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Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

I'm nervous about a nip slip! Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

Re: I'm nervous about a nip slip! Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

The Bump Expert

Practice, practice, practice! While you're at home, nurse baby in front of a full-length mirror to see what everyone else is seeing. You'll probably find there's actually a lot less boobage exposed than you thought. And checking your reflection will help you find the least-revealing position. Experiment with different nursing tops to find what works best for you. Many moms go for loose button-downs or layer with a cardigan to avoid an exposed breast. Nursing camis are popular too (you won't have to lift your shirt and show off your tummy). You could also use a receiving blanket or a nursing cover for extra discretion. If you're still nervous, find a place to nurse that's out of the way. Take the corner table at the café, or ask a store clerk if you can use a fitting room for extra privacy (public bathrooms can be gross and usually don't have seating). Buddying up is a great idea, too, since you'll probably feel more comfortable among supportive friends. Find breast buddies at a baby playgroup, a breastfeeding support group or any baby-friendly places in your neighborhood. And don't worry--as time goes on, you'll get more comfortable "eating out."

watch: public breastfeeding tips from real moms

Dawn Cedrone, RN, NewBornMomSolutions.com

Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

To solve the problem of baring my post-baby mid-drift in public, I bought cheap tank tops from Wal-Mart & cut a slit in them under my chest. I wear one everyday under my regular shirt. Also my top shirt covers most of my boob when feeding. Way cheaper than buying a bunch of nursing camis!

JoelleWhitfield |

Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

I use my pre-pregnancy camis and just loosen the straps so I can pull it down. If worn under another shirt, there's almost NO lack of coverage. Although, I still use a nursing cover when we're out in public (restaurants, etc.).

allokar |

Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

I bought a couple nursing tanks (you can find at Walmart for only $12 each) and wear them under button/snap/zip up shirts/cardigans/jackets worn unbuttoned. I discovered quickly how easy it was to nurse so I ended up buying several more. I have worn one every day since my son was born 5 months ago! I also use a nursing cover in public. I know it's my right to breastfeed in public without a cover, but I use one because I wouldn't want to make someone else uncomfortable and when I was a 'new nurser' I was more comfortable. My favorite places are the furniture departments and large department stores. I just pick a recliner and feed the baby :)

txjacque |

Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

I purchased a nursing cover-up (look like a apron) at Target. it was $12.99. It works Great

mrswardlaw |

Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

I practiced at home, like the article suggested. Now, my baby is 8 months old and she's a pro! I try to be at home to nurse her, but that doesn't always work. I feel comfortable nursing in public. Recently, I nursed her on the beach (lifting up my tankini), and on the boardwalk with no cover. I think some people don't even realize she's nursing, it just looks like I'm holding her. I have no shame at this point! Hey, that's what they're for, right!?

krispylove |

Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

I practiced nursing at home however I planned to in public as the article suggested. Before I was brave enough to nurse my DD in public I went for a "test run", so to speak, while hanging out with some close friends (so if they did get a little peek show it was easily laughed off with minimal embarrassment). After the first couple of times, it got easier. Soon it wasn't a problem for me to nurse in public, sans any type of nursing cover. Those never worked for me since my DD yanked 'em off every chance she got. haha You just have to find what works for you. The more comfortable mom is, the more comfortable the baby is, the easier nursing in public is.

MamaToBe2010 |

Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

Ok I feel like I'm the only one online who is willing to express that it's WEIRD to brest feed in public. Not only doing it but when other people are doing it as well. My daughter is 5 months old and I never feed her infront of anyone other than my husband. When I go on trips with my daughter I supplement with a bottle and formula. And when I can I excuse myself to the bathroom or another room to feed her. yea yea yea it's natural and everything... that doesn't make it any less weird to me and some other people. I don't see what's so hard about excusing yourself to somewhere private to whip out your boobie. When I'm at a resteraunt paying to eat food there I don't want to be sitting next to someone breast feeding their child! PLEASE I BEG YOU!!! Excuse yourself from public when you want to feed your child! Perhaps I'll feel different after the 2nd one. But I doubt it.

