Breast Feeding in Public

The key to successfully breast feeding your baby in public is to be both prepared and organised.

One of the most important things you must check before deciding to breast feed your baby in public is check the local rules, regulations, and customs within your local area. If breast feeding is not allowed under local laws, or is frowned upon or forbidden under local customs, then think about your actions before attempting to breast feed in public.

It doesn't matter that you think you should be allowed to breast feed in public; its how the law interprets your actions that is most important.

Once you've decided you're ok breast feeding in public then you have to think about doing it discreetly and tastefully. many women think it's their god given right to breast feed their baby in public, and whilst I'm not debating the rights and wrongs of this attitude in this newsletter, I think it's important to think about the sensibilities of other people who may not feel the same as you do. After all their rights and wishes should be respected as well.

One of the first things you should do is wear clothing that allows you to gain easy and instant access to your breasts without flaunting them and making it obvious to others what you are doing. Breast feeding should be a natural thing even in public. As there is a huge range of tasteful designer clothing especially made for "nursing" mothers there should be no problem in finding something to wear that is both suitable and discreet.

Additional tips for breast feeding your baby in public include:-
Practicing breast feeding your baby at home in front of a mirror, some women are nervous about breast feeding in public as they are concerned they will bare intimate parts of their body. Practicing at home can be an effective way of reducing this problem.

Waiting for your baby to get really hungry can pose real problems. If your baby is screaming because he is hungry, it can draw attention to both him and you, if you tend to be self conscious when feeding your baby in public, this will make you feel even more awkward.

Instead of ignoring people as they pass you, smile at them. Nine times out of ten you'll get a smile back, it will also ensure they smile at your face rather than look at your breasts.

Turn away from people when you breast feed. At the end of the day, breast feeding your baby is an intimate process not to be shared with others unless they are your nearest and dearest. Drape a pretty shawl around your shoulders or use a blanket to screen yourself from view. This also tells people you view your breast feeding as a private affair and gives them a subtle reminder that its not to be shared.

If you get caught short when you are out, and there is no convenient place to breast feed your baby its worth a try asking a store manager or someone else in charge if they can provide you with somewhere private to feed your baby. You may be surprised at how accommodating many people can be.