I am uncomfortable breastfeeding in public. Has anyone any suggestions how I can avoid attracting attention?

Question

I have tried muslin wraps over my shoulder (my baby flings it off) and also tried using nothing so as not to draw attention to myself, but I'm just not comfortable. Do I revert to formula??? Help!!

Answer 1

I know a lot of babies hate being covered up when they're nursing, both of mine did.  You might try finding something that will create a shield effect in front of your baby instead of over your baby.  One other option I can think of is finding a way to sit with your back to other people while you're nursing.  That way you can be sure no one can see what you're doing.  Good luck!

Answer 2

I always try to plan our outings around feeding time..sometimes you just can't..then I always try to plan feeding times at a place that offers a nuring room, family bathroom (normally has a spot for nursing), or a lounge outside of the bathroom....if all else fails I try to find a changing room to sit in and nurse...not comfy but it works out best for me....if I'm stuck and have to nurse in public I do so in my car with ac running or I carry a light sheet someone made for my son to cover up with...he flings it off, but I do what I can to stay covered for my own comfort. Best of luck!

Answer 3

No, you don't need to revert to formula.  If you don't feel comfortable b/fing, express and then feed them out of a bottle when you are out and about.  B/fing in public isn't for everyone, don't worry.

Answer 4

My baby hates covers too, so I've been adept at covert feeding. Dressing rooms at clothing stores are heaven sent! :) I also recommend sitting in the backseat of a car in a crowded parking lot - very few people notice.  Roomy button-up shirts are nice, too. Just remember that very few people actually notice unless your whole breast is out there. It just takes practice to swiftly unhook your nursing bra and quickly bring the baby to the nipple.  

Answer 5

i used to feel uncomfortable but that was mainly because i had my shirt pulled up, but now instead of wearing a nursing bra i wear a nursing tank top which has a bra built in to it and then i wear a regular shirt over the top so when i lift my top up nobody can see anything and baby's big fat head covers my nipple LOL

otherwise i go to my car if i'm out shopping, less distractions = better feed for my son

i guess it depends what is making you uncomfortable

Answer 6

I always found that by wearing a top that pulled up was less revealing than a shirt. Drape a rug over the baby's body, leave their arm out, so it falls down to your lap; this way you are completely covered. Don't be self conscious it is a very natural thing to be doing. Find a nice place to sit which isn't in the middle of everything, relax and feed. Most women love to see a mother nursing their baby....well I do! It brings back great memories.

Try at home first and see how you go with the rung and if you both feel comfortable. Good Luck

Answer 7

You can always use a pump and that way your baby will still get breast milk, but you don't have to be uncomfortable in public.  I am a "larger" girl when it comes to my chest, so when I breastfeed, I can't do it without being almost topless, so I don't do it in public, but I do pump.  This can be a little time consuming, so I recommend a good electric double pump, like a Medela pump in style.  

Otherwise, if you can (and if the position of baby lets you) you can always barely uncover your breast just enough to expose your nipple to baby, and draw baby very close to you so that people can't see any part of your breast while baby is feeding (I wish I was small enough that this would work).  Many of my smaller friends have the nursing bras, so they simply unhook that, and then just barely lift their shirt.

Your other option then is formula.  You can always continue to breast feed at home, and use formula out in public (I have done this as well).  If you and your baby have developed a good routine, you shouldn't have problems with nipple confusion either.  

Answer 8

Hi, I didn't like breastfeeding in public either, especially in front of my husbands friends and family. I also found people didn't know where to look if I was in a cafe which made me feel self conscious. I hate that I feel this way, but its down to the individual and how confident they are. I ended up buying a breastfeeding cover from a company called Kisskiss Hughug and I love it. I have no issues breastfeeding my 10 month old in public now and in fact a lot of people stop and ask where I bought the breastfeeding cover from so I guess there are a lot of other people out there who feel the same (we're not alone!). Hope this helps.

Answer 9

Once you practice its easy to conceal. Just wear a large shirt and people just think you are holding him. I do it all the time.

Answer 10

Tell you husband to wait until you get home! Sorry, had to do that. Seriously, just feed with bottle when in public and breast feed when in private. It will not be a big deal, the kid will be fine.  

