Quite simply, I breastfeed because I'm lazy, no bottles to make up, no sterilizing, no cost, food on the go. No, is it too hot or too cold. It’s always the right temperature, and it’s always available when you’re out and about.
Joanne Jackson
Breastfeeding Mother
Sure, she knows how to do it, but what if someone notices, or…gasp…sees her breast? Don’t worry. The truth is, most people will just think you’re holding your baby, and there are lots of ways to breastfeed in public without showing your breasts if that makes you uncomfortable. (For the record, it is not against the law to show your breast.)
- Wear a baggy t-shirt, or a nursing tank top covered with another shirt.
- Take a blanket or burp cloth you can use to cover your baby or breast. Some moms like to wrap a corner of the blanket around their bra strap so it doesn’t slip.
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- Wear your baby in a sling or front pack. This allows your baby to nurse while you are carrying her and no one can see.
- Practice first at home in front of the mirror. If you’re nervous, try nursing in public for the first time when you are out with a group of your friends.
- Breastfeed your baby just before you leave home.
- If weather allows, nurse in your car before you go inside.
- In a restaurant, ask for a booth in the back or corner, and sit so you’re facing away from other people.
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- Large grocery stores, discount stores and malls may have a restroom with a baby area that provides a place to sit down and a diaper-changing area.
- If you want a little more privacy, nurse your baby in a dressing room.
- Pharmacies almost always have a place to sit down.
- If you wear your baby in a sling or front pack, you can nurse while standing up and no one will know.
- If someone talks to you while you’re breastfeeding, keep eye contact with them while you’re talking. Chances are they will look at your face and never look down to your baby.
- If you’re by yourself in an open area, focus on your baby’s eyes and face. After a while, you won’t even notice other people around, and they will be less likely to notice you.
If it seems awkward the first few times, know that it will get easier with practice. Try to focus on your hungry baby, and remember, Texas law gives you the right to breastfeed your baby wherever you are. By breastfeeding in public, you are showing other mothers that it’s possible to give your baby the best nutrition and get out of the house.
Nowadays, there are lots of cool products that help moms cover up while breastfeeding. You can use a baby blanket, shawl, towel or burp cloth. Many moms have found a clean diaper works well in a pinch.
Type "nursing cover" in your favorite search engine to get some good ideas of the specialty products that are available.
Type "nursing cover" in your favorite search engine to get some good ideas of the specialty products that are available.
