Breastfeeding in public

Honestly don’t worry about it, I’ve never had anyone look at me strange for breastfeeding in public. I got some nice (and cheap) nursing tops from shein, or you can drape a muslin over yourself to cover excess boob

@Lisa thank you! That’s what I need nursing tops, I don’t have anything easy access! So I’ll get myself some thank you x

I would go out intentionally to practice breastfeeding, in the beginning my husband came with me for support because I was nervous about public breastfeeding. I'd pick somewhere I thought of as breastfeeding friendly like a quiet coffee shop in a nearby village. I also sometimes used a breastfeeding cover e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nursing-Breastfeeding-Stroller-Breathable-TISU/dp/B09ZY9W8NL/ref=asc_df_B09ZY9W8NL?mcid=0bf1bb91c5da3c51aaa4d3176088a1e7&hvocijid=539935243560380584-B09ZY9W8NL-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=539935243560380584&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9195520&hvtargid=pla-2281435177658&psc=1&gad_source=1 But practice and building my confidence getting out there and doing it was key for me x

If it makes you feel better my nipple decided to shoot milk all over the pub and my jacket my first time. We’re all just winging it ❤️😅 I take a large muslin and use that as a cover if needed, or whilst getting into position. I also tend to wear a vest top and another top ontop which is just the one I lift. so I feel quite covered, I have big boobs so often so do feel like I’m flashing just whilst we get comfy but then I adjust covering as I feel needed after he’s on. I know it’s hard to do but I just think “I am feeding my baby” and that’s the most important thing. I try channel the calm so he’s calm. You have got this x

I found the H&M nursing tops great

https://www.babybunting.com.au/product/bubba-blue-nordic-nursing-scarf-sand-rainbow-12692 I use these x

To be honest after a while you just don’t care anymore, I used to use a big muslin as a cover and then I just stopped using it because it was a bit too much faffing around. Also, in some family bathrooms like at shopping centres, they’ll have a little bit sectioned off with a chair and curtain so you can feed baby in private

There are also lots of family rooms that you would never know existed out there in most malls, train stations, hospitals and some M&Ss. Had to use them a lot when my LG would get too distracted in Cafes. But I agree go out and practice is the best advice. This is your new daily activity and coffee and cake must be consumed often!

@Brydie ooo thank you! I never knew these existed! I think you’re right I just need to build my confidence with it! Thank you x

You could try going to a baby group or breastfeeding support group. So you can practice out of the house but in a safe friendly environment.

@Hannah thank you so much! Haha these things happen! You’re right we are just winging it! Thank you though for your nice message x

@Georgina I feel like I will get to that point I just need to build up my confidence with it! Oh that’s good to know! Thank you x

@Katie haha thanks so much!! X

I don't use a cover as it's all a bit of a faff and I feel like it's such a natural thing I personally dont feel like i should cover up or hide away. Also people generally don't stare. Sometimes I get a lovely look and smile from women who must of breastfed their babies. Granted I'm sure it makes some people feel uncomfortable but it's not like I'm waving them around. My baby needs to eat and I need to be comfortable and relaxed so he is, so I just focus on him and let the world around me do what it will. Coffee shops and breastfeeding groups are great places to start. Park bench, even just outside where there are not lots of people so it's a different environment. You will find it a breeze in no time. Well done for wanting to feed your baby in public! Xxx

@Shona I completely agree with you! I’m not ashamed or anything, I just wasn’t even sure where to start! I need to get some clothes where it’s easy to get my boobs out as I have nothing so I think I’ll start with nursing tops and maybe a cover to start! Thank you x

I never bothered with a cover, but I found having a vest under another top was great. Could pull boob out over top of vest and have the top pulled up but covering most of the top part of that makes any sense.

@Kee yes! I didn’t even think of this, that’s the thing I didn’t know how to start lol! I’ll wear a vest and then my T-shirt so it’s easier access! Thank you xx

I’ll use a cover or I won’t, depending on what top I’m wearing. I’m pretty much exclusively wearing breastfeeding tops at the moment and they’re really good at being discreet. The other day I was nursing at home and someone came round earlier than excepted to quote on fixing my garden fence…I ended up answering the door and having a full on convo with him while still nursing because my top/baby’s head covered literally everything. I really don’t think he noticed what I was doing because he commented on how quiet/good my baby was being 😂

Well anytime I need to feed I’ll usually have to change nappy before he naps anyway so that means I look for the nearest baby room in the mall- feed, and change him. In the event where we’ve just gotten somewhere or heading off to go home, I’ll feed him in the car. And if I’m at a cafe and baby needs a feed then I’ll choose a spot kind of away from people slightly facing the wall but I’ve never covered. I’m always wearing a BF singlet under anyway, and a top over, usually a button blouse, I’ll do the lift up clip down method or I’ll unbutton and clip down the singlet. I find the baby’s head covers most the boob anyway. The more you do it the more comfortable you’ll get. And find other mum friends who also BF. My bestie has humongous boobs and just flops them out anywhere to feed, I feel silly being self conscious around her coz my boobs are 1/3 size of hers lol, she gives me more confidence

@Jackie I wear buttoned shirts as I even find some nursing tops a bit faffy (and overpriced for my budget) but they do cover a bit more of you. But the most important thing is you feel comfortable 😌 ✨️ I got a fleece for the winter that had zips for access from Juno Jacks - that was great when it was far too cold to be baring all! But have found buttoned shirts easiest with nursing bra underneath. Also, I'll send you a link to the nursing bras I use, they are soooo comfortable and no straps to unclip - I'm all about ease 😄 https://shop.medela.co.uk/products/nursing-and-maternity-bras/medela-keep-cool-sleep-breathable-maternity-nursing-bra/

