After a few days or weeks cooped up in the house adjusting to life with a new baby, you'll certainly be ready to re-enter society.
Whether you're taking the baby to the pediatrician or making a quick trip to the store for diapers and wipes, your little one might be hungry when you're away from home. Nursing in public might seem intimidating, especially if you're a first-time mom who is adjusting to breastfeeding. However, it doesn't have to be.
Follow these simple breastfeeding tips to simplify nursing in public and ensure that you're comfortable and your baby is well fed.
Dress for Nursing
Your biggest concern about nursing in public might be accidentally exposing yourself as you focus on latching your baby. How you dress can minimize that risk. It can make a night and day difference when you are stocked with nursing wear that looks good beyond closed doors, and you may be well on your way to nursing in public success!
Wear nursing clothes, including a nursing bra that's easy to unhook from the front. Paired with a nursing tank or nursing hoodie you can discreetly nurse, look good, and feel completely comfortable...and a comfy mama is more at ease which helps baby bond better during these special times.
Consider wearing a stylish tank with wide straps that looks good by itself with jeans or yoga pants. Investing in some core basic wardrobe pieces will keep your belly covered as you nurse, which will make you less self-conscious.
Cover Up for Comfort
Nursing covers like infinite scarfs are another way to maximize your comfort when you nurse. These covers drape around your neck and cover your breasts, which allows your baby to nurse discreetly. These covers can also help minimize distractions for your baby, without restricting air flow and still maintaining plenty of eye contact.
Nursing scarves are another useful item that allows you to cover up when you nurse. When you're in a pinch and without a cover, drape a receiving blanket over your shoulder for added coverage. If your baby doesn't like being covered, you can let the cover or blanket fall to the top of the breast, just above the baby's head.
Look for Comfortable Spaces
A comfortable spot to sit can simplify nursing in public, and you will be surprised that there are many places to breastfeed your baby outside of the house. Seek out chairs or benches with armrests. You can prop your arm up on these armrests and cradle your baby's head and he or she nurses. This way, your arm won't get tired when you nurse, and your baby will have a comfortable spot to lay as he or she feeds.
A cafe, restaurant, park, and mall are all great places to meet friends or window shop as your little one nurses. You do, mom, need to enjoy yourself too! If your baby struggles to latch or fusses when nursing and you aren't yet comfortable nursing in the open, try a store dressing room for added privacy as you slowly get into the comfort of nursing out and about.
Be Confident and Nurse Freely
Breastfeeding in public is protected by law, so don't hesitate to feed your baby whenever, wherever. No matter if you are covered or not, breastfeed when you need to nurture and nourish your babe. With the right breastfeeding clothes and a little confidence, you can feed your baby comfortably in many open spaces.
Check out more of our favorite tips on Nursing in Public
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