BF in public

[msp2023]

Hi all,

When did you get to a point where you could comfortably BF in public?
Almost 7 weeks PP but I'm still having to squash and manoeuvre my breast/nipple to help baby latch. Don't really fancy doing this in public!

Just wondering when it gets to a point that babies can kind of do this on their own with a muslin chucked over their head or something?

I did that option for maybe 2 months with my first and found it too much of a faff.

I just wear a normal blouse with a vest underneath, and lift up my top as needed. Much easier that faffing about with covers, muslins, etc.

Feed in front of a mirror and that will reassure you not much is on show.

When out and about find a cafe or a restaurant where you can sit with you r back to most people until you get more comfortable and confident.

Honestly most people really don't notice and reallly don't care.

Quite honestly at this point (1 year PP) everyone within a 10 mile radius has seen my boobs! 😂

Personally, it got infinitely easier when I realised no one is really noticing what I’m doing or how. I can’t remember exactly what age this was but fairly early on. Get out and about with some friends or family that can help make you feel comfortable, a bit of practice with some support and you’ll be there in no time.

Congratulations on your little one

And forget the muslin - it just draws attention.

Would you want to eat your dinner with a cloth over your head?

When he would latch on himself easily without pain. After I got his tongue tie fixed it became much easier. That was about 9 weeks in. Those padded vest tops with clips were great under jumpers as you didn't show your belly. With my second who was easy to feed I fed in public right away. I knew what I was doing more with second. Loved breastfeeding my two.

No cover or muslin here either, too much of a faff. Once you've done it once or twice you'll not think twice about it. Enjoy every minute.

I found it didn't get easier until I started doing it, if you see what I mean. And choose places lots of mums and babies go to at the start, if that would help. It does give you a lot more freedom once you're comfortable doing this. Go for the "down and up" clothing approach. I think latching on always requires a wee bit of footering about, and then it's better after.

Sounds like you're doing really well, by the way

Don’t worry about offending people, if you’re bothered about other people seeing then that is different. You could always use a cover just while getting latched then take it off? I never liked using one. But once baby is latched you can adjust clothes so there’s really nothing showing, it’s just the latching which can be tricky.

Just make sure you're wearing a top which can be pulled up.
I also found that bras which opened in the middle, leaving one breast covered, were more discreet
But honestly, when you've done it a couple of times, you won't be self-conscious.

From the start, I did use a cover but not to cover the baby but myself as I didn't like the two top method I just wore a low cut top so I could pull it down but that would be exposing too much (for me) so put a blanket over that area (not baby) hope that makes sense!

How do you do that? I use a muslin if I’m wearing a low cut top and I basically tuck it under my arm and hold it across my chest, but wondering if there’s another way.

Tucked into my bra strap so it goes across diagonally. So looks similar to this picture (best example I could find) but I didn't use a carrier just a light blanket/shawl going across so the head is still out

Ah understood. Yeah that looks more comfortable than what I do! Thank you!

Sounds weird but mum /baby places are are great place to start. Everyone there has been there or doesn’t care. They’re usually mostly women and any dads will likely have supported their partner and not care. That’s been my experience anyway. Now at 12 weeks I feel like I get him on /off pretty subtly and quickly so feels unlikely anyone can see x

To get to a point I’m 100% comfortable doing it in public and my baby will basically sort himself out and get himself on if I put him in the vicinity, I’d say 5 months. But it gradually gets to that point and so every month I found to be a huge improvement.

i also gave up on covers very quickly. Wear a jumper with a tank top underneath that you can easily pull down, some nursing bra you can pull to the side (jojo maman sell these) and then you can lift the jumper up and feed without revealing anything.

honestly, nobody notices (or cares) that you’re doing it and you really will just care less and less over time!