Breastfeeding in public - share your tips

There is nothing quite like the first time you decide (or need) to feed your baby in public. Whether it's in a shopping mall or restaurant or park, there suddenly seem to be eyes everywhere. Your breasts take on a life of their own, you don't have enough hands and before you know it, everything you have kept private until now is on display for the world to see.


Don't worry. It gets easier with practice. There are plenty of tips on the www.lactivist.net but here are just a few to get you going:

1. Practice in front of a mirror. You’ll be surprised at how little actually shows.
2. If you feel self conscious, sit at a corner table and wear a poncho or pashmina so you don’t feel too exposed.  
3. To boost your confidence, make sure you’ve got the hang of it before venturing out in public.
4. Go along to a breastfeeding group to get practice feeding in public while in a welcoming environment with plenty of other people doing the same thing.
5. Take a friend – ideally someone else who is breastfeeding - for moral support.
6. Put your bag on the table in front of you to shield you if you want more privacy.
7. Invest in a good nursing top and wear it when you know you’re going to have to feed out and about.

The next question is where to feed? You still hear stories about nursing mums being asked to leave various shops or restaurants or being steered towards the toilets to feed their babies, so it's not surprising new mums are a bit anxious about where to feed.

The good news is that it is increasingly common now for retailers and shopping centres to support mums by being 'breastfeeding friendly'. The best Breastfeeding Friendly places are designed to make breastfeeding as easy as possible; with comfortable seating, magazines, water, and a positive attitude to breastfeeding.  

Mamas & Papas, ASDA, Mothercare and IKEA are just some of the many places supporting the campaign. And indoor shopping centres are great as most will have dedicated Baby Care rooms with baby changing and seating so you can feed in private.

On those days when the weather is fine, you can often find somewhere secluded to feed your baby in most parks and gardens.  And, if you have older children with you, it means they can play and you can still watch them while you feed.


There are even cafes now designed with mums in mind.  If you speak to your local NCT group, breastfeeding support group or even midwife or health visitor they should be able to let you know the best places locally that welcome breastfeeding mums.


If you know of any great breastfeeding friendly places, please let us know about them and don't forget to share your tips on how to breastfeed in public with confidence. And if you're interested, blogger Nurture with Soul is organising a flash mob in London during Breastfeeding Awareness Week, encouraging as many mums as possible to breastfeed out in public. You can read all about it here.