Tips for nursing in public?

Question

I am flying out to see my parents, It should be a short flight (no longer than 7 hours all together, lay overs included), and I nurse my 6 week old exclusively.

He can take a bottle, so I have some tiny containers of formula in case of some sort of emergency.

The thing is, except for hiding in the back seat of the car, I havent tried nursing in public.

Anyone got any helpful tips for nursing in a situation like this? Should I be prepared for nasty looks from people? It is still socially acceptable to breast feed right?

Answer 1

It is your legal right to breastfeed in public! A lightweight blanket is a good cover, and the number of people who will even know you are nursing should be pretty much limited to the people in your aisle and any flight attendants walking the plane. If you do get nasty looks just ignore them-these are people you will never see again so what do you care what they think?

Answer 2

Be prepared for nasty looks or akwardness on the part of some people.

Just make sure that you have a blanket that is big enough to cover both you and the baby, in order to keep any peep shows to a minimum. Wear shirts that are easily accesible (think button up mainly) those types of shirts seem to work the best for me when I had to breast feed in public.

If anyone ever gave me a not so nice look while I was breastfeeding I didn't notice. Mainly because I could have cared less what other people thought. I was feeding my child and if they didnt feel comfortable around me while I was doing it then they can move or look the other way.

Answer 3

It is absolutely acceptable to breast feed in public. And no, you shouldn't get any nasty looks.

My best advice: go practice in public before you leave. I've always used a layer (outer shirt, jacket, etc.) for coverup, but some people prefer a blanket or a nursing cover. If you can, go out with a couple of other nursing mothers for the first couple of times.

I recently traveled with my 11 mo. old nurser (who does not like to be covered up, but we had no problems. Wear something comfortable, with layers. Layers will hide a lot. And relax and enjoy yourself.

Also, if you haven't tried one, some people nurse very successfully using a sling (my favorite for nursing is a Taylor Made, but there are many brands), especially good for young babies.

Good luck

Answer 4

Please do breastfeed in public if the baby is hungry. I gave you a couple tips on in-flight nursing on your last question about holding the infant. Try to get a window seat so you will be more comfortable. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that's easily accessible. Don't make a big deal out of it. Fewer people than you think will even notice you. If you want, take a light receiving blanket with you for the flight to shield yourself (maybe especially if you're feeling uncomfortable next to your seat partner.) DON'T use the airline blankets if you can help it -- they are absolutely covered in germs. I wouldn't even worry about taking formula with you if the baby is breastfed without supplements now.

Answer 5

Just throw a blanket over your shoulder on the side you'll be nursing from and have your baby nurse under it, if you're worried. No one has ever said anything to me (I've been nursing my daughter for 6 1/2 months and am not shy about it). Anyone who would say anything is a complete idiot. Nursing is the most natural thing in the world. No one should be insulted or disgusted by you feeding your child- Something that has been done since the beginning of human existance!
The United States is the only developed country in the world that has such a problem with something so natural! I think we need to grow up!

Answer 6

Babycenterstore.com has some nursing coverups. I've breastfed in public and really the only advice I have is to be discreet, maybe get the baby started in a quiet corner and then move if you have to. And while you're on the flight and get stuck in the middle seat, perhaps ask to be moved to a window seat or to a row without any other passengers (if this is even possible). Have a safe flight!

Answer 7

As long as you're discreet, nobody even needs to know! Bring a blanket or get one as soon as you board. If you're covered with the blanket for most of the flight to begin with - who is even going to notice? The only way they'll see is if you walk around with your breasts hanging out - then they can be offended!

You also might want to go for a window seat - this way anyone walking past in the aisle will be less likely to bump the baby.

Answer 8

parent magizine just did a article on this i think it was the november issue ........ but anyway i think if you ask to be seated near the back of the plane and use i blanket and wear the right kind of shirt so you are not struggling with close and get comfortable most people wont even notice


i have a 6 month old that i still breast feed and so is nosiey and alwaya pulls the blanket down well she is eating to loo around so you can put two or three safty pins on your bra and attach blanket to them

Answer 9

Its perfectly acceptable to feed your baby in public...just make sure that you have soem receiving blankets to cover yourself up with. Its good on a flight as well to do it during take off and landing as it will help baby with the pressure on its ears. Don't hide while feeding your baby...its a beautiful thing...as long as you can be discreet with a receiving blanket. Who cares what closed mined people do or say to you...you ahve every right to feed your baby when and where its required.

Answer 10

There's nothing wrong with breastfeeding in public if you are discreet!!! Try a nursing top and put a light weight blanket over your shoulder and the baby while baby is eating.