Breastfeeding in Public

Many sources of information online will tell you the rules about breastfeeding in public and incidents where women were not allowed to nurse, thus leading to huge media attention, nurse-ins, boycotts, etc. The truth of the matter is, so few women nurse in public, that even those of us that are comfortable with it, see it as something unusual when we run into another mom breastfeeding in the mall. The reality is such that most women in fact pump ahead of time or opt for formula, all to avoid breastfeeding in public. If only more women did it, and showed the world that its normal, natural and not uncomfortable for everyone! Until then we have several suggestions that might help you find ways to breastfeed in public, the best thing you can do for your baby and for yourself.

Place
When you find yourself in a public place and your baby needs to nurse, you need to find the most quiet and crowd-free place available. If you are in a waiting room at a the dept of motor vehicles, train station or the state fair, inquire someone who works there if there are specifically designated areas for breastfeeding. If nothing like that exists, or if you feel uncomfortable asking, you can find a spot by the window or somehow separated from the people to lift up your nursing top, unhook your nursing bra and breastfeed.

Cover-ups
An invention by moms for moms, the new apron- or poncho-like nursing cover-ups are a great way to create your own privacy when breastfeeding in public. Find the kind that is easy to put on and take off, as a lot of time you may find yourself in a place without an extra set of hands to help you put it on. Opt for simple light solid color so that your baby is not distracted by the colorful prints or the darkness of this head-to-tow cover. Lighter fabrics such as cotton or bamboo would offer great breathability and natural UV-protection.

Restaurants
Having a baby should not prevent you from having fun with family and friends at restaurants. Showing your breasts between your neighbors chicken Marsala and tiramisu may not be on the menu for you though. When you first select the table at a restaurant, see if there is a booth that you could take. This allows you to have full back coverage in case you are not wearing a nursing top and it rides up, exposing your back. If possible, select a table on the edge of the dining room, as far away from the smoking or bar area as possible. Try to sit with your back or at least side toward the majority of the people in the dining area. This way you will only be visibly nursing to the people at your table, who you are comfortable around.

People
Most people are uncomfortable with women breastfeeding in public because they have rarely seen it. Others just are uncomfortable with the concept of breasts being exposed as to them breasts are only sexual objects and any use of them is necessarily related. By you doing it discreetly and not trying to focus attention on you or your baby you will avoid 90% of the unwelcome stares and remarks. If anyone mentions that you should go to the bathroom to nurse, politely tell them the laws regarding public breastfeeding in your state (be sure to know what they are, as your preparedness will make them uncomfortable, turning the tables!). At the end of the day you are there to nurse your baby and not create controversy, so try doing it discreetly enough that the least number of people see it and comment on it. There is no need to hide, and you should be proud of what you are doing, but there is a difference between flaunting it and doing it subtly. If you feel strongly that someones reaction in offensive and the law is on your side, definitely raise the issue and talk to the persons supervisor to make sure that doesnt happen again to other moms in that establishment. Babies and other moms would thank you for creating an environment where breastfeeding is normal and celebrated, rather than hidden and discouraged by social norms and people that dont know any better.