Breastfeeding top tips

[babybouncer]

DD is a month old now and I'm starting to get the hang of this breastfeeding thing, but I wondered if anyone has any top tips for generally coping with breastfeeding and real life. For example, tips for feeding in public, occupying a toddler while feeding a younger sibling, good clothes to wear for feeding, how to get boobs back into a nursing bra one-handed?

Invest in Anita underwired nursing bras. One day soon MNHQ are going to think I'm advertising because I bleat on about these so often (although I promise I'm not!). An underwire sort of holds everything in, so much easier to do up one-handed. Plus, if you forget and leave them open, there is much less sag .

Feeding in public - the MN vest and top combo. Let me know if you've not heard of it!

Occupying a toddler - Cbeebies and books are your friend. Also, if the older one is big enough, toddler groups. Fellow mums will hunt down your toddler for you (you can return the favour another time) whilst you feed! They will also hold your baby whilst you adjust your bra, and other useful things!

A kindle for those never ending feeds finally you can read one handed!

What's the MN vest and top combo?

You have a special basket of stuff for your older child when you are feeding

Fill it full of stuff they can do when you are occupied

And breastfeeding is a mind set - it can feel relentless especially in the early days!

I'm new to this feeding business only been doing 8 weeks and just got the confidence to do it in public yday we were In Starbucks and the only seat was in the bloomin window but is never know!!!

So I'd say learn how to unhook the clip on the front of your bra and fasten it one handed!

also stock up on strappy tops with the really thin atringy straps wear them under your clothes then pull that top down and your clothes up for minimal exposure. A lot of people say vest tops but I struggle pulling them down

It's what Melliebobs has just described OP. Basically, you buy a whole load of cheap vest tops with really thin stretchy straps - the camisole style ones. Then, to feed, you can lift up your normal top and pull the vest down to under your boob on one side. Voila. You can wear all your normal clothes (no need for fugly expensive breastfeeding tops) and the vest covers your tummy and other boob so no exposure worries. Got mine in New Look.

i do the vest thing and hide under a poncho!

Matalan is good for camisole tops. £3 each

When co-sleeping or night feeding, lay baby on a doubled over towel - I had an invaluable one with a plastic back, so no leaks - so sick, milk escapes and nappy leaks don't contaminate the whole bed. Plus, once you have nursed from one breast (lying on side) you can just pull the towel along the bed to re position baby for other breast without disturbing her.