Breastfeeding in Public and Hands-free

It will get easier I promise.

I really like the Ergo for breastfeeding on the go. I was using it in the grocery store today. I like the cover feature of it and it is very adjustable. Congrats on your new baby and breastfeeding.

1 mom found this helpful

T.,
Congrats, new mommy! As a well-endowed woman, and a lactation educator, I had the problem of the boob "popping out" whenever I tried to nurse in public - so I often didn't. I would find someplace to sit (preferably with some sort of back support) and place a light weight baby blanket over the baby and I. I would highly recommend something called the Ultimate Baby Wrap. It can be a bit daunting, at first, because it looks like there is all of this fabric - but once you get the hang of it, it's amazing. The baby feels very secure and it is very supportive to your back. I think that it's perfectly fine to take your newborn baby out. I just wouldn't let people touch her hands or her face (of course). People generally are enthralled with feet - let them touch her feet - but waiting five weeks - I've never heard that - there are more germs in the hospital where she was born - and those with older siblings are exposed the minute they walk into the house! You are protecting her the absolutely BEST way - by breast feeding. You go girl - take her out and show her off.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi there -

I'll tell you. I would get some really pretty long thick scarves and shove them in your bag and you are good to go. I had slings and I did have a pull over shawl that my Mom bought for me at the Pump Station. I did like that. But eventually my son didn't like to have too much on him so he would push it off. And they are expensive. I remember having a couple scarves that I would throw over him. They were light and just perfect for being discreet. And they are light enough to put in your purse or baby bag. Sure hope this helps.

R.

1 mom found this helpful

I used the "Nojo Original Baby Sling" for my daughter and was able to do everything! I actually carried her for 3+ years as you keep changing the position and way you carry the baby as they grow. I did nurse in it and noone ever knew, just figured baby was sleeping.

I went everywhere with my kids, even at days old. It is good for you and for the baby. Dress them properly, and if they are in a sling, it is wonderful for both of you- hands-free for mom, and just like being in the womb for baby.

1 mom found this helpful

I use one from Target by the brand Infantino it is black and has a black and white toile print inside, also harnesses baby in. I have been using everywhere to feed even walking around Huntington Gardens. It even looks good for my husband to wear when baby falls asleep after feeding.

Hey T.,

Congratulations on your new baby girl! Welcome to the club of breast feeding mamas. We are out there even if you don't see them. ;O)
I reccommend Dr Sears baby sling because its what i used. Eventually with a good snug fit, she could eat while i walked. and i've also seen a toddler nursing in a front back pack carrier. It's easier as they get older, you'll see.

I also got nursing shirts and bras from Motherhood.
It makes it easier.
Also after a while i felt comfortable enough to nurse without a sling for privacy the more i did it.
I encourage you in the face of staring people, but baby comes first. And you'll be surprised at how many moms just like you do it these days! Please don't nurse in a bathroom, it's unsanitary. Not that you would!

Good luck!

Hooter Hiders... also know as Bebe au lait... got mine at Nordstroms about $30 but now they sell the same at Target!!

Hang in there T. I'm slowly weennning my 3rd child off the breast. She is almost 7 mts. I figured my other two got me for 8-9mts. so I'll be fair. Breastfeeding is work but so worth it! Congrats on your daughter!!!

just make yourself a nursing cover that is wider than usual and you can use it in public thats what i ahve done ..hope it helps

Try something that goes over you...a friend used the "Hooter Hider" and loved it. I think she found it online. I've also seen them at Bergstroms. I used one that was handmade and it made nursing in public easy and embarrasment free! Good luck!

-M

I just got a Moby Wrap and I love it! It is more comfortable than the Baby Bjorn. I also have a "Hooter Hider", but I feel like it draws far more attention to the fact that I am nursing. The Moby is also a great carrier for older babies (beyond a sling).

Hi T. -
As far as slings are concerned, I've used many wraps and slings, but I haven't been too successful bfing while my child was in it. I also have large breasts, and bfing for the first two months has always been challenging for me. I battled mastitis, cracked and bleeding nipples, and thrush both times. After two months though, it got so much easier! What worked for me was taking it easy for the first two months, taking care of me and baby, keeping hydrated, eating healthfully, sleeping a lot. I hope you find what works for you.

