Breastfeeding in public. Tips needed :-)

[Paddles]

So want to get out and about now. Been out a few times and fed in public and I was a bit all fingers and thumbs and all over the place to try and be decent and get baby to latch etc.

Do have you guys got any tips on making breastfeeding in public easier? Best clothes to wear? Cover ups? Etc.
or does it just get easier?

Thank you in advance. Xx

 

[SaraLouise]

I was the same.

At first I used one of these.. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B008TW01GY/ref=mp_s_a_1_18?qid=1377591952&sr=8-18&pi=AC_SX110_SY165 its good because you can get your whole boob out & still see what you are doing.

Now I'm a bit better at it, I usually wear two tops so I can pull one down & one up ifykwim & only have a bit of boob showing.

I still have times where bubs is pulling off & I struggle to get a good latch, but I find if I just pull my cardi across myself so I'm covered then change position I can usually latch okay x

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[SaraLouise]

Oh & I think the key is confidence. You have to remember your doing the most natural thing in the world. And everyone has seen a boob before!

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[Paddles]

Thank you for your reply. Have been trying the two top theory, seems to be the best plan so far.

And hopefully my confidence will grow and then I won't be so conscious.

Going into town today so all coffee shops beware. x

 

[Emily0505]

It comes with time hun. Initially when I was all flustered and trying to get bubs to latch quickly so no-one would see anything was when I struggled most. Once i relaxed and chilled out bubs layched easy peasy and that was that. The more you do it the easier you will find it. I never used covers etc just popped it out... not that I have much to pop! Lol!

XX

 

[Clairexx]

I was the same.

At first I used one of these.. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B008TW01GY/ref=mp_s_a_1_18?qid=1377591952&sr=8-18&pi=AC_SX110_SY165 its good because you can get your whole boob out & still see what you are doing.

Now I'm a bit better at it, I usually wear two tops so I can pull one down & one up ifykwim & only have a bit of boob showing.

I still have times where bubs is pulling off & I struggle to get a good latch, but I find if I just pull my cardi across myself so I'm covered then change position I can usually latch okay x

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I use my one these everywhere and love it! It's so discreet and if it wasnt for the little feet dangling out one side I don't think anyone would even know! I love it as its sometimes takes a bit if fiddling to get him latched and this way my huge boob is only ever seen by me. Xx

 

[Paddles]

It comes with time hun. Initially when I was all flustered and trying to get bubs to latch quickly so no-one would see anything was when I struggled most. Once i relaxed and chilled out bubs layched easy peasy and that was that. The more you do it the easier you will find it. I never used covers etc just popped it out... not that I have much to pop! Lol!

XX

Lol.
I think when your baby is hungry u don't care who sees what, you just want him fed! X

 

[Paddles]

I was the same.

At first I used one of these.. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B008TW01GY/ref=mp_s_a_1_18?qid=1377591952&sr=8-18&pi=AC_SX110_SY165 its good because you can get your whole boob out & still see what you are doing.

Now I'm a bit better at it, I usually wear two tops so I can pull one down & one up ifykwim & only have a bit of boob showing.

I still have times where bubs is pulling off & I struggle to get a good latch, but I find if I just pull my cardi across myself so I'm covered then change position I can usually latch okay x

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I use my one these everywhere and love it! It's so discreet and if it wasnt for the little feet dangling out one side I don't think anyone would even know! I love it as its sometimes takes a bit if fiddling to get him latched and this way my huge boob is only ever seen by me. Xx

Might have to get one of these to try out. Looks so easy.

 

[stargirl]

I used a cover at first, but it depends where I am. I also do the vest top under a top thing but what I find even easier is still wearing my maternity leggings. Now I havent got a bump they come up to my bra and they I just lift up my top and latch him on. Also I hace a breast vest which is really good.

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[cosmicgirl]

I've never used a cover, I just wap them out - if people look or don't look I couldn't care less and I dare anyone to say something to me (no one has yet!), make my day!!!
But - my sister was very very shy and tried to bf her youngest, she stopped (what a shame) because she was uncomfortable feeding in public. She did however find that if she wore a light cardi or poncho thingy, she could pop baby underneath x

 

[k8_005]

I have a bebe au lait cape sooooo easy and means I don't end up flashing anything given me loads of confidence I laughed when father in law bought it for me...not laughing now its a god send x

 

[MumHaley]

Congratulations on breastfeeding! I am still nursing my 28-mo old but only 4-6 times a day (morning, nap time, and night) and I haven't breastfed in public for a long time now. BUT, I can definitely share some tips with you.

First, get a nursing cover. Your baby's wrap blanket can do, but nursing covers would have a sling around your neck so that it won't just fly away. It keeps baby well covered too.

Second, wear tops that will allow you to nurse and pop out the breast easily. I got this dress from Mamaway and I swear, I wore it practically every time me and the little one would go out. I feel like people think I don't have any more clothes, but it gives the easiest access for me to breastfeed! I got mine in blue!

http://www.mamaway.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_34&products_id=271

Looks pretty good evening for night wear too. I'm saving it for my next child and would probably get the black one then.

