What is the best procedure to breastfeed in public?

Question

As a soon-to-be breastfeeding mother in an urban area, I know that I will sometimes need to feed while on a subway or in a public place without a restroom available.

Can anyone recommend a good type of 'breathable blanket'? Also, how do you do it? Cover, undo the bra, get the baby, etc. What is the best step by step procedure to keep from exposing yourself in public?

Answer 1

After months of trying to figure this out myself, I decided the best way of doing it is to get a couple nursing tops. They have very cute ones now, I still wear them actually, and am done nursing. Most of them you can just pull it aside, and if you have a nursing bra on also, just pop that open and no one will be the wiser. You just hold the baby up to your breast and can open it with one hand. After a couple times, you'll be an old pro.

I think that what gives it away most of the time is if you are wearing a regular shirt, you have to pull it up and your stomach is sticking out (and postpartum, I really didn't want anyone looking at my lovely stretched out tummy!). With the nursing tops, you don't have to worry about it. Also, a regular button down works too, and it seems better if you unbutton the bottom buttons and stick the baby under there. You can throw a blanket over your shoulder and the baby too, if it makes you feel more comfortable.

The problem, I found, with using blankets to cover up instead of nursing tops was that after a couple months, the baby just pulls it right off.

I love the nursing tops at babystyle.com - especially the sexy new mom line. Most maternity stores also have a nursing wear section, with tops and nursing bras. I would get a nursing bra the last few weeks of pregnancy - and buy it a bit big b/c your chest will be much bigger once your milk comes in.

Check out these:
http://www.babystyle.com/common/dProductFrame.asp?sort=X&sPg=0&vwa=1&sale=0&ClassID=3407&sze=0
http://www.destinationmaternity.com/Shop.asp?website_Id=2&mastercategory_Id=0

If you decide to get some of these, just practice at home the first few times you do it, you'll get the hang of it very quickly! My friends would always be amazed because they never knew I was nursing! And while I do believe it shouldn't be a big deal to nurse in public, I also was a bit more modest about it, since it unfortunately does bother some people. (And there's even some pervs out there that think it's a peep show!) Good luck with the baby! Congrats!

Answer 2

In the beginning, it can be difficult and you may want to use a blanket. But after a while, you'll get better at it and you might not even need to use a blanket at all. The baby covers most of the parts you don't want exposed, and your shirt can cover the rest. I've breastfed in public many times without anyone even noticing! It's a good idea to practice at home with your baby so that you feel more comfortable when you are in public. Also, prepare yourself mentally: remind yourself that other people are allowed to eat their lunch in front of you, so there's no reason in the world why a baby can't eat their lunch without having to go in a bathroom stall! You should feel confident that it's okay to feed your child in front of other people. I put some links at the bottom that I hope help you out a little bit.

Answer 3

I actually make and sell a nursing blanket which is ideal for these types of situations. It provides cover on top and on the bottom. The only danger whe using this blanket is that people thought that I was merely holding a sleeping baby and they would help themselves to a peek and really end up with an eyeful.

But, before I had my nursing blanket, I would take a receiving blanket and tuck the short end under my bra (to stop my belly from hanging out) and another one over my shoulder to cover the whole nursing thing.

It's really hard to get around the fact that everyone knows what's going on under there, but at least you're decent. I used the blanket method at The Keg once and didn't get kicked out.

Answer 4

It's really up to you how much you feel you need to cover. I usually just throw a blanket over the babies head although my 8 month likes to try to pull it off! I just stick my hand under my shirt and undo the front of my bra then pull my shirt up with the baby in front of me, with or without a blanket.
Once you have started breastfeeding you will see how easy it is and find your personal comfort level. If you are really worried about showing something you don't want others to see practice in front of a mirror. You might find you don't need any covering at all as the baby covers most of your exposed skin anyway.
Once you are comfortable nursing in general it will be easier for you to nurse in public places!

Answer 5

I bought a lightweight nursing coverup when my son was a baby. I loved it. I would put the cover on, then undue my bra, then put the baby under the cover. If you have a shirt that needs to be unbuttoned, it's easiest to unbutton it from the bottom and not the top.

At first, I was self conscious nursing in public, but in no time at all it gets to be second nature. You will probably realize that most people don't even notice what your doing. The more relaxed you are about it, the more other people will be to.

You can buy coverups like I had here http://www.coverups.co.nr or
http://www.princessheirlooms.com for $9.99

Answer 6

purchase or make a large recieving blanket it is a light knit and with summer approaching it is very airy and wont make them sweat as much. but the large ones are great. lay the baby on your lap, drape the blanket over the shoulder of the breast that is going to be used, making sure that the blanket is also covering the baby and that your arms are under the blanket then you can move freely under the blanket until the baby is latched on correctly. dont be afraid or ashamed to breastfeed in public it is a very natural thing and if people dont like it then they dont have to watch. to purchase blankets i got mine at the GAP they were large enough to also tuck behind my back and the chair or whatever and it didnt slip off my shoulder while i was getting my baby ready and my self. and remamber breast is best for baby. Good luck

Answer 7

i myself took it sluggish to look this ridiculous element up, and that i'm appalled that it is actual authentic. that isn't regular. If the daddy can no longer have a toddler then he don't have the potential to feed one by his breast the two. sounds like your husband has themes. i think of it is ill. question: Can adult males breastfeed? answer: What an enticing question! i'm particular that many adult males have wanted they could, exceedingly whilst they see the closeness that develops between a nursing mom and her toddler. particular, in theory, adult males can breastfeed. Male breasts have milk ducts, and a few mammary tissue. in addition they have oxytocin and prolactin, the hormones in charge for milk production. there have been comments of adult males who have been able to produce milk by extensive breast and nipple stimulation, yet no person knows whether the milk replaced into of a similar composition or high quality because of the fact the type women produce. utilising a pump, or a feeding tube (a small silicone tube related to a plastic bottle full of formula) at his breast, he could have the potential to get a toddler to latch on and suckle, yet how long it may take to produce even drops of milk is everyone's wager. yet even without producing milk, a father can help out with nursing in many different techniques. To get suggestions, see our article How Dad can help With Breastfeeding.

Answer 8

they sell small blankets that are especially made for feeding in public, but i always just used a regular one. i think the fancy ones have velcro and whatnot on them. anyway. i always found that it was easiest to get the baby into position, put the blanket over both of us, undo everything, and then have them latch on. no one ever noticed me doing it, or at least they never said anything. but be prepared, there are some crazy people out there are going to think you are a wannabe stripper because you are feeding your child in public.

Answer 9

Just use a breast shield or a blanket, it is a natural process, nothing to be ashamed of.