The Do's and Don'ts of Breastfeeding in Public
As a mother, the best thing you can ever do to nourish your child is breastfeeding. While breastfeeding at home seems a very easy-to-do task, breastfeeding in public requires you to adopt a totally different approach as you’re at higher risk of getting your breasts exposed to the public. So if you’re anxious about breastfeeding in public, here are a few Do's and Don'ts you can follow to make breastfeeding safe, discreet and comfortable on the go!
Breastfeeding in Public Do’s
#Do Plan in Advance:
While you’re going out with your little one, you must already be prepared to deal with every eventuality. Be sure to pack everything, from burp clothes to wet wipes, you might need for breastfeeding in public. Do some practice in front of a mirror to learn how to breastfeed more discreetly.
#Do Find a Comfortable Place:
Find a spot where you think your child will not get distracted easily and where you can breastfeed comfortably. Avoid crowded areas where you are very visible to the general public. Instead, opt for a quiet and adequately spacious place where you both could focus solely on breastfeeding.
#Do Use a Nursing Cover:
When you're out and about with your baby, you must use a nursing cover to maintain your privacy and comfort in public during breastfeeding. Providing adequate coverage to your bare breasts, nursing cover not only save you from being exposed to the public view but also minimize your baby’s chances of getting distracted by others.
#Do Take Good Care of Yourself:
In addition to focusing on what your child needs, remember to take care of your own needs too. Make it a habit to drink water or another beverage every time you nurse to stay well-hydrated. Moreover, you can order a meal or snack to maintain both your energy level and milk supply.
Breastfeeding in Public Don'ts
#Don't Take Up Too Much Space:
Breastfeeding in public is completely legal, but that doesn't necessarily mean you’ll disturb others. When you're out of your home, you may have a number of things to tote around, which can easily flow into the space of others. So be mindful of others and try to keep your stuff as close to you as possible.
#Don't Nurse in a Bathroom:
No matter how hungry your little baby is, never use a bathroom or toilet to breastfeed him. Instead, look for any other suitable option like a quiet lounge, corridor or a bench outside. Remember, there's always a better option than sitting in a germ-infested public toilet or bathroom.
#Don't Be Rude:
When you’re breastfeeding your baby in a public area, some old fuddy-duddy may stare at you or even mutter something about breastfeeding. To deal with such situations, plan your response in advance. Try your best to stay polite and avoid escalating the situation.
#Don't Lose Confidence:
Most importantly, don’t lose your confidence and enjoy the breastfeeding experience with your baby. The more confident you are, the more successful your breastfeeding will be in public. Nursing is one of the best things you do for your little one, so stop caring about others' opinions and try to focus on yourself and your baby.
