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The idea of breastfeeding in public can be overwhelming to some new mommas, even daunting.
However, it doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety or discomfort.
Today we are going to talk about five practical strategies to help shy or modest moms overcome their fears of publicly breastfeeding.
This is not about fighting for your right to publicly breastfeed; it is not about confrontation with others.
Instead, it is real-life advice for new moms to slowly gain confidence in themselves along their breastfeeding journey.
1. Come Prepared
You are going to feel much more confident if you have the right supplies.
Experiment at home with a couple of different nursing covers. Find the one that makes you feel most comfortable.
Wear a specific nursing top if possible. They will typically keep you very covered while nursing.
If you are a bit more thrifty and don’t plan to have many nursing tops, you can create a workaround.
You can wear a tank top under any shirt that is loose enough to go up. The tank top stays down and covers your torso, while your shirt goes up to give baby access.
This is your DIY nursing top.
Make sure to avoid shirts that are too restrictive.
The more familiar you are with breastfeeding the easier it will be in public.
If you are prepared to quickly and easily latch your baby, it will be a breeze.
However, if you are still struggling with establishing a latch, being in public and under a cover will only make it more stressful.
If you are interested in getting a bit more help when it comes to latching check out this helpful video.
Breastfeeding Tip for a GOOD Latch! | Direct Nursing
2. Find the Best Location in the Room/Area
When it comes to nursing modestly, I would evaluate the room and the situation.
In some places, I would nurse and in others, I would not.
For example, in most restaurants, I felt comfortable doing so. We would typically ask for a booth and those will have high sides giving momma a little extra privacy.
Now somewhere like a kid’s play place, I felt more comfortable finding a private corner. My husband was there to watch our toddler so I was able to retreat to a corner where I felt more comfortable.
Don’t be afraid to do what works for you.
3. Leave the Room/Area
Sometimes I simply leave the room or area. It is perfectly acceptable to excuse yourself and find a more private space if needed.
There are places I am simply not comfortable nursing and that is ok for me.
Everyone has their own levels of comfortability.
Church for example was not my favorite place to nurse. I just felt weird sitting if it was time to stand and didn’t want people behind me standing over me while I was nursing.
There was a day we had a funeral to attend for a close family member.
During the funeral home portion, I stepped out into the lobby to nurse at the funeral home. I wasn’t comfortable in the large rooms with everyone there.
Then during the church portion of the funeral, I excused myself to the cry room to nurse with a bit more privacy.
You do what makes you comfortable.
With my first baby at family parties, especially with my in-laws, I would go to the guest room to nurse. With my second baby, I did this less. I was a bit more confident staying in the main living space.
Some moms are amazing at nursing in public. They walk around a store nursing like it is no big deal.
I was never one to stand and nurse. I really preferred to sit down. If I was in a store and the baby needed to nurse I would go to the dressing room. I honestly think this only happened on one occasion.
And at the end of the day if you are not comfortable somewhere you can always nurse in your car. I would recommend sitting in the back seat or passenger seat that way you aren’t fighting the steering wheel. Also, make sure to lock the doors for your safety.
You go to nurse your baby where YOU are most comfortable.
4. Know Your Weak Spots or Issues
If you just had a baby and are feeling a certain way about breastfeeding in public, think about your biggest concerns.
Do you feel weird breastfeeding in front of people you know, like family and friends?
Do you feel more concerned about nursing in front of strangers?
Are you worried about your cover not fully doing its job?
Are you worried about the baby fussing and struggling to latch, drawing attention to you?
If you take a minute to think about what you are most concerned with you can work to resolve the problem.
Leaving the room may resolve your issue.
Finding a better nursing cover or practicing with it more could be the solution.
Because breastfeeding may be completely new to you you don’t yet know what you are comfortable with.
Take some time to sort it out and find solutions.
Maybe you think you can publicly nurse but need a little support.
Have your husband sit by you the first few times.
Be honest about being nervous and simply wanting his presence.
5. Gain Confidence
You will gain confidence over time.
This could mean throwing out the covering and feeling totally assured in your public breastfeeding.
It could mean remaining a “cover for life” girly!
Whichever momma you are, confident will come with practice and experience.
You will learn how to plan for the day, evaluate a room or situation, and navigate it in a way that makes you feel confident while getting the baby properly fed on time.
Conclusion
Not all mommas have to be public breastfeeding advocates. Some of us prefer a bit of privacy and modesty. That is our right too.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing.
It can be done in whatever way makes the mom feel comfortable and gets the baby fed.
I hope this article gave you some ideas and confidence in your breastfeeding journey.
Don’t try to do what fits everyone else, do what fits you and your current comfort level.
Good luck to you and check out some of my breastfeeding articles for more helpful advice.
Check Out My Articles
The Haakaa: A Simple, Affordable, and Effective tool for Breastfeeding Moms
The Unexpected Emotional Challenges of Breastfeeding: How to Find Balance and Joy
The Top 17 Advantages of Direct Breastfeeding Over Bottle Feeding
Help and Support for New Moms During the First 2 Weeks of Breastfeeding