Bf in front of others.

[Mrsmac1507]

I really want to bf my lo when he comes along but do have lots of anxieties about it, in particular bfeeding in front of others, I'm know we're going to have an onslaught of visitors when we get home from hospital, (my oh has lots of family and friends) and I understand I'll be feeding really frequently. I know someone who had to go feed in a different room as her oh's parents said it made them uncomfortable. And also they'll be some children in the mix of visitors too. What's the normal protocol here and what's been everyone else's experienced?

 

[MummyEdgar]

hey, i had a similar worry but i think its important that you set the tone in regards to feeding, all my family knw we are feeding, so if its time to feed i just say i need to feed him, are give them the option of going to make us a brew or whatever, and then just get on with it and cover up and continue conversation to make it normal for me and them, i didnt wanna have to go into a different room every time and needed people around me to be ok with it so just kinda got on with it. exceptions are grandparents ( i wouldnt ask them to make me or brew or leave their seat) and if children are about just ask parents or give them the chance to take them into another room.

However, i would say in the early days having crowds of people around is not helpful and can be very tiring for you so i would try and control the flow of people and not have too many at once

 

[Vickyxx]

I spent the first couple of days hidden in a hospital cubicle with the curtains close feeding my little boy until one day i just thought stuff it, opened the curtains and never closed them again. I wasn't sure how i would feel but something just switched and i thought i am feeding my baby not doing a lapdance or anything shady.

My friend gave me a nursing bid which i would highly recommend it allows you your dignity but without being segregated to another room. And when they are newborn they feed ALOT!! So you would be alone a lot of the time if you went to different room.

I have fed in front of my inlaws and my husbands young nephews and it was fine. I actually asked "them" if they were ok with it lol

I do not plan on spending the next 6 months hiding in my house in fear of what others may think. And if anyone did dare to say something (family excluded) then they would find themselves getting a right earful back at them.

Boobs were designed to feed our children and anyone to ignorant to understand that should simply look away.

 

[babyem]

I just used a blanket so nothing could be seen x

tapatalking x

 

[Mrsmac1507]

Thanks ladies, I know it shouldn't be an issue, but I just don't want to feel uncomfortable in my own home. I'll probably be fine with it once my lo arrives, and not bother about how everyone else feels about it. I suppose escaping to another room sometimes might not be a bad thing, as the thought of a constant stream of visitors fills me with dread, not talking about family, just oh friends, neighbours etc.

 

[EmiLou123]

Hi, I'm afraid I'm one of those that disappears to another room.. But it's nice to do that sometimes - I'm usually so tired i just go off to bed for an hour or so with baby and relax. With regards to the visitors, limit it to one visit a day for an hour or so absolute maximum. It is knackering with babies needs, midwife visits, health visitors, your own needs... Your family and friends well understand and they can visit more when you have a routine established xxx

 

[cosmicgirl]

I feed Infront of anyone and everyone but I understand that some people aren't comfortable.
Maybe get one of those feeding shawl things?? Although I can imagine they are difficult in the early days as you can't see baby to latch.
My lo has started turning around when he hears something or wanting to be nosey. The amount of times I've been sat with a boob suddenly exposed because baby has turned his head! Ah well, it's only a nipple, everyone has them x

 

[Nurse 26]

A nice thin pretty scarf does the job, thats what i used at the start but it gets much easier.

Sent from my GT-I9100P using Tapatalk 2

 

[Vickyxx]

The special bibs have an opening at the top allowing you to see baby and vice versa. I can easily pop out a boob whilst wearing the bib without exposing myself. Have an look on ebay you can pick them up quite cheap xx

 

[sallybee]

I used to feed a lot lying down, so would go to the bedroom with LO and sneak in a power nap haha xx

 

[l_maclean]

Sometimes it's nice to have an excuse to sneak off. Lol.

But seriously If your thinking about very early days in your own house you kinda just need to go with the flow. My parents stayed with us the first few days I got home due to DHs work (and bubs being early) and due to latch issues my dad saw WAY more of my boobs than I ever wanted. Even sent him to asda for nipple shields lol. That cured most of my shyness.

FIL found it difficult but he choose to leave the room most of the time (never said anything), and my neice once asked why Georgia got milk from my belly button instead of a bottle. Lol

Personally I just wouldn't LET anyone force you to move in your own home, if anyone else is uncomfy that's their issues, but if moving room suits you then go for it. I think the vast majority of people are quite open with it, especially newborns, My mum, and MIL both fed all their kids at least for a little while. Xxx


On my iPhone - so cant see tickers

 

[Zazu]

My friend gave me a lovely thin long scarf that I am using to cover myself. I go out the room to latch him on (I am still getting the hang of it again) and then put the scarf on and go back in the room as I'm self conscious too xxx

 

[Kay Kay]

This is all interesting for me to read as I've been thinking about bf in front of others a lot lately as I'm a bit shy with these things and just can't imagine it. Not so much in front of my female friends but it's their husbands and also (dread) my father in law, who has gone on the record a long time ago as a 'breast feeding supporter'. He is very open minded which is great but it's ME that hates the thought of feeding in front of HIM. I know everyone says I won't care etc but I think I will. Makes me shudder. It's good to know others use a scarf or special bib (Vic, what are they called so I can search for them?). I was thinking of covering up with a muslin cloth, not sure if that would really work though?

 

[Vickyxx]

Go on ebay or amazon and search for "breastfeeding apron" you can pick them up pretty cheap and they are really good and easy to use. Plus provide more cover then muslin so less chance of you flashing a boob lol

 

[Kay Kay]

Cheers chick will have a look x

 

[mrswoody]

I was worried about it but once you do it then it gets easier.
I use a muslin cloth and wrap it round my bra strap to stop it falling. I also have a few long scarfs that are nice and long which I use, I got them from primark and have been great x