Breastfeeding in Public
Nervous about Breastfeeding in Public? You are not alone. For new breastfeeding mothers, one of the most intimidating things to get used to is nursing in public. This is really an unnecessary fear. Public breastfeeding does not have to be a cause of worry or embarrassment, because it can be done very discreetly in most public places. 
Public breastfeeding does, however, take a little practice and confidence. One experienced mother told me this when I had my first child: “With the first one, you are careful to plan around breastfeeding and even hide to nurse. For the next baby you get braver and start breastfeeding in public. By baby number three, you can breastfeed anywhere and most people don’t even realize you did it!” This can ring so true. I have a friend who nursed her baby right next to me while watching a sporting event and I didn’t even see her do anything. Being a nursing mom myself, I thought for sure I would have had a clue! (Article continues below...)
Public Breastfeeding Tips for MommiesTo help you have the confidence to nurse like a pro, here are some tips for discreetly breastfeeding in public:1. Wear clothing that gives you easy access. Many nursing fashions make this a breeze. (Layering a nursing camisole under other clothing can also help.) Nursing tops are essential to discreet nursing in public. With the right breastfeeding clothes, you can easily nurse without anyone even knowing that you did! Click here for some great nursing tops options. 2. Carry a blankie or cover up. Any lightweight blanket that can easily be draped over your shoulder to cover both you and your baby will work. I bought several in fabrics that I really liked (and they were also used to swaddle my babies when they were really young!) If you want to see your baby's sweet face, they also now have fabulous looking breastfeeding cover ups to do the job with style! For our readers' favorites, click here. 3. Utilize a good baby sling. (I love baby slings!) Slings and baby wraps have a dual-purpose: They carry infants close and they can be used as a breastfeeding cover up when breastfeeding in public. 4. If possible, watch another mother breastfeed in public. Ask a friend who is breastfeeding to give you some pointers. Most nursing mothers are more than happy to help you. One other easy way to do this is to attend a La Leche League meeting while you are still pregnant. They will be very encouraging and helpful. 5. If this is your first baby, give yourself a little time to get used to breastfeeding before you try public breastfeeding. Once you and your infant get the hang of it, you will be able to nurse anywhere! 
You have right to feed you baby in public no matter where you are or where you live! Where Would You Like to Go Next?
Want to read some great Breastfeeding Stories from moms like you or Submit Your Own Breastfeeding Story? ....or want to see some great breastfeeding advocacy shirts that we found? ...or want to see when breastfeeding was even seen on public television? ...or to see our breastfeeding ....find tips, share and help other moms
For more public breastfeeding tips, visit Le Leche League's website or Natural Family Online.
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