Advice for newbie bf-er on how to feed discreetly in public

[Helen31]

Hiya - I was hoping that there may be some seasoned BFers out there who could offer me some tips on how to feed in public while preserving my modesty. I'm sure it must be possible?

Thanks!

Vest under top - pull top up, vest down and very little is exposed. Wish I'd known this when I was actually breastfeeding...

I second the vest idea, it is so simple yet works and no need to buy bfing tops!

Ah, I have a lovely comfy Bravado nursing tank top, so maybe I already have everything I need...

practice in front of a full length mirror at home. you will get to see which bits of flesh show and whcih don't in certain tops.

but also - try not to worry too much you are probably being more modest than you think anyway (unless you are taking your top off all together!)

Have just ordered some nursing tops - probably should have posted here first .

yes vest thing
stretchy cheap ones in new look

A muslin placed strategically over the shoulder is good, as well as habbibu's vest/top combo.

Is there a baby cafe near you or toher support group? they are great places for getting a bit of practice in at BFing discretely before unleashing yourself (in a manner of speaking ) on the general public

It does get easier as you and baby become more adept at it

As the baby gets bigger they cover more of you anyway. Or you could do what I did and have a ginormous baby who covered my entire torso. Almost.

Big scarf/ pashmina style thing draped over.

Loose tops better than tight.

Vests are great -- hides tummy (am more worried about that than breast, actually).

Good luck!

vest method is brilliant (lycra stretchy one that is slightly too big! can get v cheap). This is more descrete than bf tops (also hides tummy and virtually all boob).

Several layers of clothes (an open cardigan can help stop side view being exposed)

A big shawl or scarf thrown over shoulder and part of babies head

Also useful to have a muslin to hand in case baby comes off quick or is slightly sick (so you're not left with squirting nipple exposed!)

First few times you feel very self conscious but over time it gets easier and you get more confident. Most people don't even notice!

I agree with the vest/t-shirt comments - I've found these are the best BFing tops around. I use them to create a layered look and they actually have really good boob support too.

I also wrap a big pashmina type scarf around my neck that also drapes over my DS.

HTH

I used to feel most comfortable with a jacket/cardi on, as redflipflops says, it stops the side view being exposed

I have very big boobs and agree with side view thing. I found an open shirt over a vest top perfect. Left bottom buttons on shirt done up.

Oh yes, and I also had a ginormous babybunny who was very difficult to monouvre so main problem with covering myself up again after he'd finished feeding, which is where a nice loose shirt comes in handy.

BR

I found some breastfeeding tops very uncomfortable, I had one had weirdy slits for your nipples to flop out of. Very unpleasant! They are a waste of money in my opinion.

You can get away with normal clothes with nursing bras that unclip. I agree with the vests idea and stretchy tops you can lift up. Cardies were a godsend. I lived in cardies for months and got sick of them in the end.

Also, pashmina, scarf or shawl for wrapping over you to fill any gaps in.

I wore vests with everything whilst bf my lot. Cardis, shirts, zippy tops help too. I dont have a problem with using a light shawl or blankie over the shoulder to cover up. You can use a small cot sheet if its warm. I didnt use these things because I was ashamed of bf or scared that someone would disaprove, I didnt want anyone to see my boobs or belly .

Its hardest when you very first start - you and bubs are not used to it yet. You will very soon get the hang of it and be a dab hand at whipping em out without anyone noticing

I have never used bf tops but they look quite complicated to me and the ones I have seen are horrible anyway!

Thanks everyone - these are really helpful ideas.

Wibbly - that is the top I have! It is so comfy and practical.

I'm off to investigate pashminas now - I must be the only woman in the world not to already own one!

Ah - good minds think alike! When it comes to pashminas, some markets have some really nice ones in a variety of colours, so keep an eye out for those.

They are brilliant. You can get two for a fiver in my local market. So you can have one to go with everything.

oh and in very early days i just threw a lightweight scarf over whole gubbins
people did scoff a bit but i felt too awkward to do anything else - and this was second time around with ds2 - so don't feel shy about feeling shy IYSWIM
just do whatever you need to feel comfortable
first time round i would only go and feed in our camper van with the curtains drawn in early days! i just felt cack handed and the appalling state of my body post partum...
grab a big shawl until you feel more confident