How to Breastfeed Discreetly in Public

Breastfeeding in public has been a hot topic, that has been debated to the extremes of insulting those of us who do breastfeed in public, for many years. While I feel that every breastfeeding mother has the right to feed their hungry child anywhere and anytime that the need arises, many of us are uncomfortable baring too much breast in public and need tips on breastfeeding as discreetly as our infant will allow, in public. And YES, it is up to the infant when it comes to how discreet a breastfeeding mother can be in public. Here are a few tips for those breastfeeding mothers who would like to learn a little more about breastfeeding discreetly in public.

Breastfeeding Tip #1: Practice makes perfect - The best tip that I ever received for breastfeeding discreetly in public was to practice in front of a mirror. This is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to prepare yourself for breastfeeding in public. Sit in front of a big mirror, large enough to see all of yourself, and breastfeed your infant. Pay close attention the areas of your body that are exposed when you are trying to get ready for the feeding, latching your baby on and while the feeding session is in process. By doing this you will be able to determine if you are comfortable with the amount of skin showing, if you can improve upon your latching technique in order to be a little more effiecient in the speed of it and if you feel comfortable enough to use your techniques in a public setting.

Breastfeeding Tip #2: Breastfeeding Tops - While I never used the shirts made specifically for the breastfeeding mothers, but I have heard great things from the mothers that have used them. Unfortunately, for me these tops were far to expensive when I was a new mother because of how fast the breastfeeding would burn off my extra baby weight. I would have been buying several different sizes in order to have shirts that fit properly. For those mothers who can afford the breastfeeding tops, or don't have a lot of baby weight to lose, I do recommend trying out a couple of the breastfeeding tops. These may be just what you need in order to feel comfortable breastfeeding in public.

Breastfeeding Tip #3: Big Shirts & The Layered Look - For those of us who can't afford, or just don't want to spend the money, nursing tops, why not just use the layering techniques or bigger shirts? This was the best thing for me when I was breastfeeding. Big shirts make it easier to manuver so that you have extra fabric covering any skin that you don't want to show in public. For the layered look you can use a cheap tank top under the shirt that you want to wear. If you cut slits in the tank top, just big enough for you to breastfeed through them, you won't have to worry about showing any skin at all. Just lift the outer top enough to latch the baby on and you're all set. Tank tops are very cheap so you won't be spending a fortune on breastfeeding tops that are specially made to do the same thing that you just did with a cheap tank top and your own clothes. Not to mention, you won't have to worry about showing your stomach or sides before you get your baby latched on and eating. That was always my big problem.

Breastfeeding Tip #4: Sitting Rooms - If you are still uncomfortable with breastfeeding in public, then check the area you're in for sitting rooms that you can use to breastfeeding out of the eyesight of strangers. Many larger malls will have a small sitting room just inside the bathroom, before you get to the toilets and sinks section. These sitting rooms will have things like couches, chairs, tables.....they are kind of like a mini-livingroom. These are great places to sit and breastfeeding, especially since the only people walking by you should be grown women who should know better than to say anything to you. You may even get some kind comments and some congratulatory remarks. Other breastfeeding mothers may even have suggestions of other places that you can use to breastfeed in when you are in other stores and locations.

Breastfeeding Tip #5: Dressing Rooms - If none of the above mentioned tips are helpful to you in a certain situation then the next best thing is a store dressing room. Don't annouce what you are doing, just go into a dressing room, lock the door and feed your infant. It is no one else's business what you are doing in there. If you feel uncomfortable about using a dressing room, take in an article of clothing so that it looks like you aare going to try it on. Hang it on a hook and feed your baby.

Breastfeeding Tip #6: Blankets & Breastfeeding Cover-Ups - Lastly, I will mention blankets and cover-ups. I mention these last because most babies will not allow you to cover their heads while they are breastfeeding. It gets hot under a blanket and your infant should not have to endure the heat while they are eating. If your baby will allow you to cover them with a blanket, keep an eye on them to make sure that they are nursing and not sweating profusely. None of my three children would allow me to feed them with a blanket on their heads so I didn't have the option. If you don't have this option either you may be interested in the different types of breastfeeding cover-ups available on the market. The one that comes to mind is the brand Hooter Hiders. I always giggle when I think of the name but they really are a unique design for breastfeeding discreetly. They are made so that you can look down and see your baby (and your baby can see you), but no one else can see your baby while they are nursing.

It doesn't matter how you breastfeed in public, as long as you are comfortable with it and your baby gets the nourishment that they deserve. Most of all, NEVER feed your baby in a bathroom. That is one of the nastiest things that anyone could ever suggest you do. Would they want to eat their lunch in a nasty public restroom? I highly doubt that anyone would ever answer "yes" to that question. Most importantly, relax. Relaxing while breasfeeding will help the milk flow better and will help your infant relax enough to feed efficiently. Good luck and happy breastfeeding!