Breastfeeding and having visitors

[erised24]

I'm planning on BF my baby but I'm not sure what to do when we have visitors (not that we will have many). Mostly feel weird about the in-laws and male visitors, brother, dad etc. I do have swaddles and covers I can use but does it still make it really awkward? I know it's natural to feed your baby but I can't help feel self conscious about it in front of some people. Would it be worth prepping some stored breast milk and a bottle or two for when we know people will be visiting?

Just to add the visitors will only be people who have been isolating like myself and husband have been.

I fed in front of most people (and in cafes/parks/out and about generally) once I'd got the hang of it but there were some people I didn't want to feed on front of (namely my dad) as I knew he'd find it uncomfortable. I just went upstairs and fed baby on my bed. They live 4 hours drive from us so it wasn't happening every week and I was happy to do it. I've got small breasts and frame, I just wore normal tops with a bf bra and shoved my baby's head up my top, hehe. I also expressed and our family gave our baby bottles as and when needed too.

In terms of visitors, it's up to you. I was itching to get out after a week, and we went on the bus into town. By 2.5 weeks I was getting the bus alone to meet NCT friends as my husband was back at work. But I'd also had an easy birth, found breast feeding easy and am generally a very sociable person who likes being out of the house. Everyone is different. I didn't really watch that much TV at all, although I'd expected to do so.

For a first time mum I think I’ve unleashed a bit of a hippy side. I honestly don’t care where I am or who is there, I just feed DS. Given the current state of the world if the worst thing someone sees today is my nipple...I think they’ll survive

I was shy at first. Then after my dad visiting for 3 days and me getting tired of moving for every feed, I decided I would do what I wanted in my own home. If they're uncomfortable they can move not me. In other people's homes I tried to be more discreet but after the first few weeks it was easy to get baby on without anyone noticing.
Depending on baby and your shape different types of top might work better. I like the B-shirt flap style best but others will prefer baggy t shirts etc. Work out what works for you and baby.

As most have said, just see how it goes. You & baby might take to it easily & be fine with it. Otherwise if you're more comfortable on your own, go into another room or make them go into another room. I'd be careful about pumping & bottle feeding so early, it could interfere with supply / baby's latch. Alternatively you may not get on with breastfeeding & end up bottle feeding anyway! Wait & see how you feel at the time.

My parents stayed with us for a few days post birth to help around the house. Every time it came to feed DD my dad went to make a cuppa, but after a day or two he didn't even realise when I was feeding her!

With my first child I went upstairs for the first few weeks if people visited, I did get annoyed sat upstairs on my own missing out. A few weeks in I got so used to it I’d just get my boob out anywhere, everywhere I’d turn away to latch then turn back once they are on. I wore a vest top and a jumper on top, vest top you pull down jumper you pull up slightly then you aren’t exposed at all. If it was too hot for a jumper I had a light scarf on my top half so my boob wasn’t on show. Second child I never made any effort to leave the room etc I just fed. You get so used to it it stops being a thing quickly.

I wouldn’t be messing about with expressing and bottles in the very early days, you need to be actually feeding the baby for your milk supply to establish, its supply demand.

Try one of these......My SIL swears by it:
www.amazon.co.uk/Bebe-Lait-Adjustable-Lightweight-Breastfeeding/dp/B01LY1T9FQ/ref=asc_df_B01LY1T9FQ/?hvlocphy=1006472&linkCode=df0&hvptwo&psc=1&psc=1&hvnetw=g&hvadid=232058401862&hvpone&hvlocint&th=1&hvpos&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl&hvqmt&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=pla-648880417632&hvrand=1678216892539109544

I should say each to their own and some dont like covering the baby but if you are particularly worried it does provide cover whilst you get used to BF. You may find after a few weeks your a pro at it and dont need it anymore.

I was initially bothered about this, but then decided that I'd do what I liked in my own home. Latching a newborn on is hard enough without faffing about with muslins as well.

I used to loudly announce 'I'm going to breastfeed now'. If visitors were bothered, they could leave the room. My mum didn't bat an eyelid. My dad was very interested in the tv. My in-laws used to scurry off and hide in the kitchen, in case they caught a glimpse of nipple and turned to stone, presumably 😬

i used to take her to my room and feed in peace..was struggling with feeding, her reflux etc and she would get distracted easily, so it was even harder to feed her with people around and def didn't feel comfortable with boobs out in front of my ILs..or some of my hubbies male friends etc..that's just me..whatever you feel comfortable with, i think you can always just tell them you are going to feed and leave the room..your choice..

For the first couple weeks until you get the hang of it just go to another room. And keep those early visits on the short side and chances are you won't need to.
I took my baby out to a restaurant the day after we came home and breastfed him at the table. After that first time it was easy peasy.