10 tips for feeding in public
When your baby needs to eat, there's often no waiting
until you get home or until it's a more convenient time. Feeding
your baby in public can be a necessity when they're small - but it
can also be intimidating, especially when you're still learning to
breastfeed and feel self-conscious about it. Frances McInnes shares
her suggestions for feeling more comfortable feeding your baby when
you're out and about.
- Know your rights. Under the Human Rights Act, it is illegal for
someone to stop you breastfeeding in public. You are legally
entitled to breastfeed your baby in your workplace or the place
where you study, on public transport, in parks and reserves, in
cafés, restaurants, and shops, in churches and libraries, and when
visiting government departments - basically anywhere. If someone
asks you to stop breastfeeding, or to leave because you're
breastfeeding, you can make a complaint against them to the Human
Rights Commission. Contact 0800 4 YOUR RIGHTS (0800 496 877) to
find out more.
- Take along a friend.The first few times you venture out with
your baby can be so stressful - so many things to pack and take
along, while you're still in a daze from sleep deprivation and
haven't quite got your schedule sorted yet. It can be helpful to
have a friend there to assist you, especially while you're feeding,
to fetch you things from your nappy bag, adjust your shawl if it
falls down and you feel like you don't have enough hands to grab it
while holding your baby, and to get the coffee while you're getting
baby settled at the breast. Having a friend on hand can also give
you a bit more confidence, as you won't feel like everyone is
looking at you if there are two of you!
- Look for a parents' room. Many shopping malls have parents'
rooms with sofas and chairs for breastfeeding mums. As they're
semi-private, there won't be as many distractions - or people -
around , so you and your baby will be more relaxed and can get the
job done faster.
- Invest in a nursing cover. If you're worried about
exposing your breasts or tummy while breastfeeding, a special
nursing cover can be quite handy. They're designed to be
comfortable and discreet but still allow you to see your baby while
they're feeding. They come in a range of gorgeous fabrics and
colours so you can coordinate with your outfit, and they're compact
enough that you can simply keep one in the nappy bag for when
you're out.
- Only do what you are comfortable with. Your best friend may
have no problem at all breastfeeding her baby while sipping a latte
at the local coffee shop. You might not be quite ready to do that
yet, and it's okay. It may take you a little while before feeding
is second nature. Go at your own pace, and if it's all a bit too
much, don't berate yourself if you decide that you just want to go
home and try again another day.
- Choose breastfeeding-friendly clothing. Nursing tops,
breastfeeding tunics, and nursing dresses are all great options for
breastfeeding on the go. They have hidden openings allowing you to
feed your baby easily, while keeping clothing displacement to a
minimum!
- Get a good, supportive nursing bra. Breastfeeding bras are a
no-brainer for the breastfeeding mum, as they are easy to hook and
unhook when you switch sides without having to fiddle around too
much. Nursing bras come in a range of comfortable fabrics that will
make you feel good about wearing them - and when you're tired and a
little frazzled, having a pretty breastfeeding bra can give your
confidence a nice little boost.
- Take it in steps. Do a test run at a friend's house to start,
so you'll still be in a comfortable and accepting environment while
you get your bearings and learn what goes where when breastfeeding
away from home. Next time, head to a coffee group or mothers'
group, to continue to feed in supportive surroundings with other
like-minded people. Once you feel confident in those places,
venture out to a coffee with a friend, before working up to solo
trips.
- Practise makes perfect. Breastfeed your baby in front of a
mirror so you can see just what you look like - you may be
pleasantly surprised to see that you don't look anything like you
think you do, and it's likely that others won't even notice when
you're breastfeeding your baby. The truth is, 99.999% of women
aren't the least bit interested in flashing their breasts while
they breastfeed - and hardly any of the breast is seen anyway, as
your baby's head and body will cover almost everything that others
can see.
- Give yourself a pep talk. Breastfeeding is the most natural
thing you can do for your baby. There's nothing disgusting or gross
about it - it's beautiful and it's the perfect way to feed your
little one. It's not something that you should feel like you need
to hide away. Remind yourself that you are not only feeding your
baby, you are creating a special bond with him, and helping him to
grow and thrive. You deserve a round of applause!
Published July 20, 2012, with special thanks to Frances
McInnes from www.breastmates.co.nz