Breastfeeding In Public: How To Be Comfortable Doing It
- aliasger45
- Aug 12, 2018
- 3 min read
After being stuck up in the house for days during and after your pregnancy, you are itching to step out of the house with your baby. You feed the baby before you leave but the baby is hungry before you get back home. A hungry baby will not wait and won’t stop crying until fed. This means you have to breastfeed in public, amidst the stares, the comments, and annoyance that some people show.
Can I Breastfeed In Public?
Yes! You can breastfeed in public. Most countries have laws and rules that are conducive to breastfeeding in public. Governments and the judiciary recognize the need for a mother to nurse her baby. To summarize, public breastfeeding is an unconditional fundamental right of every mother. Here are some steps you can take to make it more comfortable for you.
How To Breastfeed In Public?
Breastfeeding in public can be convenient when you observe the following tips:
Dress appropriately for breastfeeding: Choose a dress that allows easy access to the breast, like a top that can be unbuttoned from above or can be lifted over the breasts easily. Wear a nursing bra inside. Wearing the right clothes, which remove the need to pull out multiple layers of clothing, makes breastfeeding in public less conspicuous.
Get a nursing shawl: A nursing shawl or blanket lets you cover the infant while he or she breastfeeds. The shawl makes breastfeeding inconspicuous, by preventing people from immediately noticing that you are nursing your baby. When people do not notice, there will be fewer or no stares!
Pack a diaper bag: Pack things like tissues and napkins that you may need to wipe the baby’s mouth or the breast after breastfeeding. It will help eliminate the hassle of shopping for these things at the last moment.
Wear the baby: Carry the baby in a sling carrier to keep the little one close to your chest. This gives them easy access to your breast and makes the task less obvious.
Choose the right place: The best place to breastfeed is where you are most likely to get support. A women’s lounge at the airport or a coffee shop that permits breastfeeding are some excellent places. Some establishments may also have dedicated nursing areas for mothers. But never breastfeed in a bathroom since it is unhygienic. Your baby is also likely to be exposed to several pathogens in there.
Maintain composure: Do not get too conscious about breastfeeding in public. Be your usual self and carry on with ease. When you feel comfortable, you will have better milk let-down, which makes public breastfeeding as good as feeding the baby at home. Also, it helps you finish quickly.
Be confident: The primary purpose of breastfeeding is to nourish the infant, and your breast milk is the best food for your baby. Therefore, do not be shy or embarrassed, for you are doing what is necessary.
Be aware of your surroundings: Lastly, be mindful of your surroundings. Make sure you are fully aware of your personal belongings when you are breastfeeding. It is essential to stay safe while you’re out with the baby.
Remember, that it is breastfeeding in “public”. So, there are going to be some people around who may not be very supportive. However we urge our #BunzuuMoms to proudly nurse their babies in public. This not only ensures that your child receives the best nutrition at all times but will also broaden society’s views about public breastfeeding.
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