Where Have You Felt Comfortable Breastfeeding in West Valley/West Jordan Cities?

I live in Salt Lake and I don't go anywhere without my nursing cover! I feel so much more comfortable with it on because it keeps everything covered and is very light weight compared to covering up with a blanket. As long as I have my nursing cover I feel comfortable nursing everywhere- the park, going out to eat, the library, at the pool, etc... I made my own nursing cover and I have made some for some friends of mine. They have a strap that goes around your neck so baby can not pull it off, a curved plastic neckline so you can see your baby while you feed, and they are very wide to cover you up from side to side. Let me know if you are interested!

I agree with the other responses you have gotten - it is more about you than location. As long as you are covered up, there are not really any locations in Utah I have felt uncomfortable breastfeeding. I would look for lounges (the one at Dillard's really is good) & where there weren't any, I would try to find an out of the way corner. Utah has a lot more options for lounges than most places. I took my daughter to Los Angeles with me when she was a breastfeeding baby. I have never felt so conspicuous! They just don't equip public facilities to be baby friendly like Utah does. And when I was forced to breastfeed in public places, people just stare at you because they are not used to it. When I got back to Utah I really noticed how good breastfeeding moms have it here. So if you are comfortable, just get out there & do your thing. It's a great place to be a breastfeeding mom.

Utah state laws protect your right to breastfeed wherever you want. In my experience being comfortable nursing has more to do with you than the location. It really helps to get in the mind set that what you are doing is normal and necessary and with practice hardly needs to be revealing. (Certainly no more revealing than the amount of cleavage that you see walking around everywhere these days!) That being said, I sure do love a comfortable chair, the library has lots of those and I always appreciated Dillard's department stores nice lounge area.

Go where you want to go and nurse everywhere!

I had my son July 13th... I just grab a blanket to nurse- haven't really noticed anyone noticing. Also- slings can help too... i have one from infantino. And nursing tops are amazing. First time I had a regular shirt that just pulled up and I ended up covering my midriff with a blanket- NOT comfy. I love my nursing shirts.

Just FYI- I wouldn't even breastfeed him in public for a month... I only gave him bottles in public and I had to use an SNS to get my milk to come back. So I wouldn't suggest that as an alternative

My Mom did it everywhere. Of course she had seven children and was well practiced. But she'd be shopping and just throw a blanket over the baby and go to. Now my sisters do the same. Anywhere, anytime. You just need to practice is all. You'll want to make sure that you hold a corner of the blanket under each arm so baby can't pull it off and reveal everything. good luck, and practice

Utah state law allows you to breastfeed in any public place. No one can kick you out or ask you to leave for breastfeeding, so feel free to breastfeed where ever you are, so go to the library if you want and don't feel like you have to excuse yourself to go to a dirty restroom.

That being said, it's always polite to try to minimize how much others can see and it will probably make YOU more comfortable if you're not showing everything, but even if you do, it's not against the law or considered indecent. I never felt comfortable nursing in public (I did it though). Actually, Utah has one of the highest percentages of breastfeeding mothers in the nation! You're not alone.

I breastfed in Salt Lake County libraries all the time-go for it.

L.,
welcome to MOtherhood! I have found that as long as i take a blanket and throw it over my little guy when I nurse you can go anywhere. I have yet to find a place that I feel uncomforatable as long as I have the blanket with me.

Good Luck!

Like Katie D. said, there is a Utah law that protects you in any public place! This month there is a breastfeeding awareness event going on at the Salt Lake City Main Public Library called the Breastfeeding Cafe. One of the main purposes is to help everyone understand that nursing is the normal way to feed our babies. You can go there to get more information or just to visit with others that support breastfeeding (through August 31st). You can get more info at this website: www.utahbreastfeeding.org.

When you are nursing in public, do what feels comfortable for you and your baby--some babies don't do well with a blanket over them (I don't think I'd like to eat with a blanket over my head!)--if you are still a little uncomfortable, practice at home before you venture out. Nursing moms SHOULD be welcome at all the public libraries--you may be one of the lucky ones to forge the way and help make others aware. Best of luck!

just another plug for the breastfeeding cafe, its really nice to just be with other moms and talk about it, share stories and get comfortable breastfeeding in public. the library really is a great place, feel free to go there! read a book while your baby sleeps in your lap! what a great afternoon activity!

I would say the best thing you can do is learn how comfortable YOU are with breastfeeding in public. Some are, some aren't. Both are o.k. to feel. AND....it is something of an art to breastfeed without exposing yourself, or leaking, etc. They do make these new "nursing shield" tent things that give the baby some air, but like a blanket, keep them covered. I was never that comfortable with nursing, knowing that somebody might be watching, to breastfeed say, on a bench in the middle of the mall. But, if I could find a place more private (in case diaper leaked, or I leaked, etc., then, I was fine). I would try getting your feet wet in a more private corner of a restaurant, food court, or even a more sheltered park bench until you get the hang of it. I think you'll feel easier about this transition especially if you pick places where moms are likely to be. (Who's more sympathetic of public nursing?) Don't forget that several nicer dept stores will have mother's rooms, such as Nordstrom, where you can feed in private, and have all the conveniences for diaper changes (which often accompany feeding) and hand-washing right there! (also, great comfortable couches). I know that family bathrooms also sometimes have a place for nursing (Ikea has one). If you get in a real bind, and cant wait for one of these more private places, but don't want to risk it, just head back to your car for a feeding. I hope that helps.