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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Breast pumping in public!

17 replies

Randomname99 · 07/10/2021 17:50

Hello, just reaching out for some advice. I know that legally you can breastfeed wherever you like but I'm not sure what the case is with breast pumping. I have to pump between work and have time to pump between 2 and 3 pm in a city centre but not sure where I can pump! I have a discrete elvie one but it looks huge through my top and it's not lots but it's not silent either and I'm worried people are gunna think there's a bomb in the next cubicle when I use shop loos! Not sure how cafes would feel either! Also I feel bad spending so long in the loos as there is always a queue for them. Any recommendations of places that are good to pump? I have also tried park benches but it's kind of chilly and only going to get colder.

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 07/10/2021 17:51

Aren't there baby change/feeding rooms?

BrownEyedSquirrel · 07/10/2021 17:53

Surely you can stay at the first job or arrive early to the 2nd and pump in their designated area?

Original poster
Randomname99 · 07/10/2021 22:33

I've never seen a feeding room! Can't find any baby change areas either. I'm a self employed tutor so neither work place is suitable for me to pump. Think if I asked a big shop might let me use a fitting room?

OP posts:
Danikm151 · 07/10/2021 22:34

Big boots store usually have a feeding room

Hairyfriend · 07/10/2021 22:36

Either of your workplaces should be providing a suitable room. I'm unsure why feel a shop should be providing a space for you?

Missmissmiiiiiiiiisss · 07/10/2021 22:37

I had to express milk on a busy train once. I think as long as you’re reasonably discrete then you should be fine virtually anywhere. I would assume legally so too.
Personally I’d go for a cafe rather than sitting on a loo or a chilly park bench.

SoupDragon · 07/10/2021 22:38

My local shopping centres both have feeding rooms/baby change with seating. Usually in the vicinity of the toilets but completely separate.

3cats4poniesandababy · 07/10/2021 22:38

I think John Lewis often have feeding rooms. Otherwise maybe look for a cafe which has a quiet corner you could grab and coffee and sit in. With winter coming would a large wrap around shawl/cardi thingy work maybe? Help cover the shape.

Ozanj · 07/10/2021 22:39

@Randomname99

Hello, just reaching out for some advice. I know that legally you can breastfeed wherever you like but I'm not sure what the case is with breast pumping. I have to pump between work and have time to pump between 2 and 3 pm in a city centre but not sure where I can pump! I have a discrete elvie one but it looks huge through my top and it's not lots but it's not silent either and I'm worried people are gunna think there's a bomb in the next cubicle when I use shop loos! Not sure how cafes would feel either! Also I feel bad spending so long in the loos as there is always a queue for them. Any recommendations of places that are good to pump? I have also tried park benches but it's kind of chilly and only going to get colder.
There are nursing / prayer rooms at most shopping centres. I mostly just used those. Occasionally I’d take my kit out in a bathroon stall - as long as you disinfect your hands beforehand and make sure no part of the pumping kit touches anything it is ok in a pinch. But I did have a loud double bazooka style electric pump
Viviennemary · 07/10/2021 22:41

I seriously don't understand why folk would do this in your position. Its just really too inconvenient and not practical at all.

iamtheoneandonlyyy · 07/10/2021 22:47

I remember doing this in the standing area of a take that concert Grin

Luckyelephant1 · 07/10/2021 22:50

@Viviennemary

I seriously don't understand why folk would do this in your position. Its just really too inconvenient and not practical at all.
So what would you suggest instead?
Ozanj · 07/10/2021 22:52

@Viviennemary

I seriously don't understand why folk would do this in your position. Its just really too inconvenient and not practical at all.
It really isn’t. All OP needs to do is put a coat on and go and sit somewhere for 15-20mins.
LesLavandes · 07/10/2021 22:56

I wouldn't do it in a cafe.

The suggestions of special facilities in department stores are better

Notthissticky · 07/10/2021 22:57

Most, if not all, Sainsbury's supermarkets have baby change areas with an arm chair so you can nurse/ express.

Bunny2021 · 07/10/2021 23:17

I have an Elvie and with the right top you can barely see it and definitely can’t hear it when in a cafe/restaurant - the sound is much more noticeable to you due to its proximity. I’d just wear a top that’s easy to adjust the Elvie and go and sit in a cafe that has loos you could use to change sides/clear up etc.

Original poster
Randomname99 · 08/10/2021 06:27

Thanks for all your tips everyone! I think the department store is shut down but I'll have a look for a feeding room in boots and Sainsbury's!

OP posts:
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