Answer 11

make sure you get the right clothing.. that is a MUST!! without the right clothing you are sure to fail.. well at least that is what I thought.. a good breastfeeding bra, and shirt will work wonders also. the muslin wraps didn't work for me try these ones: http://www.target.com/Cover-Style-Nursin... the go around the neck and hook on, she she can't move them.. and you can see your daughter since there is boning in the front of it.. these worked wonders... so after a while of doing this, i just got comfortable enough to do this..

start off slow, like.. while eating dinner in a both at a restaurant, docs offices, benches in the mall kinda secluded.. I have also found that stores like macy's and bigger malls have breastfeeding friendly spots for moms to feed, also if you really can't do it in public you can always resort to your car, or changing rooms.. but I say y? do we eat in the car, changing rooms, bath rooms? no, so why make your baby do it.. it is the most natural and the best thing that you can do for your child.. embrace it and feel good that you are giving your child the best start in life..

and no FORMULA, gross, that is just convience food if you ask me,  breast is best!

watch these youtube movies about breastfeeding in public.. good advice!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rrnxtiYmXi...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=EWYkCFlU_j...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=M3Chk4k6gx...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=iUG5cW6rza...

hope this helps and you keep breastfeeding!

Answer 12

If you are out and about in a shopping area, look for one of the old fashioned department stores that has a proper ladies rest room. There is usually a chair in there.

If you are out visiting friends, just ask if you can use a bedroom to sit quietly to feed baby. Say that you are still getting the hang of it, and it helps you to feel a bit more relaxed.

Lots of babies are finicky feeders. The other ideas people have suggested are good too.

Answer 13

Just pump your breast milk into a bottle and take the bottle with you and feed the baby through a bottle.

No need to give the baby formula from a bottle, you can give the baby breast milk from a bottle ..

Answer 14

you can try pumping and feeding with bottles!

it's so sad that our society reacts so negatively to something so natural and healthy!  i wish i still breast fed my son, and always feel a bit jealous (but also happy) when i see someone nursing in public, i think "good for her, and the baby!"

Answer 15

the most useful thing I have come across is nursing singlets! they clip down just like nursing bras do but your wearing a singlet so your tummy is always covered up. No exposure. I LIVE in nursing singlets. Brought a whole heap of them and wear them every day, even when at home because they are so comfy. When I go out in public I wear a nursing singlet and a zip up cardy. Then when I feed her I unzip my cardy, clip down my singlet and feed her. Because Im wearing a cardy no one can see in from the side. And my tummy is covered by the singlet and babies head is infront of my nipple. You would have to be right up in my face and purposly trying to have a good gawk to see anything.

Sorry I cant tell you where to get nursing singlets as I live in New Zealand. I got mine from farmers and The warehouse. But Im pretty sure those shops are only in NZ. Good luck though and stick at it. Do whats best for the baby. Thats what your b***s are made for!  

Answer 16

Keep breasfeeding!  It is great for your baby!  I saw someone use a poncho once, so instead of buying one, I made one out of a sarong.  Just safety pin two ends together & then pull it over & off your head for easy use.  After 2 yrs. of nursing, I don't really care anymore and if I don't have a cover w/ me, I use a napkin, my sweater,  a blanket, or anything handy!  

Who cares what people think?  I'm doing the best thing for my baby & that's what matters!

Answer 17

Hey Sweetie I'm a Mom of Two my Son used to do the Same thing and I used a Larger Blanket Over Me.  You don't have to Revert to Formula. No formula can match the Milk you produce it is rich and Full of Vitamins,DHA &ARA and is specially made for your Precious Baby.Try using a Larger  Blanket and tucking it under your Baby.  If your still Uncomfortable there are Wonderful Bottles that will not inhibit your child from Latching on at Home. You can just pump your Milk before going out. Check this out  The First Years Breast-Flow looks  and feels allot like a Mothers Breast and there is also Born-Free Bottles. Below is a link to Babies R' Us.  I have used  The Breast-Flow Bottles but I have not used the Born-Free.  Good News is they do have  Reviews. Try the Blanket Technique, if that doesn't work try the Sources below.