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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To breastfeed in public without cover?

117 replies

user1495362060 · 13/07/2017 13:18

I have a 2mo whom I breastfeed everywhere without using a cover. I am usually wearing a special dress/ two shirts and/or covering with a muslin so most of the time the only thing ever uncovered is the nipple. However it is obvious I am feeding of course.

I am not English so recently i have been wondering if breastfeeding like this is a normal thing here. I received no reaction from anyone so far. However I also never see anyone else doing it in cafes and such. Some mums I know said they have to go somewhere private to feed. So I was just wondering if people are secretly shocked but not saying anything :)

OP posts:

Bosabosa · 14/07/2017 00:47

There is not a person in SE England who hasn't seen my boobs (it feels like- I don't actually think It's true ...)

MaryTheCanary · 14/07/2017 04:44

It's completely fine to BF without a cover, and the law protects your right to do so even if some numpty DOES start moaning about it.

However, could posters on here please stop criticizing the use of covers? I used one and much preferred it for a number of reasons. It's completely fine not to use one too.

eviethehamster · 14/07/2017 05:22

In never used a cover either. Don't worry.

claraschu · 14/07/2017 05:28

I breastfed 3 kids for a total of 7 years, never with a cover and in about 10 different countries. I was always out and about and only got one negative comment once, on an airplane. Most of the time it was completely unnoticeable, I think.

LaurieMarlow · 14/07/2017 07:40

I don't think people are criticising covers per se.

It's fine if the individual wants to use them and feels more comfortable. But, it wouldn't be a good direction to go if mums felt pressure to use them, or that it's the 'done thing' to do so. We need to normalise breastfeeding in everyday wear. No one should entertain a cover if they don't want to.

Sparklingbrook · 14/07/2017 08:06

I don't think anyone really notices what you are doing, I don't. Cover or no cover I don't think people are interested. Well not in RL anyway.

MagicMoneyTree · 14/07/2017 11:41

MaryTheCanary the only person I've known to use a cover is a friend who's DH and inlaws all think breastfeeding is weird and have made her feel like a total freak for doing it. So yeah I am critical of them, but I appreciate that's due to my own experience and that women might use them for various other reasons. I just can't help but feel as though in some way they imply that bf is something to be ashamed of?

WankYouForTheMusic · 14/07/2017 12:15

There will be some people who secretly have a problem with it, but those people are shitsacks. Cover or don't cover. Your business.

MaryTheCanary · 14/07/2017 12:57

Yes, but people who use two tops and pull a t^shirt over the top are still covering up. Ditto people who use a muslin. They are just using something different to cover up with.

I preferred the cover because the stiffened edge helped it stand out, so I could look down and check my latch in the early days. And after that, it was nice to just sometimes look down and make eye contact. Also, muslins were always about to slip off my shoulder and they made me feel tense.

Don't care if other people prefer not to use them, but it's annoying if people assume that you are prude if you do choose to use one.

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 14/07/2017 13:13

YANBU. I do same. I'm reasonably careful - maternity vest with straps that unclip down & teeshirt on top i lift.

My big bugbear is when you start to feed at someone's house and they look uncomfortable and mutter "let me give you some privacy" before leaving you alone. Grrr. I feel like yelling "no! Please talk to me, I've come here for chat & company! If I wanted privacy I'll say so!"

Nearly10to9 · 14/07/2017 13:14

I received no reaction from anyone so far. However I also never see anyone else doing it in cafes and such

So you haven't noticed anyone discreetly bf-ing their DC and no one has reacted to you doing the same? I'm not sure what the problem is here?

WankYouForTheMusic · 14/07/2017 13:44

Yes, but people who use two tops and pull a tshirt over the top are still covering up. Ditto people who use a muslin. They are just using something different to cover up with.^

Yes, of course. And whatever the individual woman uses or doesn't use to cover herself is her own business. She can breastfeed in a tutu with a bucket on her head if she wants.

LaurieMarlow · 14/07/2017 13:52

I don't see the two tops thing as the same. It's a solution that works in the context of women's normal clothes. It doesn't involve buying a special piece of equipment or carting round extra paraphernalia

With covers, I get an aura of society trying to control the breast feeding act. Shielding it, policing it, declaring to the world that it should be hidden. That may feel like reading too much into it, but that's the message I get. It feels its designed for the benefit of others rather than the needs of the mother and baby (I don't know many people who found them workable). Whereas two tops is a solution mums themselves have come up with, that just feels simple and practical.

That's not to say people shouldn't use them. if you feel more comfortable with one, go right ahead. But I'd hate to see them become the norm or women to feel any pressure to use them.

Pennywhistle · 14/07/2017 15:34

Mary people who use two tops are covering themselves not the baby.

That's the difference.

However if a cover works for you and your baby absolutely don't feel that you have to defend it. Do what works for you.

JennyBlueWren · 14/07/2017 16:39

I found covers a faff. The only time I used one properly was when there was a risk of sunburn through a train window! DH was worried about baby's head, I was worried about my breasts!

Also, I've never BF on a bus as I think they're too wobbly!

nomorebabiesyet · 14/07/2017 20:07

Yanbu. I do use a cover though. But the area i live people prefer it and more for my own comfort. Also when i do go out its normally toddler groups so it stops other kids poking her whilst feeding!

Teaformeplease · 14/07/2017 20:11

I don't cover my head when I'm having food so why cover my baby's? If anyone has a problem with it then it's just that - their problem. Just go for It!

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