Do you think living in isolation will help me succeed at breastfeeding?

Question

I am 5 months pregnant with baby #2. When I had my daughter I really couldn't stand people seeing my nipples and living near our families there were always people around so I would have to go off into rooms or into the car to feed her. 7 months ago we moved to a remote desert town nowhere near anybody we know and I am thinking it will help me with feeding. Also as I cannot give birth here I am going home to have the baby but have decided to stay alone at my mum's vacant farmhouse, I mean we wont have help with the daughter we already have but at least I won't be too uncomfortable to feed the new baby. Do you think this plan will work? Did anyone else have anxiety about feeding in front of people? My fiance's family is HUGE and they were constantly at our house and us at their house and I am just hoping that being away from that will help me to succeed at breastfeeding

Answer 1

DO NOT ISOLATE YOURSELF!!!  Look what your doing for your baby is AMAZING!!!

Think of what isolating your other child would do for them in the future...do you want your children to be embarassed about doing whats best for thier own children?   Look Im not saying that you should hang it all out there for everyone to see....

Make sure you have a private area you can nurse...make sure when you are invited somewhere you ask if you might be able to use a bedroom or study to nurse your child....stand up for your children and thier right to eat......

Answer 2

Go to birth and beond they have what looks like a over sized bib very nice to feed your baby under

Answer 3

You've moved away and isolated yourself because you don't want people to see you breastfeeding? That's a little extreme. Why don't you pump when you're visiting and feed from a bottle. Or here's a thought. Feed her formula if your that anxious. I'm sure your baby would prefare a happy mother instead of one so uptight. I formula fed both my children and contrary to what some people say, it's not the end of the world.

Answer 4

After the full on show of birth, I lost my squimishness about nudity.  Everyones different, though.

You really don't have to isolate yourself to be successful.   If it makes you uncomfortable to breastfeed around others, why not voice this to his family, or have him voice it.  You can have a special room where you go, or state that you don't want visitors in the first six weeks.  Even though you moved, people will probably still want to see the baby.  Plus its good for children to have relationships with extended family.  Just set your stage how ever you want to ensure your success.  You may find that after you get the hang of it, that there are ways to breastfeed discretely in front of others, and you'll feel more comfortably doing so.

*After my second daughter was born my mil thought she would be helpful to come and stay a few days, and she brought along her 14 yr old grandson!!  Breastfeeding in front of him was a bit awkard!  It's hard to me modest when your just getting started.

Answer 5

just put a blanket across your shoulder no one willl see your nipples i didnt like breastfeeding infront of people either  

Answer 6

I think that's a horrible idea.

Why be embarrassed about feeding your baby?  It's totally natural!  These women you would be feeding in front of have seen it all before!  But if you do want privacy, I don't see the problem with going into another room (or asking them to step out) for a few mins to feed, then coming back out with everyone else.  This is not a time you should be alone and isolated.