Page 3 | Breastfeeding discreetly

handlemecarefully · 2004-02-11T11:08:08+00:00

I breast fed for 3 months with dd (well mix fed) - basically I breast fed at home and used a bottle when out, because I could not master the art of discreetly feeding. I would look at other mums and marvel at how they could feed without an inch of flesh showing, whereas I would be inadvertently putting on a Jordan type display. My inability to do it discreetly led to the bottle approach when out and about. With 'ds to be'(due in April), I'd like to be able to have the freedom and simplicity of being able to breastfeed when out and about in public (rather than bothering with bottles)...but won't do it unless I can prevent flashing! So what's the trick of discreet breastfeeding. Any tips?

Newmummy · 13/02/2004 12:58

The other thing to do is try it in front of a mirror - I was surprised to see no flesh when I tried this!

Levanna · 13/02/2004 22:15

I breastfed DD for 14 months, and not once in public. My sister on the other hand would get her breast out, with as much exposure as possible, and glare around as if daring anyone to even look, let alone comment! Myself and DD had a lot of problems with latching on, and I had a mammoth letdown - I could water the garden sufficiently in summer, just by standing at the back door! I found the few places I ventured out to were really happy to find me a spare room, or quiet spot, if I asked. But, I think things will have to be different this time 'round as I'll have my lovely toddler to take care of too, and it would be in no way fair to stop her doing her usual activities, just because breastfeeding might be a little difficult!
Using a mirror sounds like a really good idea!

Levanna · 13/02/2004 22:16

I breastfed DD for 14 months, and not once in public. My sister on the other hand would get her breast out, with as much exposure as possible, and glare around as if daring anyone to even look, let alone comment! Myself and DD had a lot of problems with latching on, and I had a mammoth letdown - I could water the garden sufficiently in summer, just by standing at the back door! I found the few places I ventured out to were really happy to find me a spare room, or quiet spot, if I asked. But, I think things will have to be different this time 'round as I'll have my lovely toddler to take care of too, and it would be in no way fair to stop her doing her usual activities, just because breastfeeding might be a little difficult!
Using a mirror sounds like a really good idea!

Lisa78 · 13/02/2004 22:26

Very impressed by all these! Personally am hopeless, only ever b/f at home (makes life a bit restricting) though I was sat feeding yesterday and watching tv - glanced up to see the window cleaner.... I don't know if he could see anything, probably thought DS2 was asleep on me, but I am not answering the door to pay him for a while Sent DH a mortified text - he was at work - and he came home in fits of giggles and asked how his little porn star was

Lisa78 · 13/02/2004 22:29

But then, DS2 does like to feed for AGES!

Original poster

handlemecarefully · 02/07/2004 02:49

I started this thread before ds was born, and he is now 10 weeks old.

So chuffed with myself as I have mastered the art of breastfeeding in public with aplomb, and never thought I would since with my first baby the thoughts of even attempting it brought me out in a rash.

Just come back from a weeks holiday where I fed ds in several restaurants, tea rooms, kids adventure park etc....just about anywhere. The baggy tops have done it for me.

OP posts:

Ghosty · 02/07/2004 06:00

HMC ... well done you!
I never saw this thread first time round as DD was born on 3rd Feb so I was bit busy at the time ... hope you don't mind if I say my piece now?
Like you I was very worried about B/fing in public ... I was hopeless with DS and ended up giving up really early too ...
I was shy at the beginning with DD too ... but thanks to an excellent thread here where someone said b/fing in public was disgusting I went out the next day and b/fed DD on the steps outside Auckland Museum ...
Well, I didn't go out with the express purpose of doing that , we were there anyway and when DD got hungry, instead of panicking and running around like a nutter to find a quiet spot I just plonked myself down on the steps, whipped out my boob and fed DD, smiling at passersby and thinking "Go Mumsnet, Go Mumsnet" to myself!
Anyway, now DD is nearly 5 months and I will b/feed anywhere ...

IlanaK · 02/07/2004 16:38

Just wanted to add a note about special breastfeeding clothes. With ds1, I bought some over here (blooming marvellous) and they had the button or popper across the breast area openings. These actually meant that I flashed way more breast than if I wore normal clothes. This time, with ds2, I have bought some from Motherhood.com (first link someone posted on this thread). I have family in the US and had them send it on to me. Their tops are totally different. They have two layers. The hidden layer underneath had slits for feeding. So you pull up the top layer likeyou would any top, but the bottom layer hides you stomach and makes you look more like you are still dressed. They have been really excellent.

I too echo other peoples comments about feeding second time around. When you have an older one to look after, you just have to get out there and do it. Personally, I couldn't care less who I flash my flesh at , but even if I did, I could not shut myself up indoors or in changing rooms with a 3 year old in tow.

dinny · 02/07/2004 21:16

has anyone used that sling to breastfeed in? you can apparently walk round and bf. would be intrested to know if it's worth getting one....?

IlanaK · 02/07/2004 22:52

I am not sure which sling you mean as there are so many on the (internet) market. I have a Marsupial Mother ring sling that I have bf in. My ds2 is only 2 weeks old so I still find it a little difficult, but certainly doable. And I understand that it will get easier as he gets older and has more head control. I have not acheived hands free bf in it yet as I have large breasts and find that I need one hand to push my breast tissue out of the way of his nose or I smother him! However, it takes the weight of his body and head and allows me to move around and keep one hand free. I use it when I take ds1 to playgroups etc where I need to be able to follow him. I know there are many people out there who acheive hands free feeding in a sling.

HTH

Chuffed · 02/07/2004 23:51

I have a pashmina which I throw over one shoulder and knot at the waist on the other side ie for feeding on the left it goes over my left shoulder and ties on my right hip. DD then just gets stuffed inside and part of her weight is held by the pashmina, it is easy to get at her to see what is going on and it is very discreet. I have fed numerous times in restaurants etc with no problems.