Breastfeeding in public is something that many moms struggle with. The fear and anxiety involved with breastfeeding in public can limit quality of life, and be a cause for early weaning.

If you are a breastfeeding mom, please know that you have a right to feed your child, no matter your child’s age or feeding style, wherever you need to. If someone asks you to cover up or go elsewhere, please do not listen. Do what you feel most comfortable doing, and do what works best for you and your family.

Practice in a Safe Space

When you aren’t comfortable breastfeeding in public but want to get out of the house, start by going to a safe space with other parents such as a local baby group or La Leche League meeting.

Not only will these spaces provide you a judgement-free zone to become more comfortable latching baby in public, but you can also get support from other moms going through the same thing as you.

Go out With Someone Supportive

For the first few times you want to go out and are unsure about breastfeeding in public, ask a friend, spouse or family member to come with you who has been supportive of your breastfeeding goals.

They can be your extra set of hands, help you find a place to sit, help you watch your older child and give you the reassurance you need that you are doing the right thing.

Focus on What is Important

When you are feeling nervous about breastfeeding in public, it is helpful to remind yourself that it is important for your health and well-being that you get out of the house, and that you follow your baby’s hunger cues.

If you are worried about someone shaming you or telling you to leave (which they have absolutely no right to do), it is important to note that this happens less often than social media may have you think.

Still, you may find it helpful to think of a good one-liner you can use in case you find yourself in this situations. Feel free to use this one!

“I have a right to feed my hungry baby. We feel comfortable eating here, but you are welcome to go somewhere else”.

Wear Whatever You Want!

There is no hard and fast rule for breastfeeding in public. Some moms find a cover restricting, while others find wearing one gives them a sense of security.

How you choose to nurse your baby doesn’t matter as long as you feel good about what you are doing! You can always try a few methods and see what works best. You may also find that what works may change as your baby grows and from one child to the next.

Here are a few options:

• The two-shirt method – wear a stretchy tank top under a loose fitting shirt. When you need to breastfeed in public, you can lift up your loose shirt and pull down your tank top. This provides maximum coverage and allows you more wardrobe options, but may be hot in the summer months.
• Whatever’s clean – wear whatever you want to wear, and pull it up or down depending on the style. Some moms turn away while latching, and then once baby is latched baby’s head provides ample coverage. Clothes that are stretchy, have front zippers and buttons are also helpful. This option requires no extra preparation, isn’t hot to wear and can be done anywhere. If a mom feels uncomfortable, she could add a cover.
• Nursing tops – there are many companies who make tops and dresses for nursing. They typically cost more and styles can be limited, but they are easy to throw on and provide an extra sense of privacy.
• Using a cover – for extra coverage you place something over your nursing baby, like a nursing cover, scarf, blanket, or flowy cardigan. This added fabric provides many moms a sense of privacy that puts them at ease. Older babies may pull a cover off and you may find it hot in the summer months.
• Babywearing – Breastfeeding in a carrier, wrap or sling allows baby to nurse while you continue on with your daily life. Once you get the hang of babywearing, this can be super helpful for breastfeeding in public.

Don’t Give Up on Breastfeeding in Public

Breastfeeding in public has so many benefits and it does get easier with time. Give yourself and your baby grace while you two get comfortable learning this new skill. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will get.

Who knows, you may even inspire another mom to take the leap or at the very least you will help our communities recognise the need to support breastfeeding mothers more.

If you are in need of breastfeeding support, book an online lactation consultation with me today.