Where do you feed when out and about?

[MyBalletShoes]

Apologies if this sounds like a daft question but I'm new to this!

I'm breastfeeding my 3 week old and up till now we've been out for walks where he usually falls asleep. However, I'm heading into town today and wondering what to do if he gets grizzly and needs a feed? Just wanting advise on what everyone else does.

Do I head for a cafe but that could get expensive over the coming weeks and hopefully months if I have to buy a drink every time he needs a feed! It's a high street so no shopping centre food court I can take myself off to.

It's been a bit of a challenge to get to this point and I'm looking forward to getting out and about but oddly worried about this! Is it just a confidence thing as I'm ok when he's feeding but not overly discrete at getting him latched on at the moment so a bit anxious about stares etc. Though perhaps I'm being big headed to assume anyone will even care if they see me!

Any advise would be very much appreciated!

[ZuleikaD]

Anywhere you can sit down! Don't worry about being discreet for latching purposes, just take your time and you'll probably find that people are good about giving you privacy (and NOT staring). Also nearly all department stores and large branches of Boots have baby/feeding rooms that you can use. If you get one of those waterproof-backed rugs then if you're going to the park you can just sit on that rather than having to find a bench. A plastic bag in the pocket is very handy (or use the changing mat from your changing bag if you're using one) for sitting down on wet benches and so on.

[McKayz]

I go to a cafe or sometimes a bench. Depends really as it is a bit cold now to be sitting on a bench. Or if there is a library near by, I pop in there if DD is really grumpy and can't wait to get home.

I always used to use a scarf or muslin square to cover myself in the early days.

[OneOfMyTurnsComingOn]

I was going to suggest a library too. Or if there's a shopping centre, they usually have seats inside without having to find a cafe.

[Pozzled]

Is there a library on your local high st? I have sometimes sat in the children's area- it's warm, there are comfy chairs and you can stay as long as you need.

Failing that, I would go for a cafe this time of year. We have a couple of cafes in local churches, where a tea is much cheaper and it's very friendly and relaxed.

Good luck. It does feel a bit awkward and self-conscious at first, but honestly you'll soon feel relaxed. I've bf 2 DDs, for over a year each and never had so much as a negative look.

[Pozzled]

X-posts- I'm now imagining libraries all around the country choc-a-block with bfing mums!

[EMS23]

Mothercare, John Lewis and JoJoMamanBebe all have feeding rooms in most stores.

[EauRouge]

Anywhere and everywhere! Confidence comes with time and practice, I was so nervous the first time I BF DD1 in public. You get better at it and more confident. I've been BF in public for 4 years and never once had any looks or comments.

Muslins, a big scarf or a sling can help you to cover up if you want to while you are getting him latched on. Once you've both had a bit more practice you might not feel like you need them any more.

If there's a local BF group near you, see if they do meet-ups at cafes- some of them do and it's a great way to help build up your confidence.

Don't forget as well that breastfeeding in public is protected by law.

Have a nice trip into town :)

[MyBalletShoes]

Thank you so much! I hadn't even thought of some of those suggestions, especially the library and bigger department stores. Will also make sure I have a stash of muslins!

Now the challenge - to get out the door in less than 2 hours!

Thanks again!

[TerrariaMum]

Agree with everyone else. Anywhere you want. Also, many places now have those pink signs saying that they welcome bfing.

And, I always had Libby Purves' wonderful retort in my head 'Screaming or feeding, squire? You choose.' I never would have dared to say it but it helped me feel more confident about bfing anywhere.

[Cherrypieplum]

I've found layering my clothes helps too. Put a vest on under a t-shirt so you lift the top one but the other leaves you covered. That plus a muslin square. Also sports bras rather than clippy maternity bras.

I really don't like the capes that cover the baby completely. I'm all for modesty but I don't like 'em!

[ZuleikaD]

I used to have one of those bf-ing shawls. It was quite handy on a massively-delayed train journey when DD was about 7m because there were people absolutely rammed in everywhere and feeding was really tough - as much as anything else because DD found it so distracting. I didn't use it as a matter of course, though.

Cherry, did you really find sports bras easier to manage than nursing bras with the drop-cup?

[McKayz]

I couldn't wear any of my sports bras for feeding. But I'm a 40E and my sports bras look like a hammock for a baby

[Cherrypieplum]

Yeah I really do. Not the cropped top all in one type but softer cotton ones.

[SarryB]

Well done you for wanting to BF in public so early! I didn't attempt it till 3 months!

I have fed anywhere I can sit down, even on a bench in the middle of the highstreet. Other places include cafes, pubs, trains, train stations, at a funeral, sitting on the grass in a park.

I tend to just use my cardigan as a cover.

[Spiritedwolf]

I've fed cross legged on the floor of the local museum's natural history section, nice and dark and quiet, but I thought there'd be chairs.

Have also fed whilst walking with the aid of a sling, doable but tiring. Also fed at bus stops and sat on benches.

I always planned (before baby) to just go into a cafe, but sometimes there isn't a seat at lunchtime, and the cost would mount up.

Well done you! Think I was still at the wandering around the house topless stage at 3 weeks!

[maldivemoment]

I'm certainly no expert but if I can do it in public anyone can (am secondary school teacher and live in the area I work in so my biggest fear is bumping into one of my students when I'm feeding )

Layer your tops and most people wont even know you're feeding - just looks like you're cuddling you beautiful little newborn.

Congratulations!

PS I've fed sitting on the freezing seafront whilst eating fish and chips with husband! Wrapped baby up in about 28 blankets!!!!!