9 Helpful Tips to Breastfeed Discreetly In Public

by Nyra Agarwal A Passionate Blogger Who Loves To Read And Write

So now you have a beautiful newborn, and you're planning to go out for a wee shopping trip. However, as soon as the thought of public breastfeeding comes to your mind, your heart starts beating too fast, and your hands get sweaty!

Well, you don't have to be nervous at all about breastfeeding in public because it's not as intimidating as you think. Below are some handy tips, following which you can breastfeed your little one anytime, anywhere, discreetly and confidently.

Let's start!

#Attend a Breastfeeding Support Group

Before the baby's arrival, consider joining a local breastfeeding support group to learn how to breastfeed a child discreetly. Going to a breastfeeding seminar will make nursing in public a whole lot easier for you and clear all of your breastfeeding-related doubts as well.

#Practice in front of a Mirror

If you are not sure about nursing in public, do practice in front of a mirror. You can even seek help from an experienced mom to master the art of discreet breastfeeding. Knowing what can be seen ahead of time will make you feel more confident and comfortable while nursing in public. If you use a comfy nursing pillow or other forms of support at home, it would be wise to have one with you on the go.

#Pay Attention to Timing

Try to feed your little one just before you're about to leave the house. This will give you some time to plan for the next feeding. Additionally, you can nurse your infant inside the car without any distractions or worry about getting your breasts exposed to the public.

#Pick a Breastfeeding Friendly Place

When you're out and about, finding a quiet, comfortable, and spacious place is as important as keeping your breasts are out of the public view. If you're in a park, look for an out-of-the-way bench so you can nurse discreetly without spectators. Likewise, opt for a corner booth seat in restaurants.

#Position Yourself Properly for More Privacy

Finding a breastfeeding-friendly place doesn't mean other people won't see you. You have to position yourself correctly to ensure no one gets a sneak peek of your breasts. If you have your spouse or family member with you, ask them to create a barrier between you and the public. Otherwise, you can take advantage of your stroller to hide yourself from passersby.

#Nurse As Soon As Baby is Hungry

Latch your infant on as soon as you notice his 'feed-me' cues like a grimacing face, sucking thumb, and smacking lips. A frantically hungry baby who is desperate to breastfeed not only draws public attention but also makes you more anxious about breastfeeding in public.

#Wear Nursing Clothes

Make sure to wear something that you're comfortable to nurse in. There is a large variety of breastfeeding clothes available in the market today, ranging from breastfeeding tops and shirts to feeding kurtas and nursing bras. Choose the one that suits you best. Lightweight, soft, and breathable, these all nursing wear feature easy nursing access to let you breastfeed discreetly in public.

#Nurse Your Baby in Carrier

This is probably the most convenient way to breastfeed your baby discreetly in a public place, especially when you don't find a breastfeeding-friendly place around you. Nurse your little one in a sling or baby carrier that keeps your hands free and lets you even walk while breastfeeding.

#Use a Nursing Cover

If you want full privacy and comfort during breastfeeding in public, use a breathable and opaque nursing cover. Also called a breastfeeding cover, a nursing cover not only provides adequate coverage to your breasts but also saves your baby from getting distracted by passersby in public places. With a nursing cover, you can breastfeed your little one anytime, anywhere.