How to Breastfeed in Public-and be Proud of it!

Daniela Knaan

UX/UI Designer at - Adobe

The never-ending debate

While breastfeeding is one of the most natural things to do, it seems that for many people the opposite is the case. We all heard of situations in which women were looked at or even told to leave the place or stop feeding their children. Isn`t it the absurdest thing on earth to feel weird about feeding your child??

When I had my first baby, he was nursing the whole day long. I was relatively young and almost nobody I knew even nursed their babies. Breastfeeding in public without a cover is quite uncommon where I live, and so I felt like I would never be able to get out of my home again…

In our society breasts are sexual objects. We see a lot of them for commercial purposes- sex sells- and nobody complains when a woman dresses with a wide-open decollete.

But when it comes to a woman taking out her boob to feed her child, people tend to look away in embarrassment or even seem to feel harassed. Either way, they leave us with the feeling that we should be ashamed of nursing in public. This can be a huge burden for nursing moms who are most stressed, overtired, and overwhelmed anyway. Instead of enjoying a beautiful day at the park, or just running errands like grocery shopping or going to the bank, we move around with the constant thought of what we are going to do if he or she starts crying…Seriously- what are we to do, stay home as long as we have nursing children!? Certainly not.

Know your rights

Breastfeeding in public is legally allowed for example in all 50 states of the USA, in Great Britain, Australia, and Europe. Knowing this can help you be more confident about that what you are doing is your total right, and more -it is the best thing you can do for your baby!

If someone gets rude or talks to you in any inappropriate way you should kindly defend yourself, then turn away. Try and avoid getting too worked up over ignorant people. Most times they seek attention and may be really looking to get you in a rage! If the person doesn`t go away or gets worse you can still call the police and leave it to them…

Use A Cover?

“Why not simply put something on it? ” -That, I always say, can only come out of the mouth of somebody who never nursed a baby. I also used to think this could be done easily- until I had my baby and tried! Guess what- babies actually move their arms and legs!

Using a cover may work for some, but definitely not for everybody. Leave alone that many women don`t want to cover themselves and the baby at all!

When I got out of my home with my baby boy, he was a bit over one month old. I had actually not found out about the breastfeeding covers so I just used a piece of cloth and tried to keep it over my shoulder. What happened was that my son would move his arm and push away the cloth, and I was not able to see him at all so I could not help him with his latch. And we all know how it feels when a baby does not latch on correctly! it was very hot also, so I assume he did not feel comfortable being covered this way while eating, at all…

Why it doesn`t work for everyone

The mother chooses not to use a cover
The baby moves its legs and arms a lot and tries to push away the cover
When it is warm babies can easily get overheated especially when they nurse which is hard work for them
When the cover does not allow eye contact or help with latching

How to nurse in public

So what should we have in mind when we go out with our baby?

Be proud that you are doing the best for your baby

First of all, know, and be sure that breastfeeding is the most beautiful gift you can give to your baby. It is the best start to life he or she can get! And if you chose to breastfeed exclusively it is only natural you will be nursing any place and any time! And you should never be embarrassed about this ever. So be proud of yourself and what you are doing. Having that in mind already puts you in a strong position.

And if sometimes you catch yourself looking at the other moms with their bottle-fed sleeping babies in strollers and think to yourself- am I making things more difficult than they could be? -Well, maybe, but then have in mind that everything worthwhile does not have to be easy!

Find out how you and your baby are comfortable in public

Decide what works best for you and your baby! No cover at all, a wide scarf or a simple breastfeeding cover, whatever you both feel comfortable with, is great! Just try and find out..

Always have your things at hand

A well-organized nursing bag is always helpful and convenient. If your baby starts crying you want to be ready as fast as possible! Fumbling around and searching your bag while holding a crying baby in public is not what you want… The beautiful thing about nursing is that our milk is always ready, sterile, and at the right temperature! Preparing a bottle while a baby is crying for food can take like forever while taking out your boob and latching on your baby takes exactly two seconds! You don`t want to ruin that by taking the time to find your stuff.

Take care of yourself

Always have a bottle of water for yourself and some snacks in your bag. Breastfeeding makes you thirsty and while you are sitting a snack is really nice to have…

Different options to cover

Nursing cover

This one is the most common cover everybody uses. The great thing about it is that eye contact and ventilation are guaranteed because of how the cover is constructed.

Nursing Scarf

I find it a little difficult to use this one because of the missing eye contact with your baby. And I also imagine it getting really hot inside that scarf. But surely there are babies who like it cozy while nursing.

Nursing Tops

Those are very convenient. Here you don`t cover your baby at all while you yourself are partly covered. What is great about this is that you don`t have to put on something additional before you start nursing.

Simple wide scarf

Wearing a wide scarf is not only fashionable and can really upgrade your outfit, but it is also convenient for discrete nursing! Again here your baby is not covered at all while you are covered partly, and you don`t have to put on something extra.

A baby sling

Wearing your baby can be a great and very convenient way of nursing your baby in public. Your baby is already positioned close to your breast and all you have to do is latch him on…

A cover for each situation

There are places I feel comfortable nursing without any cover. But there are also places where I don`t. It also depends on what kind of people there are around. When I shop, my baby is always in a sling anyway so I just nurse this way and go on with my shopping! In most cases, she falls asleep and just stays in the sling. What could be more convenient?

When I am at the bank, postal office, or a restaurant where people are really close by, I feel comfortable using a nursing cover, and I also feel it keeps my baby focused on feeding rather than getting distracted.

And at the park or the beach I either don`t use a cover at all or simply wear a nice scarf!

Conclusion

If you are a breastfeeding Mom, you can be proud of yourself! Doing it in public, you should never be embarrassed or ashamed, but instead, show everybody with pride that you are feeding your child with your own body the best food he or she can get. This is huge! Everything is difficult at the start, but once you get some practice it should be fine. You are doing an awesome job and why shouldn`t people see that?

What are your experiences with breastfeeding in public? Share your story!

Related: Nursing cover review 2020