I had one like Abby linked, it was good, but at the same time I ended up getting frustrated with it getting in the way, I gave up using anything. I do recommend breastfeeding tops though

I’ve not read the other comments so apologies if this is just repeating! The best thing I ever did was spend time around other breastfeeding mums, it gave me so so much more confidence I wish I’d done it sooner! If you have a breastfeeding support group nearby I’d highly recommend going. I also recommend wearing a strappy vest under your normal top, you can pull the top up and the vest down and only have a tiny bit of boob showing through (that babies head will cover once latched anyway). The ones from Next are good for it, they don’t get stretched out. Or tuck a muslin into your bra strap. I personally hated breastfeeding specific clothes. There were times my boy unlatched and showed the world my boob but after a while it didn’t bother me, everyone understands you’re a breastfeeding mum and that can happen! Plan where you’re going and look for cafes or parks nearby. Some shopping centres or stores like John Lewis and Ikea have private feeding rooms x

@Lauren I need to get some! Haha no way!! I’ve been having a look but if you have any good brands let me know!! X

@Shona thank you so much!! Yes I agree anything to do with baby is overpriced 😂 That’s such a good price for a nursing bra!! I’m ordering some now!! Thank you x

I use to use cover ups when I went out the first few times but I found I got more stressed trying to put them on 🙈😂 i found weirdly wearing a slightly baggier T-shirt or a shirt so much easier as you are still more covered than you think! I also use to go out with my husband or my best friend was breastfeeding at the time too so she would come with me and feed together which really helped! Nearly 10 months on I’m now so comfortable feeding when I’m out which is something I nearly thought would happen! You’ll definitely find your feet and you’ll get to stage when you suddenly start not caring!xx

@Kellie yeah I think in a way I’ve just gotta get on and do it! Think I need to change my wardrobe 😂 just need a few extra vest tops! And all my mum friends are breastfeeding, so I’m sure we’ll be doing that together! Haha I know what you mean it gives you more confidence x

@Hannah yeah I was thinking I might find the cover ups a bit stressful, I just need to find my flow! Thank you though, all super helpful! All I have is baggy tshirts so that’s good, I might just wear a vest underneath xx

I was like you so conciois the first times even though I saw all my friends do it before me. All it took was a hormone rush and a train missed because the pram wouldn’t fit and a baby crying to make me so angry and frustrated that I didn’t care if people were looking at me feeding on the platform… no one looked at me. And then I realised it’s all good and now I feed anywhere. Practice makes perfect 🙏 Also I went to a shop and they heard baby crying, the se unity guard saw me and asked if I needed to breastfeed I said yes and he took me to staff who helped give me a private room so I could feed privately. Then staff brought me water and biscuits and I felt so looked after. L’ce you get some positive experiences you’ll build your confidence!

I think after couple more days it will kick you with “ l don’t care anymore” and you will be fine! Remember you baby comes first and if they are hungry you gotta do it.

@Charlotte good idea thank you x

I wear nursing tops from Amazon. Small show is the brand, the shirt covers the nipple and your kids nose is exposed if you want it to be exposed.

At the beginning I would wear a large cardigan and just use that. But 20 months in I just wop a boob out and on we go 🤣

When I first started feeding out in public it was to a mum and baby group. My thought was mums are more accepting and that it was a “safe space” to get comfortable doing it. Then I started going to a cafe when it was quiet and found a good comfy chair to help. I never covered up baby covers everything anyway. Ended up being comfortable enough walking around shopping while feeding x

I find most breastfeeding tops and covers too fussy and find dealing with all the fabric layers overwhelming. I wear high waisted bottoms and loose tops with a nursing bra. Means that nothing is on show when I lift my top because the high waist covers most of my tummy and the baby covers the rest.

@Katy I agree Katy, usually I would dress to feed but I've got one for those occasions when baby is small and not fussy/grabby x

Use a cover if you're nervous. Or I'd say meet up with a friend who is also bf as that might make you feel more comfortable. Are there any local bf support groups local to you? That's a good place to go, as everyone is doing it and you can ask for advice if you need it

Nursing tops and bras! I can't live without them now

I just drape a blanket over us when my baby’s feeding. I know it can be scary but honestly you won’t think about it after a bit. I never get any looks and I like to cover up because it’s my preference x

@Candice awww that’s so nice of them! Yeah you’re right just need to get out there and do it!! Thank you x

@Marketa yes exactly! Thank you x

@Deborah yeah you’re right, thank you! I have options as well so I can get one of these if I feel more comfortable x

@Katy yeah I have a lot of high waisted stuff too, I’ve just got to find something that’s easy! Thanks x

@Lisa yeah I think that’s the plan! Or I’ll go out with my partner and just do it! X

@Dipti yeah I know, I’ve just got to get on and do it! Thank you x

@Jackie also, congratulations! I didn't leave the house for a good couple of weeks and I know people who didn't go out for a couple of months after having a baby. But I know it can also feel a bit stir crazy, and its exciting to get out and about with the new addition... so all I'm saying is don't put extra pressure on yourself - you're doing an amazing job! Good luck and feel free to message me anytime. X

@Shona aww that’s so kind of you! Thank you so much for all your support and kind words! I will defo message, always good to ask questions x