Any tips on b/fing in public? - I'm scared!

[missbumpy]

I feel really funny about b/fing in public. I don't have a problem with other people doing it but I feel shy doing it myself. I feel like it's really restricting our movements as I have to time trips out around feeds so that I don't have to feed her while we're out or so that we're near somewhere that I know has a feeding room.

Has anyone got any tips on b/fing in public? I'm not sure I could do it without exposing vast amounts of breast while I faff around getting DD into the right position etc. I know some people recommend draping a muslin cloth over LO but it feels a bit mean to create a curtain around DD's head!

I think with breastfeeding tops it depends on the style and also how big your boobs are. I never got on too well with trying to feed through the little slit type tops, as I am rather large chested. I also found the tops that have no "modesty panel" a total nightmare, as I probably exposed more boob trying to feed in them than I would have in any normal top. Nursing vests are ace, as they are so easy to feed in. Some tops have underlayers and wider openings at the side, which are great for keeping your tummy, sides and back covered. Also means it is so much easier to whip up the top bit and feed with no hassle. This was my absolute fave top whilst feeding urban wrap top and these are just great, no slits, just panels which open angel jersey top .

I'm really not a big fan of nursing covers in public, because I don't think breastfeeding is something you should have to "hide", and also they really do tend to draw more attention than pulling up your top and feeding ever would.

If you feed in front of a mirror, you quickly realise that all most people see is the baby snuggling up to you, and people don't really take much notice anyway. I have never had any negative comments when bf-ing out in public, and have fed my DS and DD whilst on planes, in restaurants, shops, shopping centres etc etc. I have to say friends who bf said it's more the thought of what comments they may get, than any actual comments they have received that makes them anxious about feeding whilst out and about. They have also never come across negative comments either.

Whilst you're new to breastfeeding it sometimes takes a little while to build up confidence, but once you are both used to feeding it is so quick and easy that it's not really an issue. I am definitely not one of those women who can just whip out a naked breast in public and get on with it!! That said, I worry more about people seeing my wobbly tum than my boobs, as the baby covers them anyway!

If you do want to try some breatfeeding tops (which can help when you are still feeling bit shy) you could look at these sites, they have some pretty things:
www.mummylooksfab.co.uk/
www.mamaway.co.uk/ShopStyle/rgcj3/GoodsDescr.asp?category_id=1&parent_id=0&prod_id=0709

Also a bump band type thing might help, like the ones you get for pregnancy. They cover up exposed post baby tummy when lifting up an ordinary top to feed.

I found cafes with deep armchairs good as the sides of the chair cover up any exposed flesh, try Pret, Starbucks etc.
And also just remember that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world and really nothing to feel embarassed about

Know how you feel - best outfit I used was a mothercare vest top which unhooked at the straps so you could get one, or both boobs out if you so chose - underneath a slightly looser v neck t-shirt.

Vest unhooks and drops down, keeping tummy warm, and t-shirt pops up, to keep top of chest and other boon warm iyswim - really it's a cheap proper bfing top and allowed minimum flesh to pop out!

Also I used big scarfs - pashminas (I think) to pop over shoulder on side baby was on and this helped to cover up when ds was rooting around...a bit less obvious than my initial choice of a beautiful white hand-knit baby shawl! Cos no-one could guess why the baby was hiding under that now could they

I've never had any bad comments though but understand it is the dread of what people might say - I did get an odd look from a fella when I had to stop and feed dear boy in a car park near a DIY store the other day, think he thought I was a loony, sitting staring into space, until he got into the car next door and a sticky baby popped his head up!