All the tips to breastfeed in public easily!
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of motherhood for many. By breastfeeding in public, we can help normalize this act and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all mothers. Remember, breastfeeding is protected by law in many countries, ensuring that you have the right to breastfeed your baby wherever you are.
How to Breastfeed in Public:
Plan Ahead: Before heading out, choose your outfit wisely. Opt for clothing that allows easy access to your breasts, ensuring a smooth and discreet breastfeeding experience. For nursing-friendly clothing items, visit my Breastfeeding Friendly Clothes post.
Use Nursing Covers or Scarves:
If you prefer additional privacy while breastfeeding in public, consider using nursing covers or if it's cold out, a scarf can actually work nicely. These accessories provide coverage while allowing you can still see your baby. My absolute favorite breastfeeding cover is this one. Even though it is a bit pricier than other nursing covers, I think it is worth it to feel completely covered and secure.
Baby-Wear While Nursing:
Learning how to baby-wear while nursing takes time, but practice makes perfect. I've found that you can start baby-wearing while nursing around 4-6 weeks, when baby is a bit bigger. You'll want to slightly loosen your baby carrier, lower baby to your breast, then reposition as needed. I've found that baby wraps are easier for breastfeeding on the go and provide additional coverage, too. This Boba baby wrap is my favorite. For other baby carrier recommendations, visit the Best Baby Carriers post. Practice at Home:
Practice breastfeeding in front of a mirror or with a supportive friend or family member. This will help you gain confidence practice using your breastfeeding cover if desired, and find the most comfortable and discreet positions for nursing on-the-go.
Find Comfortable Locations:
Seek out breastfeeding-friendly locations such as nursing rooms, quiet corners in cafes, or comfortable seating areas in malls. Try to find somewhere with an arm rest to prop your arm holding baby up on. If you can't find an arm rest, you could use a large diaper bag as a support.
If you have the budget, getting your car windows tinted can be extremely helpful. This way, if you don't have a comfortable place available to nurse, you can run out to your car and use a breastfeeding pillow to feel more comfortable. Knowing where you can breastfeed comfortably will boost your confidence when nursing in public.
Consider a Portable/Wearable Breast Pump:
I know this post is about how to breastfeed in public, not pump, but hear me out. If you've tried to breastfeed in public and it is just not working for you or you are going somewhere where you know it's going to be difficult to nurse easily, I'd consider bringing wearable breast pumps, a large ziplock bag, a flexible ice pack, and a bottle. This way, you can discreetly pump using your wearable breast pumps, empty it into a bottle for your baby, then put your pump parts into a large ziplock bag with an ice pack to avoid any bacteria growth before you can find a place to wash them properly with warm water and baby bottle soap. My favorite wearable breast pumps are the Willow Go. I love them because they are discreet enough to wear under clothing, you can easily adjust the suction strength, there are only five easy-to-clean parts, and you can purchase larger storage containers to collect up to 7oz of milk in one session, if needed. I personally stick with the 5oz container size that comes with the pumps. For a video showing how to clean the Willow Go, check out our video tutorial on YouTube.
Surround Yourself with Support:
Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and fellow breastfeeding moms who help you feel comfortable and confident. Sharing experiences and tips can help you feel more confident and empowered while breastfeeding in public.
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful act that should be celebrated and supported. By embracing the empowerment of breastfeeding in public, we can help create a more inclusive and accepting society for all mothers. Remember, you have the right to breastfeed your baby wherever you are, and your confidence will inspire others to embrace this natural journey!
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