Hi,

I have a hooter hider there are great. You can interact with everyone and the baby is being feed at the same time. Here is a link http://www.bebeaulait.com/ they have them at many little baby stores too. I have used mine everytime I go out. I even walk around the animal park holding my little baby and feeding him at the same time. The Hooter Hider does not give you any support with the weight of your baby, put it provides privacy.

Also I have used the ergo baby to feed my little one too. www.ergobaby.com this does hold your baby weight and you can feed the baby and also have both hands free it provide a little privacy but you can still see on the sides.

Good Luck

I recommend "The Over The Shoulder Baby Holder" and then once their legs can straddle (5 months-ish) the Ergo. I have breast fed in both of them. Call your local La Leche League and go to a meeting so they can teach you tips and tricks. In-person help is best for this kind of thing. Also, please take your time "getting back to normal". "Normal" is different for you now, it's baby-led. Plus you should stay feet up for the first 2 weeks after giving birth.

I think using a wraparound carrier is by far the most comfortable baby carrier there is. I've tested several, and it's the only kind that doesn't hurt your back or shoulders. It's also very easy to carry your baby and nurse while staying covered. I actually make them for other moms and would be happy to email you a picture, if you like. It's the same style/idea as other wraps (Moby, Hug-a-bub, etc.) except I live locally (no shipping charges and you wouldn't have to wait as long), and I can make them look really nice. Good luck, and let me know if you would like more info. If not, then I still highly recommend buying a wrap carrier from someone else :)

I am large breasted as well and in the beginning, not much helped. In the sling, she was smothered.
The best thing form me was using a sarong to cover her while we got into position. I also wore loose things like a linen hoodie where I could see down through the top, but I but her in through the bottom. By 3 months we were able to be very incognito. The sling still is not too great though.

My beast friend recently had a baby and she was given a cover up specifically for nursing and it works great. It's the kind that just has one strap to put over your head and around your neck. The rest of the fabric, which comes in beautiful prints, covers the whole baby and your whole upper body while nursing, without all the fuss and the baby can breathe. Check out the baby stores like The Right Start or even BabyStyle. I'm sure they'll have these. Good luck!

I'm also a new mom and breastfeeding has been a whole new experience for me. Since my son was born though (Feb. 29th) I've also had to breastfeed him while in public. I've successfully used both the Baby Bjorn (with a scarf draped across me for privacy) and the Baby Pouch while in public. They're both great and my son hasn't gone hungry at the expense of my wanting to enjoy music festivals, dining in restaurants, and shopping. I'd recommend either one.

hi T.!

i have a Maya wrap and i breastfeed in public all the time and no one even knows it!
i like it because i can position my baby and i still have enough fabric hanging so that i can cover my whole torso and the baby's body as well, i know it seems like it would get in the way but it doesn't! its perfect for me. i hope this helps you!
-S.

Hi T.-

Your baby is only one week old. It takes a little while to get it down, for both of you. Maybe try to do activities around the feeding schedule until breastfeeding isn't such a production. (It will get easier.) But, I have heard moms rave about the Ergo Baby. I don't think they had it when my kids were young enough to use it, so I don't have personal experience with it. But a lot of moms I know love it.

A one week old baby should not be out and about with you! They are suppose to be five weeks old.

Yes, it wil get easier. I second the Ergo. I nursed both of mine from about age 4mos or so in the Ergo - on the go and it was very discreet. I don't have big boobs though, so it may have been easier for me? Maybe visit a baby store like Kissui in Redlands or Pickles and Giggles in Temecula (or a place like these where you live) often times they let you try on the carriers and even better - have sling wearing seminars. You are doing great! I wasn't comfortable nursing in public until my babies were about 9 weeks old.

