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Even Shy Moms Can Nurse in Public - Page 2© Jeri Carr
Page 2
May 26, 2000
Nurse in a sling. A sling is a cloth baby carrier that is worn over one shoulder. The fabric creates a pouch in which you can lay your baby and nurse him discreetly in the cradle hold. It’s also very convenient because you can walk around while nursing and have one or two hands free to do other things. Nursing in a sling can be especially easy when mom wears nursing clothing.
Wear clothing that makes discreet nursing easier. Buy or make nursing shirts or dresses with flaps that cover strategically-placed slots. Other clothing that
makes nursing in public easier include loose-fitting shirts that can be lifted from the bottom and button-up blouses that can be unbuttoned from the waist. Your baby’s
body will usually cover the exposed area, and the shirt will cover your baby’s mouth. For extra coverage at an inexpensive price, get a tee-shirt, cut two slits in it, and wear the tee-shirt under a larger shirt or sweater, or you can put a receiving blanket loosely around or under your baby to help hide any midriff that is exposed.
Wear a nursing bra. Look for one that is easy to unfasten and fasten with one hand. Practice doing this at home. Or, if you have smaller breasts, you might be able to get away without wearing a bra sometimes.
Breastfeed on cue. Watch your baby for pre-cry cues such as rooting, squirming, and chewing on his hand. If you offer to nurse before he gets too hungry, he won’t be so distressed and will be able to latch on easier and draw less attention to the two of you.
Practice at home in front of a mirror. This will help you see what other people see. Make adjustments if necessary. Take notice of how much it looks like you are cuddling your baby or like he is sleeping.
Socialize with other breastfeeding mothers. Practice nursing in public at a breastfeeding support group such as La Leche League. Go to the mall with a breastfeeding friend
and nurse together. Being around other nursing moms and seeing them nurse can give you the confidence boost you need.
Cover up. If you feel most comfortable with extra coverage, you can put a baby blanket or cloth diaper on your shoulder and drape it over your baby or use a nursing cape. Some babies dislike being covered up, especially as they get older, but others enjoy it and it can give them a quiet place to nurse that is relatively free from distractions. While covering up in this way successfully hides the breastfeeding baby, it can draw more attention to the fact that a mother is nursing.
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I just wanted to encourage all mothers to take Jeri's advice -- she has set up some really good guidelines and tips here! It might be a little difficult at first -- but soon you will lose that feelin ...
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