A mother who has to breastfeed in public will be worried about two things –what people will think and how much skin is exposed. Agree?Some people find it uncomfortable to see a mother nursing in public. Good manners suggest that you should take the feelings of others into account, but of course, your first consideration will be your baby.When he is hungry or in need of comfort, you should be able to breastfeed him anywhere anytime.Breastfeeding in public – current scenario:Breastfeeding is supported and encouraged in every society and culture. But when it comes to nursing in public, there is always a controversy.
Being self-conscious, most of us would be uncomfortable or nervous to nurse the baby outside the privacy and comfort of the four walls of a room. Many of you must have even avoided long distance travels, functions, get together, and dining out just because you have a breastfeeding baby.9 Tips for comfortable breastfeeding in public:Some careful strategizing can make breastfeeding away from home seem like a simple and natural thing to do. Listed below are the 9 strategies that worked well for many moms in aiding a confident breastfeeding in public.#1. Be informed:Breastfeeding in public is forbidden in some jurisdictions, not addressed by law in others, and a granted legal right in public and the workplace in yet others. Know your rights – a knowledgeable woman is a more confident woman.India has no legal statute dealing with breastfeeding. Prevalence and social acceptance vary from region to region. (as per Wikipedia). But discreet breastfeeding in public is mostly accepted in India.Read : Unpleasant experiences about breastfeeding no mother would ever love to tell#2. Nurse ahead:Before you hit the shopping mall or restaurant try nursing your baby in your car itself. If your baby has a nursing session before actually entering into the crowd, it can be easier for both you and the baby.#3. Practice at home in front of a mirror:Most of us will be more concerned about how much skin is exposed while nursing. But the fact is that a nursing baby covers your breast rather efficiently.To be surer you can practice breastfeeding in front of a mirror. This will help you to know which parts you have to cover up or which type of outfit provides the least skin exposure while nursing.#4. Dress for nursing:When you are out and about, always wear dress that helps you in easy nursing.Two piece outfits, shirts that button from the bottom up, lift up or pull to the side easily, or have hidden flaps will give baby easier access to his lunch, and grant you more privacy.Read : 10 must have breastfeeding accessories available in the market#5. Choose appropriate inner-wear:Choose bras that help in easy access to the nipples while nursing. There are plenty of nursing bras available in the market.A nursing camisole worn under your dress can definitely help in covering up your skin that can be otherwise exposed.An old t-shirt worn under your dress can provide extra coverage and protect your middle from icy drafts. Cut slits in the t-shirt at breast level. When you lift the outer shirt, the t-shirt stays in place.How I weaned my toddler completely from breastfeeding?Formula feeding – advantages and disadvantages#6. Use a cover-up:Put a blanket or shawl made of light fabric over your shoulders so that it drapes over your baby’s head. But most of the babies are uncomfortable with fabric covering their head and face. If your little one is ok with it, then go on for a light-weight, cotton breathable blanket.A sling or a nursing cover can also be used for discreet nursing.#7. Turn away to latch:The breast may be exposed during the brief moment it takes for your little one to latch on.You can turn your back to the rest of the room or face a wall while you get him started. Once latching is done you can confidently turn to face the crowd, as there is no much exposure.#8. Find out places to nurse before you need them:If your baby is hungry and fussy it will be even more difficult to nurse. So find out places to nurse before you need them. It never hurts to ask because most of the places now days have a nursing room or some kind of privacy provision arranged for breastfeeding.In case there are no feeding rooms available, always try to sit in a spot where you are having privacy, i.e. where you will be least visible to the strangers.Stay away from toilets.People don’t eat food in toilet. So why should your little one?Click To Tweet#9. Be confident in what you are doing: Even when done discreetly, raised eyebrows and disapproving glances still meet those mothers who dare to breastfeed in public. Just don’t worry about those unfriendly glances.Know that what you are doing is the best and the right thing you can do for your baby.When breastfeeding; be confident, smile and go about your businessClick To TweetYou have nothing to be ashamed of and your confidence will deflect most—if not all—gawkers.Hope these tips will help you to confidently and confidentially breastfeed your little one when you are out and about.Which of the above strategies you had used/ have been using for breastfeeding in public? Let me know in the comments below.Tweet the tweetables in this post if you liked it. Like and share this article in your Facebook and twitter too. Remember sharing is sexy too If you want to stay updated on many more articles like these, please subscribe to the newsletters of Bumps n Baby.Image: Chris Alban