I just saw you live in Temecula - Pickles and Giggles is closer but if you can handle the drive, I recommend Kissui - they are very hands on there AND have many different slings, I think they may even have the Ergo. http://www.shopkissui.com/

One more thing... be patient most of all! I remember with my first, when she was about 4 weeks old and we were at my cousins for Christmas, I nursed her in my cousins bedroom, pillows propped everywhere! and I thought, OMG! I'm going to have to keep pillows in my car so I can nurse! It gets easier, but only if you take this time at the beginning to take things slow, be patient and make sure latch/position and all are being done right. Enjoy!!

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! I don't know much about slings, but there is a cover up called the "Hooter Hider" . I think Bebe au lait makes it. It has boning in it so you can see down inside of it and thus see what the heck you and baby are doing. I have one and it works if neccessary. Don't forget that you and your body need to recover from childbirth ect.. Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to sit and relax for a while. Best of luck!!

"Wendy Bellissimo"... you can get it at Babies R Us. I LOVE it!! I've used it for my 2 youngest children, and it's the BEST thing! Mine is the light blue camo print. It even comes with a breastfeeding cover to drape over you & the baby.
Check it out.

Wow, a week old... let me tell you that you're not going to get back to "normal" any time soon.... sorry. BUT you will create a NEW normal, in a few months or so. Just hang in there! I would try a ring sling (such as a maya sling, but there are lots of brands!) so you can adjust how high or low the baby rides and how tight the front or back are independently. This type of sling also usually has extra fabric on the end to help "cover up." I found when learning to nurse in public that there was only so much I could do to be descreet, and after that I just had to loosen up and not be so modest... turns out I was showing less than I thought, the view is much different from the outside than what you're looking at yourself (so I've seen now watching friends nurse). So good luck and good for you for nursing that baby!

I really like the "Over the Shoulder Baby Holder". It is a great sling with a lot of flexibility for younger and older babies-- including breast feeding privacy etc. It is built extremely well and sits on your shoulder (not neck) so you dont get the neck and back pain like you do with other slings.

Check out their website

http://www.parentsafely.com

or google "Over the Shoulder Baby Holder"

Good luck to you!

~H.

Get a "Hooter Hider" it is the best! You can find them online - a great site is Mom4life.com. My son is 13 months and I am still BF. I take my hider everywhere!

First...congratulations on your new daughter! I'm a first time mom too. I'm large-breasted and had a large son (8lbs. 12oz) and really wanted to use the sling. I bought the New Native and unfortunately, it just didn't work for us. Neither I or my son ever felt comfortable with it. However, I do breastfeed my son wherever we go. I purchased a poncho-type cover made especially for breastfeeding. There are a number of them on the mearket. Mine is a poncho-type that folds up nice and small to fit in my diaper bag or purse. It's a neutral fabric so many people think I'm wearing a top and don't even know there's a baby underneath unless they see his feet. In the fall and winter, I wear long scarves or pashminas around my neck. These also work as a great cover-up for nursing. Finally, make sure you get a good bra. I had a really hard time finding a good nursing bra. I'd recommend going to The Pump Station in Santa Monica. They have a huge selection of bras. I finally found an excellent bra by Medela. Breastfeeding in public is a lot easier than it seems. Most people don't even notice if you're discreet. It gets easier with practice. Good luck!

I breastfed everywhere all the time, until my son was about a year old and didnt nurse often enough to warrant doing it in public (besides, he was pretty big by then, and it became too cumbersome to try to do in public.) I did nurse him at home util 17 months. I am not large breasted, but i did try lots of slings and other things. I would sometimes have him facing me in a Bjorn and just adjust it so he was low enough that i could give him my breast and then toss a light blanky over his head. Nursingwear is critical! i loved the tanks because of the support they provide without having to wear an additional in-the-way bra. I also really liked HOTSLING, and could have him in it nursing while i walked and pushed his stroller and all very discreetly ( if i had the right shirt on). I also loved the nursing tank tops because i would wear them under another shirt and then just undo the tank hook and pop him under my other shirt. that way the midriff and chest are covered, baby gets boob, nothing is exposed, and everyone s happy! Dont give up!! just keep trying things til you find what you are comfortable with. I wore basically the same clothes for most of my son's nursing life, but it was SOO SOO worth it. I have the rest of my life to wear other things, and am happy knowing that my son and i were able to share the very best for both of us! And you can always try pumping and giving your baby a bottle when in public. I personally found nursing much more rewarding. Dont dont dont let the public eye affect you from keeping your eye closely focused on what is best for you and your gorgeous little girl!!
Love and Hugs!
Good Luck!

Hi T.,
Congratulations on your baby girl! I'm the mom of a 7 1/2 month old baby girl.

Your feeling of being overwhelmed is entirely normal. I was so terrified that she was going to cry unconsolably while we were out in public that I pretty much didn't leave the house for the first 12 weeks. You are not alone!

I am still breastfeeding my daughter and I also went back to work after 12 weeks. I never bf my daughter in a sling. I had a SlingEZ which I purchased from my lactation consultant that I really liked and used until my daughter got too heavy, and then we switched to the Baby Bjorn, which I also loved. She can sit in the stroller now, so I use that because after an hour even the Baby Bjorn bothers my back.

I bought the Hooter Hider (aka Bebe au Lait) from Nordstrom on the recommendation of a friend. The one piece of advice I'd give you is to use it now, even at home, so the baby gets used to it. Since I barely left the house the first few months and didn't use the cover at home, my daughter loves to play with the cover (and expose me) now whenever I do use it. So use whatever you get at home to get the baby used to being covered.

Best of luck to you. I'd love to hear an update from you in a few weeks on what works best for you, as I know that if we have another one I'm not going to be able to be a recluse and I'll have to figure out how to comfortably nurse baby #2 in public.

Congratulations on your baby girl! I know how you feel. I am a large-busted mommy too and when my son was born I had a really hard time figuring out how to nurse him discreetly in public. I actually never found a sling that worked for me. I bought the Baby Pouch wrap, the Ergo carrier and the Baby Bjorn. The Baby Pouch was probably the most useful when he was small, but he quickly outgrew it and never really enjoyed being tightly wrapped when he was eating. I have gotten great use out of the other two as carriers, but not for nursing. So the thing that I found eventually worked the BEST was a nursing cover.
Check these out at http://www.bebeaulait.com/
They are lightweight and have some ribbing at the top so that you can see down to adjust yourself and watch your baby, and he can see you too. They also happen to come in lots of cute patterns! I would just find a quiet corner somewhere, cross my legs for additional support, and go for it! Good luck!

Hey,

You and your baby are just getting used to each other.
And it takes a while to get used to breastfeeding.
I took my baby to an art opening and dinner when she was 11 days old. Be prepared to take the time to feed her and don't worry about the world seeing your boob.
Once you have gotten it down, any sort of sling will work.
Good luck.

get a nursing tank from target- they are cheap and efficient. i lived in these for the first months after my daughter was born. i took her w/ me everywhere from the 1st week she was born. you can easily undo the strap, whip out your boob and just cover w/ a hooter hider (bebe au lait)like many women mentioned. you are good to go....

Any good sling with lots of fabric will work. They are great for giving you the privacy you need to breastfeed in public. But don't expect to ever do it hands free. When feeding your baby in public, find a quiet place to sit for 20-30 minutes or however long it takes. If you envision yourself doing this, that and the other thing, cruising through a crowd, while your baby automatically nurses in a sling and allows you to have both of your hands free, you are not being realistic. I have four kids, and breastfed, and nursed in public.... certainly it can be done discreetly. Sounds like you will be back at work in no time. Focus on your daughter and her needs during these 12 weeks. God luck!

The Hooter Hider works great, I do it in restaurants, etc... I get looks, but usually there is a smile afterwards. Glad that you are getting out but make sure you are relaxed while breastfeeding as it could affect your "let down". It did with a friend of mine. Best of luck.

My friend has a boutique in La Verne...It's called Peek a Boo(Old town LV). They have Hooter hiders, and they are awesome. Very light weight and full coverange:)

I love the maya sling (the pump station carries them), it's the one with the silver metal hoop to adjust to different sizes, and has extra padding for the shoulder area. There is extra fabric that you can drape over you for privacy.