Third, be ready for uncomfortable people around you. They may stare, give you unapproving looks and whatnot. But the heck with them! You are feeding your child! You can nurse your child anytime, anywhere.

Best of luck!

 

[Paddles]

I have a bebe au lait cape sooooo easy and means I don't end up flashing anything given me loads of confidence I laughed when father in law bought it for me...not laughing now its a god send x

I love how your father in law bought it for you.

 

[Paddles]

Congratulations on breastfeeding! I am still nursing my 28-mo old but only 4-6 times a day (morning, nap time, and night) and I haven't breastfed in public for a long time now. BUT, I can definitely share some tips with you.

First, get a nursing cover. Your baby's wrap blanket can do, but nursing covers would have a sling around your neck so that it won't just fly away. It keeps baby well covered too.

Second, wear tops that will allow you to nurse and pop out the breast easily. I got this dress from Mamaway and I swear, I wore it practically every time me and the little one would go out. I feel like people think I don't have any more clothes, but it gives the easiest access for me to breastfeed! I got mine in blue!

http://www.mamaway.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_34&products_id=271

Looks pretty good evening for night wear too. I'm saving it for my next child and would probably get the black one then.

Third, be ready for uncomfortable people around you. They may stare, give you unapproving looks and whatnot. But the heck with them! You are feeding your child! You can nurse your child anytime, anywhere.

Best of luck!

Thank you for the tips.

Getting more confident. Was breastfeeding on the beach other day. Will have a look Mamaway.
Have just been using a Muslin. It's strange as the more I breastfeeding in public the less I care about how much boob I show!

Thanks x

And wow for feeding your LO for 28 months. That's amazing.

 

[missyeovil]

It's strange as the more I breastfeeding in public the less I care about how much boob I show!

Exactly this! I think it really is just one of those things that takes a bit of time to get used to. I had to feed in the middle (and I mean the middle!!!!) of the cafe at tesco when Aela was 3 weeks old. It was heaving, plus it was in front of MIL, FIL, SIL and her kids. I bought a cover but I actually found that made me feel more flustered as I was drawing attention to myself by putting it on!

9 months later I am just like cos in that I will get them out anywhere and if someone wants to say something to me then I will not hesitate to say something back!xx

 

[Bonfire Bride]

Congratulations on breastfeeding! I am still nursing my 28-mo old but only 4-6 times a day (morning, nap time, and night) and I haven't breastfed in public for a long time now. BUT, I can definitely share some tips with you.

First, get a nursing cover. Your baby's wrap blanket can do, but nursing covers would have a sling around your neck so that it won't just fly away. It keeps baby well covered too.

Second, wear tops that will allow you to nurse and pop out the breast easily. I got this dress from Mamaway and I swear, I wore it practically every time me and the little one would go out. I feel like people think I don't have any more clothes, but it gives the easiest access for me to breastfeed! I got mine in blue!

http://www.mamaway.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_34&products_id=271

Looks pretty good evening for night wear too. I'm saving it for my next child and would probably get the black one then.

Third, be ready for uncomfortable people around you. They may stare, give you unapproving looks and whatnot. But the heck with them! You are feeding your child! You can nurse your child anytime, anywhere.

Best of luck!

Thank you for the tips.

Getting more confident. Was breastfeeding on the beach other day. Will have a look Mamaway.
Have just been using a Muslin. It's strange as the more I breastfeeding in public the less I care about how much boob I show!

Thanks x

And wow for feeding your LO for 28 months. That's amazing.

Yep...keep doing it hun and your confidence will grow. I'm also a newbie and first breast fed Oliver on a promenade hiding behind the pram, a muslin and a parasol. You're doing great xx

 

[jojo_2012]

I'd take a fleece blanket to bundle him up in so he covered more boob and go for it. It's handy to know where good places to breast feed in private are. Mothercare and M&P stores, and changing rooms you know won't have queues are easy to get to just grab a top off the shelf go in and sit down and feed in peace and quiet.

 

[buggy1]

I'm quite shy but when you are desperate needs must! I whipped my boob out and fed my lo in the mens shoe section of Primark, classy haha, there were lots of men wandering about it was a bit awkward.

I read somewhere that it is actually illegal for someone to ask you to stop breastfeeding, that makes me feel more confident!

Also,my Ikea has a 'baby oasis' in the cafe where you can b/feed with a bit of privacy, I assume all Ikea's have them so if you have one of those local they may be worth a visit, if you just want to get out!

 

[Paddles]

I'm quite shy but when you are desperate needs must! I whipped my boob out and fed my lo in the mens shoe section of Primark, classy haha, there were lots of men wandering about it was a bit awkward.

I read somewhere that it is actually illegal for someone to ask you to stop breastfeeding, that makes me feel more confident!

Also,my Ikea has a 'baby oasis' in the cafe where you can b/feed with a bit of privacy, I assume all Ikea's have them so if you have one of those local they may be worth a visit, if you just want to get out!

Buggy that's brilliant. Whipping the boob out in the men section of primark! I bet they were more embarrassed than you.

I have to say its getting easier and I really don't mind getting them out now. I think you are so concentrated on feeding your LO that you don't think of much else. Actually now I have to remember to put them away after!

 

[buggy1]

Haha!