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Breastfeeding in Public - Beyond the Blanket
Kristen Chase of CoolMomPicks | November 5th, 2008 - 8:06 PM
Breastfeeding can already be pretty tricky for even the most seasoned moms, but then try feeding your baby in middle of the mall or your favorite restaurant and it can become downright complicated.
Some moms shrug if off like it’s no big deal and just have a go at it regardless of where they are or who’s around. Others take the “recommended” blanket approach, although most often they spend more time trying to figure out how to keep the blanket over their baby than actually feeding her.
Regardless of which “camp” you fall in, breastfeeding in public can take a bit of juggling so that you’re not only comfortable doing it but you’re not inadvertantly giving a peep show to half the dining section.
Thankfully, we’ve come across a slew of amazing products that can make breastfeeding outside of the comforts of your own living room much easier.
Nursing Wear
Many moms find nursing attire to be a luxury and not a necessity, but it can definitely make nursing in public more comfortable. From simple tees, try the organic cotton nursing v-necks from Momzelle or the BOOB’s classic nursing shirts. For something a bit fancier, you’ll love the kimono top from Isabella Oliver that allows you to feed the baby in style without stripping down.
And athletic moms will love active nursing mom line from Mountain Blue Eyes. Hey, you just never know when you’re going to have to nurse your baby out on the trail, right?
Keep in mind, these options might be more than you’d spend on a regular old shirt, but if it means the difference between you trying to find a dressing room or worse, a bathroom stall, then we say why not. Plus, splurging on a great top is an excellent excuse to get yourself out of those house.
Nursing Tanks
It’s one thing to accidentally flash the coffee shop when you’re out nursing your baby, but unleashing your post partum belly on the world might be cause enough to invest in a few nursing tanks. They’re basically nursing bras fitted into a tank top which makes great for layering. The Glamourmom long tanks are a fixture in my nursing wardrobe, not only because you can lift your shirt and hide your post partum belly, but they’re also long enough to cover the top of your maternity pants bands. If you’re looking for budget options, then hit Target; their store brand nursing tanks won’t hurt your wallet as much.
The tanks may not be the best choice for you busty moms or for those of you in the early nursing stages, but once your supply evens out, they’re definitely worth a try.
Nursing Covers
We realize that anything, be it a poncho, a shawl, or burp cloth can serve as a nursing cover. However, our rationale is that if it screams “Hey look. I’m nursing my baby under here!” it sort of defeats the purpose of allowing you to breastfeed on the down low. And really, most ponchos tend to look better on little kids.
Now you’ll find plenty of nursing covers out there, many of which just involve a simple square of material that is held in place with a simple strap around your neck. When picking a cover, just make sure they’re not more trouble than their worth. If it requires some sort of instruction manual then you’ll want to pass. We’re fans of the chic and simple My Turtle Baby nursing coverlets, which feature an elastic “scrunchie” like band that fits on your arm and allows you to drape the modest amount of fabric over you. And, they fold up easily so you can stuff them in your bag in a snap.
So what are your tips and tricks to making breastfeeding in public easier?
My 8 month old is too distracted to nurse w/ even Dad around. So, when I’m in public, it’s even worse. My MIL made a nursing cover like the hooter hiders, and I use that.
I nursed my son for 18 months and never used a blanket or a cover. I did have a few nursing tanks that were great help in hiding the belly and back. But I nursed in all kinds of places discretely and comfortably. Once he got older and more curious, I could usually time the sessions for home or other less busy places and times. But I say, don’t feel shame or hide your breastfeeding. It is totally natural and after a while you forget all about what other people might think. The more we see breastfeeding the more breastfeeding there will be.
I am incredibly modest, so I used a nursing cover that was made like a hooter hider. When I traveled to the Philippines I would wear a nursing tank under a shirt that was either a button down or had a v-neck with easy access to my boobs. So my belly was covered and the nursing baby was covered. Of course, the women there just plopped it out and had no qualms about it.
Just a shout-out for motherwear.com where nursing shirts don’t cost more than your hospitalization!
It totally depends on your comfort level — it’s so great that there are so many products out there.
Motherwear is a great suggestion, although I haven’t found any tanks that match the length of Glamourmom. I’m nearly 6 foot, so the regulars just don’t cut it for me.