As for getting your baby into it - she may fuss at first, but move around and before you know it, she'll be fast asleep. My baby (now three months old) was a little fussy, and the only way to quiet her was to wear her in the sling.. having her in it for a lot of the day helped her sleep better at night when she wasn't in it.

There are studies that recommend them. The ladies at the pump station are really helpful. Make sure to be fitted properly as it can make all the difference in your comfort and the baby's.

All the best..
roxane

Any adjustable slings should work. Give yourself some more time - breastfeeding won't be a "big production" after a few weeks' practice!
Congrats on your baby girl! :)

T.,
I tote my BF daughter everywhere. I usually plan so I can feed her in the car when I am out shopping. However if you are at an event. I purchased a cover call a hooter hider. Thier website is hooterhider.com. Is is a cover that you can put around your neck and still look down to see your little one and what you are doing, without having to expose yourself to the world. I have a ton of friends who love them and use them all the time everywhere. Good luck.

I used the moby. www.mobywrap.com

I used a New Native Baby Carrier - http://www.newnativeinc.com/ - quite possibly one of my best baby purchases. They sell it in different colors and sizes. I had a black one (matched any outfit) that I carried my son around in at stores, malls, etc. When it came to feeding time, I would put a blankie over my shoulder and the carrier and I was able to feed while walking around, picking up stuff and browsing at stores. People would never notice - I would even had conversations with some! Good luck!

I never had much luck with the sling because my babies didnt want to be in one, but I think the easiest way to breastfeed discretely is to wear a loose fitting t-shirt or blouse and lift it up from the bottom, rather than unbuttoning or pulling something to the side. That way you can sort of buch it around them, and esp if you're sitting down no one can see anything! also remember for the most part people really arent interested and wont be looking at you. I was hesitant with my first but now will nurse just about anywhere. good luck!

I love the hotsling (www.hotsling.com), because they're "sized" for you - it was awesome when my babies were little especially (until about 2 months)! Then I switched to my Baby Bjorn as a carrier, and when they could hold their heads up, I started using both (with them on my hip with sling). I will admit though that I never could get the hang of breastfeeding with it (I, too, am rather busty!)

There are some great nursing covers out there which are AWESOME for nursing in public. I would check those out :o) www.nursingcovers.com has pretty much all of them on there (although you may be able to find them for less elsewhere, it's a good source for just seeing what's out there!)

I also got a couple nursing shirts from GapMaternity, and I love them - they make nursing in public really easy as well!

Good luck!

Have you seen the Ergo Baby carrier? It's not a really well known carrier but you can go to there website- www.ergobaby.com - and check it out. I have an Ergo and I have breastfed my baby- hands free and discreetly- walking through department stores, the park, and the airport. It also has really great back support, an extender belt for all sizes and can be used up to something like 30 pounds. Don't worry- even if your baby is young they have an infant insert-- you should definitely check it out. It's one of my favorite baby shower gifts! Good luck!

Hi,

It will get easier-my daughter is 7 weeks and I have it down now with just using a blanket as a tent draped over the shoulder.
I have the New Native sling and LUV it. Good luck.

I can't really recommend a sling, but I want to promise you that it will get a lot easier. I took some advice from a Dr. Sears book about practicing in the mirror and that really helped me. You should wear a loose T shirt or something that you can pull up easily. If you bought some of those belly covers that look like layered T-shirts, you'll show less midriff. Also, newborns are still learning to nurse and they come off the breast more often. I think being able to nurse hands free with a sling is like being able to nurse at night without fully waking. It happens developmentally for the baby and with plenty of practice.

"large-breasted", it's a curse! I go from a 32dd to a 36I. I've had two kids, with #3 due in 3 weeks, and it was never easy to breastfeed when I was out-and-about.

For #2, I purchased the 'my brest friend' (boppy is worthless, pillows work much better). I purchased both the home-version and the blow-up verion for travel(it attaches to your waist, but I still recommend sitting down somewhere)--I kept it in the mini-van.

