Breastfeeding in public

So the Bean will be 2 months this week and we've been attempting going out a little more. Mostly it's to other people's houses :lol: so not an issue there. If we need to go somewhere else, I usually try to time it so she eats right before we leave...but I suspect I'm not always going to be able to do that. She's eating every 2 hours, sometimes 2.5. She feeds fairly quickly most of the time too. I fed in the car once, and hated it...but I think it was b/c she was still really little and it was really hard. So what are some things that you did to make it easier/more comfortable?? I have a coverup thing, but I don't love it...so I'm looking into getting something else. Any tips??

On a side note, I really love having this forum for help!

 

I like this video about NIP using layers from The Leaky Boob. NIP is really a trial & error process of finding a) what works and b) what you are comfortable with. For myself though, I usually just whipped out a boob & stared down anyone who was giving me the stink eye (which, btw, only happened once, in two year of nursing, in a small rural town south of Calgary - the gentleman was older & seemed unable to decide if he was disgusted or impressed with me :laughing. Most people didn't really seem to notice or care when I was nursing. :good:

I'm glad we're here to help!

 

I got more comfortable when I got a good nursing top like this that I didn't have to hook or unhook and make a big production out of. It was very discreet and by the time I was nursing in public more my boys had a very good latch, so I was able to nurse anywhere at any time without anyone really seeing much. Dirty looks were pretty rare and I did have a few people congratulate me for nursing twins. But mostly people didn't even notice at all!

 

At that age I used my ring sling tons. The ring sling has a "tail" of fabric that hangs out of the rings you use to adjust the sling. You can use this tail like a shawl and cover the baby completely. Somepeople don't even realize you are carrying a baby in there let alone that you are nursing it.

 

Lou it was not until about 3 weeks ago that I just started doing it! I was in the middle of Chicago on Michigan Ave over the weekend at Milenium park and the boys were playing in the water and I sat on the sidewalk and just did it. I noticed people dont really look. I have this cover. It gives perfect side coverage. I used to feed in the car and did not like it. One day I just said I have to do it. Now I dont think twice about it. I think as you do it, you get more comfortable. I went from just in the park, to leaving a restaurant to feed in the lobby, to barnes n noble kids section to the middle of the city. And now I truly love it. The first time is hard and awkward and then it is easier and more natural feeling.

 

Also, I got tired of it being something I HAD to do to move on with our day. This way, whatever we are doing, I now look at it as how convenient it is.

 

I loved, loved, loved these shirts from Expressiva.com. They were cute, comfortable, (& in winter kept me warm) but not so exposed as a regular Tshirt. The site has several different opening styles, too- I vastly preferred some over others.

At home, how do you nurse? Do you use a Boppy or anything? I think keeping it as close to what's comfortable for you is key.

Another thing I'd have killed to learn how to do is nurse in a sling. That way she can be nursing and you can be still active (at the mall or whatever).

As a pp said, it's a skill that as you do it, it feels less weird. You just get used to doing what you need to for your baby- it's very freeing after you get over the weird feelings.

 

I also really love the shirts from Expressiva that Michelle linked. Before I nursed I was (and still am) the most modest person EVER. But BF'ing in public doesn't bother me. I just do it. I wear a nursing shirt when I go out if I think I might have to feed him but I can't stand using any sort of cover up over the baby. I've tried the nursing covers and blankets but neither are comfortable for either me or him.

After I got over my initial awkwardness and just did it I realized that most people don't notice or care. I was the one with the hang-up about it. I've had a couple of curious kids ask me what I am doing, but that's it.

 

THANK YOU ladies! I appreciate all your ideas!! We were out all day yesterday, but mostly errand type stuff and it just worked out to nurse in the car. :good: It was much better this time. I didn't worry about covering up and that made it a lot easier. I'm hoping to get better and better at it and just do it! :Clap:

I do use a boppy at home, but in the car I'm fine just holding her. I would love to buy a ring sling, but I think DH would kill me. I've purchased 4 different types of baby carriers...I did return 1. I really want a sling or wrap...maybe one will accidentally fall into my cart at the store. I tried a k'tan but baby hated it. How does a sling work? Does the baby have to be laying down? Cathryn has to be upright (unless eating of course) b/c of her reflux.

 

If you scroll down about half way on this page you can see the author carrying her newborn upright in a ring sling - it's actually preferable to carry them this way (except when nursing) to prevent them tucking their chins down onto their chests which can potentially cut off their air way.

 

I'm only uncomfortable with making other people uncomfortable. Maybe I ought to care less about what people think. Anyhow, I like using these covers http://www.thecocoamonkey.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=61 or http://www.bebeaulait.com/ when I nurse in public. They're nice because you can still look down and see your baby. Especially nice if they need help latching on.

 

I have a cover like the bebeaulait and use that when out at other people's houses. I like that I can look in there and see her. :good: I've watched videos on nursing in a mei tai and hoping when she gets bigger I can do it in the babyhawk. I'm going to borrow my friend's ring sling to see if I like it.

 

I tried using nursing covers as well as a shawl and I found them awkward. I started going out with either a bella band around my midriff and stomach or a very fitted tank top/camisole pushed down below my breasts. Then I wore a baggy top over it. I was able to nurse discretely without flashing my lovely post-twins tummy. I practiced a couple times in front of a mirror just to reassure myself I wasn't hanging out anywhere.

 

I just always used a blanket. Once they fight being covered then I stopped nursing in public. I am not so concerned with what other people think about it. I am well covered, the baby is well covered (usually only the toes are exposed) and I cover back up before the blanket comes down. IMO nursing is natural and perfect and we should not be ashamed or uncomfortable. If someone is uncomfortable that is their issue. While in a restaurant, with my baby completely covered, I had a lady tell me that I should go feed my baby in the bathroom. I politely looked at her and asked her if she would like to eat her dinner in the bathroom. She had no response and left me alone. I will nurse anywhere, but I ALWAYS make sure I am not exposed at all. I think that is the key. Good luck!!

 

I used the nursing cover where you are able to look down at them ... and loved it at the time... but I really wished I'd gotten some better nursing tops and just nursed w/o covers. Like others said I think I'd have been more comfortable than bringing out the big blanket that just kinda screams - "I've got bare boobs under here and I'm nursing a baby"!! lol!... anyway, I won't likely be nursing a baby again to test out my newfound mental freedom... good luck - enjoy your time! though I'm sure it's a little bit different now that you have your five year olds, hopefully they are pretty helpful at that age!

 

How's it going Lou?

I read this blog post and thought of you. http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/breastfeeding-in-public-talents-i-haz-it/

I had my first foray into NIP in the US of A last week. Actually it was so hot, we hardly ever went out. So I was not in public much. I did get one comment. A gate agent at the Houston Hobby airport said--"I'm so glad to see you nursing him. I nursed all my kids until they were two." :air_kiss:
Nobody else ever said anything. And I didn't notice any dirty looks either. And with all the new experiences he was comfort nursing for a minute or two like every 30 minutes.

 

You should have stopped by! I'm in Houston!

Thanks for thinking of me! I've been doing pretty well. I'm still using the cover mostly, but only when I'm out. When I'm at someone's house or in the car I don't use a cover. I'm ready to ditch it though b/c it's so hot here! I need to find a good nursing top that I like. I would do the tank top under a shirt, but like I said, it's hot!! I'm finding it easier to go out for sure. I don't plan outings around her feeding anymore! :Clap: Progress right?!

 

BTW, I loved the article! :good: