Breastfeeding Positions Whilst Out and About

[MeadowHay]

Hi everyone, my DD is two weeks old and I have been really struggling with BF - she is absolutely thriving but I've been struggling with pain which has been putting a big emotional stress on me too (I am in regular contact with the breastfeeding support workers in my area).

Tomorrow DH and I were thinking of going to a special film screening they do at a local cinema where you can take your under-1s. This will be the first time I've had to BF in public and whilst I'm not embarrassed or anything like that, at home I feed with my Boppy breastfeeding cushion, and I don't really want to take that with me because I'm already going to have to take my coccyx cushion to sit on at the cinema, and we don't drive so it will be a decent walk there and back lugging everything about and I can't carry much as the walk itself will be a challenge for me as still recovering from assisted delivery.

So my main question is, how do I get vaguely comfortable in public without my BF cushion? What positions do people tend to BF in in public without a cushion? And specifically what about at the cinema, as I think the Boppy cushion might not even fit around me in the cinema seat anyway?

Honestly I would take some kind of cushion, you don’t really have too many options for positions in the cinema and the last think you want is to be uncomfortable. It took me a few more weeks to get truly comfy feeding without the support of a cushion in the sitting position but it comes with practice and just seems to get easier as they get bigger. Enjoy the film.

I sat cross legged so I could support DS on my raised knee

You should just be able to use the seat armrest and perhaps a cardigan or your bag to prop your arm up a bit further if necessary.

Have you tried feeding at home without the Cushion? I always found them more of a hindrance to be perfectly honest.

Use something to put under your feet to raise your knees. I used to use a small step at home and it was so much comfier! I know you won't want to take a step but you could maybe use the changing bag or something? Or if you are taking coats / blankets bulk them up to use as a cushion

So I ended up taking my Boppy cushion in the end, we just lugged all the stuff over. Cinema screening was empty except DH and I so that was great, just sat and fed with my boob out for the first hour or so. Then later on we went for lunch at a café and DD decided she wanted feeding again and I fed her on my cushion right in the front window of the café so am feeling quite proud of myself as that's the first time I've fed in public!!

Brilliant, glad you had a good time OP

@MeadowHay
Fab outcome
I found bf in public very difficult and avoided it a lot! I combination fed dd now 3 but timed my feeds around us going out to avoid it.
I'm adamant I won't this time, I think a scarf is useful too as are proper bf tops. I was worried about flashing!!!!