I never came across a sling that worked for us large-breasted women; still searching.
For #3, I am purchasing the 'Hooter Hider' because it allows one to see the baby and better direct everything that happens underneath the cover.

With #1, I did a LOT of pumping, so I could feed him on the go; I was just too burdened by the 'nursing in public'--never enough support, my neck and shoulders were VERY tight (to the point of tears), and I even got carpal tunnel syndrome from supporting my breasts too much (or maybe incorrectly).

I hope you can use some of this information. Concerning nursing tops, I never came across any that work for large-breasted women. I just wore my maternity t-shirts and with the nursing cover it worked. No button-up shirts or dresses, it just doesn't work.

good luck

Actually, you can make one yourself. It's very easy. I found instructions online at mamatoto.org for a wrap (no sewing needed). Or if you like ring slings you can find the instructions in mayawrap.com. If you don't have time to do this, you can ask a friend to do it. I find it more special that way. You get to pick the fabric and designs. Hope this helps. Good luck!

Hi,
Before I had my daughter I was a DDD after I had I went to a G I breast feed my daughter until she was 15 months I didn't use a sling I got the cover up that you just put on your shoulders and that worked for me. We went everywhere. I hope this helps I got mine at Wal-Mart.

Hi, i have a Maya Wrap and love it. I got it used, but you can get new ones online, they are a little pricey. I like that you don't have to buy a new one for each size, it is totalyconvenient. However, for breastfeeding i have not used it (just carrying baby). I went to babies r us and got a breastfeeding cover up that works great. It goes around your neck and covers your entire front.

I found that coverall type clothing worked the best - like a coverall denim skirt , or jumper with deep armholes, with a knit shirt underneath, easy to lift up - the bib was perfect for modesty. The person sitting next to me on the plane never knew I nursed my baby the whole 3 hour flight!

hello. Over the sholder baby holder. otsbh.com The best!

I don't know about a sling, but a friend of mine bought me a breastfeeding cover. It kinda looks like an apron--you snap it on at the back of the neck and the front/sides totally cover you. The neckline in the front is like netting with large holes to help air circulate and so you can see your baby while she's nursing. It folds up easily and won't take up much room in a diaper bag. But it will not allow you to be hands-free. They sell them at Babies R Us. Hope this is helpful! :0)

I just read some of the other responses--this sounds like the hooter hider. ;)

Hi, T..

The best sling for breast feeding is the Baby Pouch. I found that it is stretchy enough to allow the baby to nurse while in the sling.

Several of my friends who had babies around the same time as I did (we all have 10-month-olds and one who's almost a year) owned the Moby Sling and said because the fabric didn't really "give" it wasn't very good to try nursing in and felt it squished their babies. While they all agreed the Moby was a great sling to carry their babies in, they felt my Baby Pouch made much more sense when trying nurse while wearing your baby.

I always and still do find the Baby Pouch to be soft and comfortable while being sturdy and strong enough to transport my baby.

I don't know where you live, but the Pump Station offers Sling clinics which instruct you how to use the various slings in different ways. This was helpful in helping determining which sling worked for me. They show you all the slings they have, including the Moby and the Baby Pouch, and demonstrate the various ways to use the slings. It was helpful when I wanted to try to nurse my baby while in the sling. They have locations in Santa Monica and Hollywood.

Good luck in finding the sling that woks best for you!

Best,

E.

I am not sure about a sling but you should look into a hooter hider by bebe au lait. I felt the same as you, and once I got the cover breast feeding in public became so much easier. Hope that helped

I used the Baby Pouch. It's like the Moby Wrap but better for me because the material is more stretchy and you can really get it snug with room to give. As for those who say that the baby "shouldn't" be out with you, if you need to get out in the land of the living, if it's good for your mood, then yes the baby "should" be out with you, just in a snug wrap. It worked for me and my 14 week old is healthy, thriving and secure, just like my five year old. You know about the germ issue, you know how to protect him. The Baby Pouch holds your baby like a womb if you use the cradle carry. I breastfed at restaurants with a big sweatshirt over us. Very private. Very sweet. Have fun Mama!