New mum Q... BFING "effortlessly" out n about?

[squizita]

I'm a new mum and (touch wood) my baby breastfeeds greedily and well, and I produce enough milk.
I have a bit of anxiety and have been advised to go "out and about" for fresh air and my psychological wellbeing.

Great except. .. I feed on demand by throwing off my whole top or even lying on the bed/sofa! Even the naicest BF friendly coffee shop would be !! Baby gets excited and waves her little arms before she latches, or grabs my nose or a nork. .. its all a bit comedic.

So you ladies who discreetly have boobs in one minute, and a little head there the next - I have seen you in Starbucks and I marvel!
Where did you learn those ninja skills? Or do I just have to brave it out and go through an awkward phase?

I had three proper breastfeeding tops from jojo or frugi which I wore a lot at first then later on I still wore in awkward bf situations (like work colleagues). They were my safety blanket. I could bf in most clothes but these tops were just much easier. I'll find a link to my fave...

This
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/sp+breton-stripe-breastfeeding-tops-in-breastfeeding-tops-and-dresses+b4431

I also have breastfeeding tops from h&m
m.hm.com/gb/product/31202?article=31202-A#mediaType=FASHION_FRONT

Unlike the bf vests these don't have built in bras so you can wear your normal nursing bras. Like the jojo one linked. I much prefer that. If I wear a bf top, I don't need a vest underneath, as they only a little peep hole.

If there's a nice shopping centre with private feeding rooms that's great for the early weeks when the baby just has no idea what they're doing and 'discreet' just isn't going to happen. Especially if the shopping centre also has good places to meet a friend for lunch.

I was a bit rubbish at the covering up bit as ds tended to get a bit impatient.I did sort of get the hang of it but if it I flashed my boob I tended not to care. I did used to take a little cushion as dd was tiny and I found it hard to hold him.
I think a friends house is a good idea. I also went to a local bf group to practice and a couple of mum and baby groups.
Try not to feel self conscious a lot of people will have a nostalgic smile to themselves at the site of a baby being fed I dh and I do.
I remember one of the early times being out out feeding ds in a cafe garden. Another mother there with her child debating with her friend whether to be brave and bf new baby of give him a bottle. Friend pointed me out and other mum decided to bf too.

oh and I forgot to mention that once you've mastered it for a few months the little darlings suddenly think the world around them is much more interesting and keep pulling off for a look.
Forgot to say can you go for a walk round the block just after a feed. Not exactly the high life but fresh air and baby will probably sleep.

I found it hard too at first. My boobs are really big and I found it so hard to be discreet! Try to find a breastfeeding group- I met some lovely people there and got to practice feeding out and about in a 'safe' environment. Also friends houses or other baby groups are good early on. If you do have to feed in a cafe etc and feel nervous just try to sit in a quiet corner, roll up a blanket to make a cushion if that helps and keep a muslin or scarf to hand to cover up if you feel uncomfortable.

I also found my baby settled into a fairly regular feeding pattern from about 2 -3 months so I could plan in feeds in good places- or get home for a comfy top off, trash on tv, sofa feed!

You'll get more confident and find your own little tricks really quickly- but give it a go- good luck!

So far I'm finding the two tops or unbutton/pull down top and chuck muslin/blanket/scarf over shoulder the easiest options. Unclip bra and scoop out boob while still under your clothes, get baby into position and then whip out the goods ;) as baby gets bigger it does get easier, my four month old can latch herself now and will sit up on my lap rather than having to be held in position. So even if you struggle a bit at first, things will soon improve.

I've found the best arrangement for breastfeeding are loose vest tops with low arm holes that I can pull to the side and get my boob of the armhole (if that makes sense). I wear stretchy sleep bras so the top comes to the side and then boob comes out of bra. Hardly any boob is shown once baby is on. As weather is getting colder I'm starting to wear cardigans over the top but arrangement is still the same.

Vest under top, pull top up and vest down. I cover my breast with my hand or baby's blanket.

If in company (inlaws etc) in my home and if I think they'll feel uncomfortable I leave the room just to latch baby on and when he's on I come back in. Probably shouldn't have to do that but I don't mind.

I've only been out for a coffee once but I sat with my back to the other diners. I'm sure in a few weeks ds will latch on much quicker and easier so I won't even need to do that. (He's 11 days old)