Anyone have discreet breastfeeding tips?

Question

I don't want to feel like I have to stay home all day everyday... I know I could pump later on, but right now my son is only 2 weeks old and I don't want to use bottles just yet to avoid "nipple confusion". I appreciate any helpful advice you have to give.

Answer 1

I had a baby who wanted to nurse pretty much constantly, and I also didn't want to stay home all day. Nursing in public can be a bit nerve-wracking at first, but it does get easier with a little practice. Usually others can't see nearly as much as you think they can. You might try carrying your son in a sling when you are out. He'll be happier, and it's pretty easy to nurse discreetly. I used a wrap-style sling with my little one and she was either latched on or snoozing happily while I was out shopping or whatever.

If you have a La Leche League group in your area, attending meetings is a great way to see other mothers and babies nursing and to develop some comfort nursing in front of others.

Answer 2

I did several things to make breastfeeding discreet, because even though I was very comfortable doing it, I really didn't want anyone to be able to see my breast.

I always used shirts that I could pull up to nurse instead of button down shirts, that way the shirt itself covered my breast. I generally had a recieving blanket or burp cloth with me to throw over my shoulder, although not the baby's head, they don't like that! I used a sling, the Over the shoulder baby holder to be exact, and I practiced in front of the mirror so that I could see exactly what showed when.

Also, I never hid in the bathroom or in my car. I would usually find a quiet, out of the flow of traffic area to sit and feed while out and about, especially at first. By the time the youngest baby came, I was a pro at it and could basically do it anywhere, anytime without anyone ever noticing, especially when he was in the sling.

Congrats, hope that helps!

Answer 3

I would recommend practicing at home so that you can get a feel for how much is actually showing. If you need to get a pretty coverup. I gave up on mine a long time ago and have just gotte used to getting my daughter on and off (and now at 11 months it's very challenging).

Next, have you tried babywearing? I used a ring sling and moby wrap early on which made it super easy to breastfeed in public and we did a 11 hour flight with her sleeping almost hte entire time at 3 months old. As my daughter got older I graduated to using mei tais. I will add several links in the sources including thebabywearer.com depending upon where you are you might also look for a babywearing group around you. If you don't have a group near you then check for the Tummy2Tummy video which will show you everything you need to know.

Good luck! :)

Answer 4

I know right now it can seem like you are feeding all the time, but it will slow down. My daughter is 10.5 months now, and I'm still breastfeeding her (along with solids after she was 6 months). I've actually only breastfed her out (away from home or someone's house) a handful of times. When she was really little, I would just go out right after I had fed her, and I would know she'd be good for awhile. As she got older, and naturally was able to stretch her times between feedings, I just sort of planned my outings around them.

If I do breastfeed her when I'm out in public or at someone's house where I am not alone, I usually just put a receiving blanket over my shoulder. When the babies are really young, it's all business about feeding. As they get a bit older and more distractable, it can be harder, but they also get more efficient at feeding and it doesn't take as long.

Best of luck!

Answer 5

I would always use dressing rooms in the mall or wal-mart. I wasn't comfortable nursing in public because I have large breasts. You can pretty much see everything because there was SO much for her to latch onto. So I didn't really every do it out in front of everyone.
I agree with your decision on bottles though. I would wait until 6-8 weeks to avoid nipple confusion, and to let your supply get established.
Good luck!

Answer 6

In the early days i was very nervous about feeding in public.

Then all I did was get a shawl and pop it over my shoulder so it was covering both me and my babies head.

You can buy special ponchos that cover, but I think the are an unnecessary expense.

Yes please hold out on the bottles until your little man is a least 6 weeks old, supply on demand is vital for your supply to establish.

Other than using a shawl there are mother and baby rooms in shopping places, or just find a nice quite corner somewhere.

Now all I do is wear aV neck top and pull it to one side while latching my 11 month old on, noone knows shes feeding as I have her to my tummy, and to be honest I couldn't care less anymore I am very proud to breastfeed.

Good luck and all the best, I am sure you will feel like me after you have done it once or twice x

Answer 7

They have so much to help you with that now, no worries. You can get the nursing tops so you don't have to flash tummy to nurse and then the nursing shawls (blanket that attaches at the shoulder), you might flash a little at first, but you'll get the hang of it. I used to put my daughter in a sling and adjust it really high and then I could walk, shop and nurse at the same time, she loved it.

Answer 8

There are some cute nursing shirts that you can get & also some covers to put over you if you're still feeling over-exposed. I've been seeing in malls now they have "nursing rooms" or "family rooms" where you can sit & nurse. Good luck to you.

Answer 9

Practice in front of a mirror and then in front of your hubby or family. Ask them to tell you if they notice anything. Trust me, as a public breastfeeding mommy, you feel like you are exposed to the world and in reality most people don't even have a clue what you are up to.

Answer 10

i know you don't want to cause nipple confussion but you might want to start use a bottle once a day because sometimes if you don't use one at all they wont take the bottle. And, to the descreet breast feeding just cover up one cares that your breast but at the same time no one wants to look at your boob hanging out plus there are some children everywhere and they don't see your boob either . I just would throw a blanket over the baby while i feed at the mall or my in-laws.