Breastfeeding in public

[Honeyhoney2]

I have a 7 week old DD and we are exclusively breast feeding. This weekend I’m going out for lunch with DH and my in laws and it will probably be the first time I’ll have to feed my baby in a public space because the walk there is pretty long and we tend to be out for a while when we go for a meal with my in laws.

I feel a little nervous. As normal as I know it is, and as much as I know my rights to breastfeed my baby in public spaces, I still worry that someone might come up to me and say something (even though they’ll look like the asshole if they do), I also worry a bit about the logistics of getting my baby to latch as sometimes she latches straight away but other times she fusses and pops on and off my nipple and again, I know it’s just a nipple, but it’s still hard to get past the mental block of potentially flashing a load of strangers - and my father in law for that matter!

does anybody have any words of encouragement or even any tips for breastfeeding in public places? I hope to be a pro one day and just get the job done when I’m out and about, but I’m nervous about doing it for the first time and can’t help worrying that sods law will mean she won’t just have a nice calm feed, and it will probably be one of the times where she fusses at my nipple mid let down and my boobs spray everywhere like a shaken champagne bottle (extra milk with your tea, anyone?)

I had a shawl that I used to teepee my baby and me in a bit in the early days or if my FIL was around. Also did the vest and t-shirt thing.

www.carrotsformichaelmas.com/2014/04/25/2-wardrobe-tips-for-nursing-confidently-in-public/

After a while I didn't bother with the scarf but initially you might feel more comfortable with a bit of privacy afforded by just modifying clothes and having a scarf/shawl/muslin.

I know nothing whatsoever about breast feeding but the huge positive vibe that is coming from all the PP is fantastic
MN is great !
I am so glad that none of you have been judged harshly by others for doing what must be one of the most natural things in the world .
I really hope your first experience is a positive one @Honeyhoney2 .

You might be surprised how little you think about it/care when you’ve got a hungry baby. I never had any negative comments (a few positive ones!) when I BF my son in public. I was still reluctant and nervous to BF my twins in public until last week when they both kicked off and I had little option but to sit in a cafe with both boobs out.

Remember that every time you feed openly in public you make it easier for other mums to do so. (If it helps to think about it in such a way!)

This is really good advice - asking for a bit of help whilst you get yourself organised is much better and less awkward than what happened to me when I went out with the in-laws and breastfed for the first time.

I was trying so hard to be composed and calm and self sufficient and capable that I accidentally sprayed milk across the table onto MIL's scone.
😂😂😂

Stretchy vest top over your nursing bra. Loose top over that. Unclip bra, pull vest top down. Your flesh is completely covered by baby's head. I breastfed in public a lot and never ever had any rude comments.

The nursing covers that some people wear can be really hot and uncomfy for you and baby. But if you are someone who gets very uncovered when breastfeeding and you feel uncomfortable, that might be a good option. Or the muslin over baby and secured in your bra strap, this solution is fairly light and not too hot.

Good luck.

No one has ever said anything to me when I breastfeed in public. And I'm not good at hiding it modestly- I'm a boobs in full view kind of mum. He's also a nosey bandit who likes to noisily pull off and expose me to the world while he has a good look behind him

I thought I'd be more shy and worried but the first time I was out in public and he cried in hunger, I couldn't have cared less. My boy was getting fed and that's that.

My advice is to do it as much as possible. Get used to it and you'll feel comfortable feeding him anywhere and in any situation. I had a few moments in the early days when I was still figuring out his cues and I'd be sweating buckets in public fighting with him on the boobs. Now it's the easiest thing ever and I'm so glad I can just whip my top up and sort him out when I need to.

I'm another one who never had a single comment from anyone while out breastfeeding. I think most people don't even notice. (And I'd also be willing to bet that the kind of person who might make a negative comment would probably only do it if you were alone or with another breastfeeding mother.)

My father in law once bent down to kiss my sons head when I was feeding because he thought I was just cuddling him. A lot of the time you can't tell! Most people will be discreet and not look. Nobody ever said a word to me and I've fed everywhere you could possibly take a baby. Using a muslin is a great idea as others have said.

I fed mine all over the world, once on a packed aeroplane it was particularly challenging due to the size of person in the next seat! Just take a scarf if you are feeling self conscious

I didn't use a Muslin as I felt it drew attention to the fact I was feeding.

Strappy vest with t shirt on top worked best I found.

At first I pretended to be confident at feeding in public, then I became confident.

You can do it.

Wow, thank you so much everyone. The responses on here are overwhelmingly helpful and encouraging and I honestly feel completely ready to go ahead and feed away in public purely from reading your comments alone!

You are all amazing and inspiring mamas. Thank you ❤️

Oh I laughed at this!