Breastfeeding in Public

Some women like to cover up, like the previous posters mentioned. You can also buy nursing tops (Motherhood Maternity, Old Navy has a new line too), to help you nurse discretely & not show off your tummy. Your little girl may or may not like to have her head covered (most don't... really, who would?). I always found that using nursing covers and blankets draws more attention to the fact you're nursing.

So, try to practice nursing at home, doing your best not to show anything without using a blanket. If you don't want to invest in a bunch of nursing gear, you can also buy simple tank tops. Just cut out a space for your breasts to go through, and use them as undershirts. Then you can layer your other shirts on top and lift them up to nurse without worrying about showing your stomach.

Nursing in public can be a little overwhelming at first. It takes practice. Just tune everyone out around you. Remember, you have a legal right to nurse ANYWHERE you are legally allowed to be. And if someone has a problem with it, tell them they need to put a blanket over THEIR head. =p

3 moms found this helpful

Don't hide in the car - and definitely follow your instincts on staying out of that bathroom stall (uck). You are caring, quite naturally, for your baby! I think some descretion is called for, there are some weirdos out there and some people may not want to explain what you are doing to their young children (it wouldn't bother me).

Just find a quiet spot where ever you are and have a seat. I personally always used one of my oversized (1.5 yards) homemade cotton blankets (very light) and for my last child I had an scarf from India that a relative gave me. The scarf was huge, I think it is traditionally used for shoulders, sheer but not see-through even doubled over (it was huge).

When I was at a friend's house I always just asked (when the room was full) if there was a spot they would prefer that I feed the baby in - usually they would say I was fine right where I was. Pull out the scarf or blanket, get ourselves situated, and keep myself in the conversation. If you are comfortable, most of the time others will be too.

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I also used fitting rooms in department stores. There may be less traffic than perhaps a Target or Walmart, maybe a little more spacious for a stroller, bench, etc. and maybe a little more relaxing for you. I agree with the other mamas - just do it and be proud that you are. It is less hassle than a bottle. Good for you!

No need to hide just sit on a bench at the mall and put a blanket over you, as long as nothing is showing its cool to BF in public. Some malls, if at a mall, have family bathrooms, where you can sit in an area in a room and breastfeed.

You have already gotten advice that says pretty much what I would say but I have to add that there is nothing to hide from. BFing is natural and normal and it is, thankfully, becoming the popular thing to do again. As long as you are being modest about it, there is not reason to be embarrased about it. I always just took a light weight blanket with me wherever we went that I could cover the baby with. You can also get the wraps that are the latest thing that you can carry your baby in and they work really well for BFing as well from what I understand.

My daughter fights underneath the nursing cover I have so it is pretty much usless. I wouldn't invest in one, try borrowing one first to see if it works for you. I wear the nursing tanks from Target, and wear a button down shirt for easy access. A good friend suggested using the fitting rooms at Target, Walmart etc. which I have done on several occasions. My daughter is easily distracted so it's just easier to do it in a less busy place. At a restaurant, try and get a booth away from a lot of people. You can turn into the booth to get the baby latched on and be discreet. It gets easier as the baby gets older, can latch on easier, and doesn't need to nurse as frequently. Good luck.

Hi! Me again!
They sell these things at Target, they go around your neck and comes down like a blanket you so dont have to worry about it falling down and showing the girls. Its light weight and breathable for baby. Dont worry about what people think, most probably wont even realize what your doing, and those that do shouldnt mind. They pretty much sell them everywhere but here is a link to one at Target.

http://www.target.com/Peanut-Shell-Nursing-Cover-Retro/dp...