Breastfeeding in Public

Sorry for the delay in writing a new post! I thought I would write about breastfeeding in public today. This is often something new moms worry about. I know I did! 

First, I want to mention that it is normal and natural to breastfeed your baby in public! If you are staying close to your baby and nursing on demand, at some point you will be out and about when your baby needs to nurse. Just as you would eat a snack or eat lunch out in public, your baby needs to do the same especially since breastfed babies often nurse every 2-3 hours.

Breastfeeding in public is legally protected in all 50 US states, DC, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. This is good news! It is sad we need laws to confirm this right, but I am glad the law is on the side of nursing moms!

Before breastfeeding in public for the first time, it sometimes helps moms feel comfortable to practice in front of a mirror at home. You can also ask your husband to watch you.

If you feel you want to be discreet while nursing in public, there are a myriad of ways to accomplish this. You can get a nursing cover. Here is one with Our Lady of La Leche, patroness of breastfeeding, on it. There are also many websites and stores that carry special nursing clothes that make it easier to nurse in public. Another option is to bring a sweater with you and use it as a way to cover up when latching your baby. Your husband sitting next to you can also be a way to cover you while latching.

Ironically many moms feel especially nervous about breastfeeding in church even though we were designed by our loving Creator to breastfeed our babies! Here is something I wrote last year on the topic.

Another thing to remember is that with time you will feel more and more comfortable. I remember when my first baby was just maybe 1-2 months old. I used a nursing cover and felt very self conscious. Then just a few months later, I was nursing discreetly in public without a nursing cover and feeling like it was the most natural thing.

I hope you found some encouragement and useful ideas to try!

Written by Gina Peterson

What are some of your favorite tips for nursing in public? Please comment below. Thanks!