it in half length wise and layed it from my right shoulder down right over the baby's head. Half the time nobody even noticed or knew I was doing it...
Don't let people make you feel uncomfortable - as long as you are not exposing yourself - you are FINE!!!

I nursed all four of my babies anywhere anytime they were hungry. I did receive a few dirty looks, but no one ever approached me. It is ok in this society to see exposed breasts for pleasure, but it is taboo to use them for their designed purpose! And once the baby is latched on you can't see anything inappropriate anyway. Go to the local swimming pool and you see more than a nursing mom shows. If you are nervous, try practicing infront of a mirror or your hubby. practice until you can latch the baby and nurse unexposed and are comfortable. I used a baby sling with my first. It was wonderful because no one ever knew that you were nursing, they thought my baby was sleeping. I also used the blanket over the should too.
As for nursing in the bathroom... Do you eat your lunch in the bathroom??? Even the cleanest bathrooms are dirty and uncomfortable. Most malls have Motherhood stores (at least around here they do) and Motherhood has a nursing area for moms even if they are not shopping at that store.

I was once asked to move to a dressing room, and more than once I was told that kind of behavior was not permitted in their store. Can you believe that ?? So I finally had enough one day and very loudly said "if I can't nurse my child then will all the women in the store please drop off your baby's bottles at customer service ? " Well I was so mad and I noticed when I left that store many moms quietly followed.
Of course you can't grandstand in every store in your neighborhood, but I would def not stop nursing your child in public. As long as your being discreet I don't see a problem. In fact I think it's a shame more women don't put their child's needs ahead of uptight people who might be made uncomfortable because of their personal hang ups. I nursed for 3 years total (more than one child)and I'm so proud of it !! And we should all be :) Sorry, you touched on something.