Breastfeeding in Public – a guide for new or expectant mums
So you are pregnant and know that you want to breastfeed your baby. Congratulations!Or maybe you have started breastfeeding but not yet ventured out in public. Breastfeeding in public can be a scary prospect for new and not so new mums. These tips will help you on your way.
1. Practise in front of a mirror. It will help you to see exactly what can be seen when you are breastfeeding your baby and you might actually be pleasantly surprised!
2. Wear the right clothes. Ensure that you are wearing something that you feel comfortable in and that will give you easy access to your nursing bra. This might be a large top that you can easily lift or open. Layering with a cardigan can give additional coverage. There are many different styles of breastfeeding clothing available, often with hidden openings across the chest, allowing access without having to lift or remove any clothing.
3. Take a friend along for moral support. If you are going to breastfeed in public for the first time, you are going to need some moral support from your partner, mum or friend. The first time I ventured out was with friends from my ante natal class.
4. Go to a breastfeeding friendly place. Your Midwife or Health Visitor should be able to tell you where there are breastfeeding friendly cafes in your area. If not, somewhere that is child friendly is usually a safe bet.
5. You could use a breastfeeding scarf or cover such as Mamascarf to ensure that you have complete privacy yet are still able to see your baby. This will also ensure you get the additional support when there aren't any cushions around.
6. Plan your route. If you are out for the day, try and work out what time your baby may need feeding and ensure you are near a breastfeeding friendly place.
7. Have confidence in yourself and what you are doing, it is your right! Breastfeeding your baby is a wonderful thing, it's better for baby and for you and the majority of people recognise this. It will also get easier with time.
Good luck!
1. Practise in front of a mirror. It will help you to see exactly what can be seen when you are breastfeeding your baby and you might actually be pleasantly surprised!
2. Wear the right clothes. Ensure that you are wearing something that you feel comfortable in and that will give you easy access to your nursing bra. This might be a large top that you can easily lift or open. Layering with a cardigan can give additional coverage. There are many different styles of breastfeeding clothing available, often with hidden openings across the chest, allowing access without having to lift or remove any clothing.
3. Take a friend along for moral support. If you are going to breastfeed in public for the first time, you are going to need some moral support from your partner, mum or friend. The first time I ventured out was with friends from my ante natal class.
4. Go to a breastfeeding friendly place. Your Midwife or Health Visitor should be able to tell you where there are breastfeeding friendly cafes in your area. If not, somewhere that is child friendly is usually a safe bet.
5. You could use a breastfeeding scarf or cover such as Mamascarf to ensure that you have complete privacy yet are still able to see your baby. This will also ensure you get the additional support when there aren't any cushions around.
6. Plan your route. If you are out for the day, try and work out what time your baby may need feeding and ensure you are near a breastfeeding friendly place.
7. Have confidence in yourself and what you are doing, it is your right! Breastfeeding your baby is a wonderful thing, it's better for baby and for you and the majority of people recognise this. It will also get easier with time.
Good luck!
posted by Mamascarf at
05:07
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