To think breastfeeding covers that look like giant shopping bags are a bit odd

[Muse84]

That's it really. Always draw the eye. It's like they've put the baby in a giant IKEA bag and hung it around their neck!

Just a light hearted observation. I am FTM who breast feeds and I always found that two tops and an occasional strategically placed small muslin do the job perfectly. Nobody sees a thing, even when nosy baby looks around.

I'm not judging anyone here, I struggled at the beginning too. I just wonder who invented these bags then sold them to poor women who may not realise how much they stand out.

Maybe they feel super happy and confident using them, in which case I'll shut up and support them

But I’m more than happy seeing other women breastfeed in public. Couldn’t care less. I just despise my 30K breasts and don’t want mine out in public, for any reason. My choice. I also would rather not squirt anyone in a cafe with breast milk (I once got DH in the eye sitting a couple of meters away from me)

Not on purpose I should add! Very fast let down and a baby that pulled off frequently.

Like we don’t go round showing our arses or fanjos

But it shouldn't be the same. we should be able to show them if we are feeding a baby. We shouldn't feel that its embarrassing. I know that some people do but these do sound like a but if a backward step.

Using one of those big cover ups just buys into that whole women should not be seen breast feeding b.s.

Does it? Or does it say 'there are loads of ways to breastfeed and if you are worried about flashing your boobs in public then don't let that put you off as this nifty little thing can help you to have the best of both worlds'?

we should be able to show them if we are feeding a baby. We shouldn't feel that its embarrassing.

I have never been embarrassed about the fact that I am breastfeeding, but I have been embarrassed about flashing my boobs, particularly when my son went through a phase of gradually lifting my top up as he fed, revealing an expanse of boob that I wasn't keen to have on show despite being pretty unfazed about actually feeding. I'm more body conscious than I am feeding conscious IYSWIM.

we should be able to show them if we are feeding a baby. We shouldn't feel that its embarrassing

I don’t want complete strangers and male (and female !) family members to see
My milk engorged breasts ! So shoot me

I would be perfectly happy if we lived in a society where we all just showed our breasts casually when BFing--have been in some parts of the world where women do do this and nobody is harmed or traumatized as far as I can tell.

In the UK in 2018, though, virtually all women cover up by some means or other. If you don't use a Bebe Au Lait etc. you probably use a muslin, a loose cardigan or tweak your shirt over the baby's head. It's still covering up and it's odd to act like some of these methods are morally superior to any others.

At the end of the day, it comes down to one's personal preferences about the logistics of the various methods. Some women like the convenience of not having to carry any extra piece of material around with them. Others prefer the convenience of not having to restrict their clothing choices in order to facilitate breastfeeding (I could wear things like back fastening dresses if I wanted to, as long as I had the cover). It's up to the individual concerned.

I think people should do what they feel is best to make it easier for themselves. I still breastfeed my 1 year old and I breastfed my eldest until she was 2. I just lift my top up and show a bit of belly (although the baby covers most of it). I have breastfed everywhere, never hidden or looked for somewhere private and the only people who have ever commented were my inlaws (and they soon stopped). I think most of the time in public people don't realise what you're doing, they just think you're having a cuddle.