We all know the importance of exclusively breastfeeding babies for the first 6 months. However, this becomes a difficult task especially when the mother is traveling outside her house and is in a public place. Although you know the importance of breastfeeding, you are at times cautious and a little embarrassed to breastfeed in public.
This is quite understandable as a good number of people in our society frown at the sight of a woman baring her chest in public. However, there is absolutely no need to be guilty! You do not need to have any inhibitions to exercise the superpower your body has to feed your offspring. Read on for 18 tips that moms all over the world use to breastfeed in public without guilt.
18 Useful Tips To Breastfeed In Public Without Feeling Guilty
Following are the top 18 tips to breastfeed in public:
1. Be Confident
Remember that there is no shame associated with feeding your baby in public. If you feel anxious, your child will sense it. So the best option is to be confident and do it with élan. This will also keep the moral police at bay.
2. Know The Legalities
Not only that what you do is absolutely natural, but it is also legal as well. Most countries have laws that protect a mother’s right to breastfeed in public.
3. Plan
If you are stepping out, you know that there might be a need to nurse in public. Be prepared for it by keeping everything you will need easily accessible
4. Use A Cover
The best way to nurse discreetly in public is to use a dupatta, a stole, or a receiving blanket to cover your breasts and the baby. Make sure there is enough gap on the top for you to see the baby and ensure he/she is nursing right.
5. Use A Nursing Bra
It will be difficult to unhook your normal bra or lift it up in public. It is best to use a nursing bra, which is available in plenty in the market. Find one that is comforting and convenient.
6. Use A Nursing Vest
Many times women feel conscious about lifting their tops and exposing the stretchmarks-ridden tummy area in public. One solution for this is the use of a nursing vest. It covers your tummy and opens up at your breast – so you can lift your top and breastfeed while the vest covers your tummy area.
7. Invest In A Few Nursing Tops
There are many nursing tops that are fashionable, yet helps nurse conveniently. Some of these tops discreetly open on the sides with layers of clothes over them, which makes sure you can nurse in peace without the use of a covering blanket
8. Buy Front Open Kurtas
In India, kurtas are one of the most popular dress choices for women. You get nursing–friendly kurtas that are front open
9. Use A Scarf
If it is not possible for you to carry a covering blanket always, invest in a good long scarf that you can wear often with your clothes
10. Practice Makes Perfect
If you are really conscious about breastfeeding in public, you might want to sit in front of a mirror in the comfort of your house and “see” how you would look in public. You can make adjustments based on what you want the public to see and not see
11. Buy A Loose Fitting Tee-Shirt
If it is not possible for you to buy nursing clothes, then the next best option is wearing a loose fitting tee-shirt (invade your husband’s wardrobe). This will be easy to lift up for nursing, while also ensuring the extra cloth will cover your baby and your body
12. Use A Baby Carrier
It is also possible to use a sling or a wrap that you use for carrying your baby around to breastfeed. The advantage is that your child is already in a comfortable position and your hands are free
13. Pick The Nursing Spot Smartly
Choose a place that is comfortable for you to sit in. It should give you good back support. Also, make sure you are slightly away from the view of the general public if you are conscious of that.
14. Get The Latch Right Discretely
As you know, once your baby latches, then your nipple is covered by your baby’s face. So in the few seconds, it takes for your baby to latch on, turn away from the public glare.
15. Smile
Someone is glancing in your direction often clearly disapproving of what you are doing. Smile at them. Your priority is your child and ensuring good health for him/her through natural breastfeeding.
16. Plan A Response
Prepare for a worst-case scenario, when someone might just walk up to you and tell you what you are doing is wrong. Anticipate this and prepare a good response to give them.
17. Do Not Breastfeed In A Washroom
Does someone suggest breastfeeding in the washroom? Ask them back, with a smile, if they would consider eating inside a public washroom. If not, how can they ask to expect your baby to do so?
18. Do Not Get Into A Fight
Mostly because it is not worth it. You are legally allowed to breastfeed in public. You are not naked, and you are making all efforts to cover up as much as possible so that onlookers do not feel disturbed (although they do not have to). Despite all these, if someone has a problem, ignore them. You are bigger than them.
Breastfeeding is something that you should be proud of. So we hope these above tips will help you to breastfeed in public without being nervous, intimidated or self-conscious.
