Etiquette for Breastfeeding in Public
It is unrealistic for breastfeeding mothers to be at home all the times tending to the needs of her baby. People do have lives and commitments outside of their family but this presents a dilemma in breastfeeding. The question of etiquette for breastfeeding in public places becomes an issue. Mothers are often afraid and embarrassed to show too much to strangers. The fear and anxiety does not need to make you sulk off into the restrooms in order to breastfeed. This does not need to happen if you are well equipped to breastfeed in public with the right clothes and an easy to slip off nursing bra that you do not have to fumble with. Breastfeeding is a natural thing and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about if you handle the situation well.
Before you first breastfeed in a public setting, you should lay out the clothes you are going to wear. A loose fitting shirt or a top that lifts or can be unbuttoned from the waist is key. Anything that will let you feed your baby without exposing your breast is the best type of clothing to wear. Remember, the baby will cover the nipple and your lower breast. You can also buy special nursing blouses or shirts that have hidden slits and panels. Or, if you have one handy, a shawl will do just as well.
Now that you have what you going to wear laid out, try on the nursing bra and clothes. Practice in front of a mirror first of breastfeeding so you will be able to see what others will see. By going through the motions, you will learn what movement works and doesn’t work. If you feel you are clumsily fumbling with your clothes and nursing bra, you’ll soon figure out that the clothes are not doing you any favors.
To relieve any anxiety from nursing in a public place, you should also learn to recognize your baby’s pre-nursing signals. It gives you time to find a comfortable area and prepare to nurse. Morever, it is always easier to get a baby to latch on discreetly when she’s not crying and calling attention to you.
When it is time to nurse, get your shawl out and put it around your shoulders. Gently drape the shawl over the baby and lift your loose fitting top and lower your nursing bra cup. Latch baby onto your breast to feed.
Breastfeeding in public need not to be embarrassing when you are discreet and have everything prepared.
Tags: breastfeeding, breastfeeding etiquette, breastfeeding in public