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Infant feeding

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

Original poster

No confidence in breastfeeding when out and about (help)

22 replies

krumbockmummy · 12/03/2009 18:06

I dont feel comfortable breastfeeding when i am out, so stayed home and never went out when it was near feeding time. second child is due in july 09 and i wont to breastfeed again. have heard that baba sling is a good way of feeding discreetly and good way of keeping hands free to deal with 3 yr old. any one used one?

OP posts:
Divineintervention · 12/03/2009 18:09

I haven't used a sling but you could try having a look when you're out and about where the good baby rooms are and then ensure you're near one! Alternatively if you're moving baby will sleep and so you could go to a local park or whatever just after baby has fed (when you have an idea that he/she won't feed for an hour or so). Invest in a lightweight scarf and good bf tops... all helps to conceal.

Confuzzeled · 12/03/2009 18:14

I used a sling, it was across the chest kind. I only used it for about 3 months as dd just got too big and it was rather sore on my back. It was handy for feeding though and will dig it out for the new lo due in August.

I also had a pashmina (cheap copy) that I took everywhere and put over my shoulder and dd if I was feeling a bit watched.

Meglet · 12/03/2009 19:48

I got some nursing vests (from H&M but the JoJo catalogue does them too) I felt more covered I'd with them as I could wear a normal top and pull it up to feed, the top of the vest unclipped and the rest of the vest kept my tummy warm and covered .

Parks are a lovely place to feed in nice weather.

Cathpot · 12/03/2009 19:55

Having mind fart so cant remember what they are called, but you can get a sort of boob tube for your tummy for bump coverage in pregnancy (for which they are fab) but I found they were really useful for discrete feeding. So I would wear one under my top and then lift the top up for feeding, but everything was covered from boobs to waist by this band and I still had my shirt on to cover my top. Meant I could wear a normal top and not feel exposed when I lifted it to feed.

Anglepoise · 12/03/2009 20:06

^^ Bump band!

MamaMaiasaura · 12/03/2009 20:08

I got some normal cheapy boob tubes from dorothy perkins and could then wear a normal top and no tummy or lots of boob showing (I am J cup). Also H&M are fab for good tops and reasonalbe prices. Not used the sling thing but ds2 is now 15 months old and the whole embarrassment thing has gone out of the window.. ended up feeding him whilst literally walking along the other day. Will upload pic to profile. He ended up falling asleep No idea how.

nellynaemates · 12/03/2009 20:09

Can't give a positive suggestion - just to say that I had a kari-me sling and found it impossible to breastfeed with so I'd give it a miss.

I also was never shy about breastfeeding out and about mind you!

Good luck

nickymorris · 12/03/2009 20:10

I used a ring sling which was useful initially - you can use the loose tail to cover you up while feeding.

Mothercare branches all have feeding and changing rooms which I've used quite a lot.

That said my first few feeds I felt uncomfortable and 'exposed' but then after that I had a gruesome experience where I ended up feeding on the No. 39 bus in rush hour. After that I figured it wasn't going to get any worse so now just go for it where ever I am. I think my MIL thinks I'm a bit militant about it! My opinion now is that it's a totally natural, normal thing to do and I actually find that the majority of people don't have a problem with it. I've never been asked to stop, move or cover up. I think it was more my perception of people's opinions than their actual opinions if that makes sense.

downbutnotout · 12/03/2009 20:12

I love the baba sling - ds is asleep in it right now - but I find it does not give you total coverage, so I use with a breastfeeding top. I have a friend who covers herself with a poncho once ds is latched - a bit hot in the summer tho! Nursing vests also good.

DevilsAdvocaat · 12/03/2009 20:16

don't have anything else to add to all the great tips already except to say that i felt self conscious at first but the more i did it the easier it got. by 5 months i had even bf'ed on a bus!

good luck

DevilsAdvocaat · 12/03/2009 20:16

glad i'm not the only on nickymorris!

peggysuegotmarried · 12/03/2009 22:42

Try this. My friend has one and they are awesome. No need to have any embarrassing feeding moments ever again. I only wish I'd had one. Good luck!

peggysuegotmarried · 12/03/2009 22:43

Whoops - link not clear. Was referring to the feeding aprons.

MamaHobgoblin · 12/03/2009 22:48

Never got the hang of sling-feeding, but found that baggy tops/a bf top that you trust was a good thing, also that I was sitting comfortably and wouldn't have to keep on hitching my leg up, etc.

Do you have any local friends with babies/children the same age that you could sit and feed with? It was a longish time before I fed DS on my own, but there's strength in numbers, even if you're the only one bf.

tiktok · 13/03/2009 09:55

peggysue - do you really think those horrible tents are a way of feeding discreetly? Seriously?!

Is it just me, or do they look about as self-effacing as a neon sign flashing saying 'bare breasts under here'!!!!!! ?

DevilsAdvocaat · 13/03/2009 18:43

agree with tiktok.
layering tops and a muslin for a security blanket is much better and more natural looking.

in fact, quite a few times people would be talking to me and say they hadn't realised i was feeding until i moved the baby to burp him

DevilsAdvocaat · 13/03/2009 18:43

agree with tiktok.
layering tops and a muslin for a security blanket is much better and more natural looking.

in fact, quite a few times people would be talking to me and say they hadn't realised i was feeding until i moved the baby to burp him

DevilsAdvocaat · 13/03/2009 18:44

oops

gagarin · 13/03/2009 18:53

I was chatting to a lovely lady in a burka-type dress standing up breastfeeding her baby in some station toilets today!

Baby change area shut and the station platform too public for her.

Very inspirational - BUT what a country we live in....sigh....nowhere suitable

daisybaby · 13/03/2009 19:51

L'oved Baby shawls or ponchos - really nice looking garments. You get buy them off ebay.

EightiesChick · 14/03/2009 23:01

Rooti Tooti tops are also good - vests with two gaps in so not much flesh is showing. You wear them under your clothes. Google and you'll find their site (I am not affiliated with...etc)

Original poster
krumbockmummy · 16/03/2009 21:13

thanks for all the information, will be really helpful. love the bus stop stories

only got to bf a mth after 1st baby, but i am determined to keep it going longer this time

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