EMIB |

Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

I totally disagree that you have to go somewhere private to breast feed your child. I don't excuse myself to go eat a sandwich in the bathroom! Breast feeding is totally natural, normal and the best thing you can do for your baby. I'm a big fan of nursing tank tops. I got mine at H&M. They keep your tummy covered. It's really just a matter of practicing getting baby latched on quickly and then the whole process is discreet. I have nursed Noah everywhere, and only a few times has it been necessary to put a receiving blanket over him, more for his benefit (distractions keep him popping off) than for anyone else. He's a pro at 7 months and if he's having a meltdown, I think nothing of going into a Starbucks, ordering a coffee and asking them to bring it to me. I get settled in a comfy chair, cover him up and he nurses. He also usually falls asleep and I just listen to my iPod or read a book until he's ready to head out again.

jkrnomad |

Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

I don't think that it is weird at all. I can completely understand being uncomfortable to have yourself hanging out but that is not necessary in order to breastfeed. I have nursed my daughter basically everywhere we have gone. The only time I felt a little uncomfortable was the first time I flew with her without my husband. That was pretty close quarters but I was able to stay covered and keep her from crying without anyone else really even noticing. When you are holding a small baby most people just assume they are sleeping. I have not ever used a nursing cover in public. I felt like it drew more attention and my daughter did not like it covering her up the couple times I tried it at home for practice. My friend uses one all the time because her son will not latch and stay on; he likes to take breaks and that leaves her exposed. I have nursed her in museums, on airplanes, in restaurants, etc.

Kelly619 |

Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

If there is a private area I can go designated for nursing mothers than I will because I dont really like to nurse in public. BUT I don't eat in a bathroom so I refuse to feed my child in a bathroom. I also supplement with formula but if we have been out to long I will nurse so I don't become engorged. Feeding her in pulblic is easier than trying to pump somewhere in public.

Valram80 |

Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

I actually feel more uncomfortable nursing in front of my mom than I do nursing in public. Those people are never going to see me again, and I'm feeding my kid. They don't wait to go home to eat if they're really hungry. Plus it feels like my mom is watching me the whole time! We've never been as close as a lot of other moms/daughters so it might be somewhat emotional for her to see me as a mom, but it still feels weird and I don't have the heart to tell her.

TiaRachel6 |

Q&A: Any tips for breastfeeding in public?

I'm on my second baby and I just recently invested in nursing bras! I don't know how I went my whole first baby without them. I've been meaning to try the nursing camis. I'm not really embarrassed to nurse my baby in public though. I think my fiance is more embarrassed... he's just a little overprotective and doesn't want me whipping it out! LOL. But I have fed my baby in the doctors offce waiting room... I try to cover up as much as I possibly can... he doesn't really like me putting a blanket over him. We live in Arizona where it's 120 plus degrees outside and he tends to get really hot with a blanket on. But I do what I have to because I know it's what is best for my baby! My favorite place to breastfeed is in the movie theatre. It's nice to not have to miss part of the movie I paid a fortune to see!

Happymom22 |

any-tips-for-breastfeeding-in-public

I nurse exclusively but I do not nurse in public. My husband and I agree there are ways to avoid it because it makes others uncomfortable, which makes sense. Would it be ok for me to have my boobs hanging out if I weren't nursing? Of course not. If you absolutely must nurse in public then use a cover it's not hassle.

knmiller18 |

any-tips-for-breastfeeding-in-public

Definitely nurse in public if your baby is hungry. I usually find a bench or chair out of the way, but if one isn't available sometimes i end up right next to a stranger to nurse. I always through a blanket over to cover up. But who cares if someone sees, there just boobs and mine come with a babies head on it. If its to hard for u, try nursing in the back of the car our in a fitting room. Or if you are talented and can nurse standing up go into the womens restroom.

zacrebinx |