Tips for Discreet Breastfeeding in Public

If you're a new Mom who is nursing your baby you may be nervous about doing so in public.

Or perhaps you are disturbed by media reports of women who are harassed for breastfeeding in public and are considering pumping your milk to give your baby when you leave home.

Here are some tips for discreet breastfeeding that have worked for many Moms. Hopefully they will help you feel more comfortable nursing in public so you can avoid the inconvenience of pumping and preparing bottles.

1) Before you have your baby, attend a La Leche League or other breastfeeding support group meeting.

Unfortunately in our Society that gives lip service to the benefits of breastfeeding, it is still rare to see Moms nursing in public, and so most of us grow up having our own babies never having seen another woman nurse.

Going to an LLL meeting and seeing how other Moms nurse their babies discreetly and confidently can boost your own confidence. They can also share with you tips that will make nursing in public easier for you.

2) Invest in a baby sling.

These are wonderful for making life with a baby easier all around, but one thing they're great for is discreet breastfeeding. I can't count the times someone approached me in a store and commented on my baby having no idea that s/he was latched on and nursing! The fabric of the sling can be adjusted to come up over the baby's head (yet most babies don't mind this like they do a blanket), or you can use the extra fabric on the "tail" to cover baby.

3) After your baby is born, practice nursing in front of a mirror or a friend to perfect your technique.

Once you and baby are getting to be old pros at the latch on, you can most likely do so in just a couple of seconds.

4) Nurse at the first signs of hunger.

A nursing baby generally draws less attention than a screaming one! So latch your baby on as soon as you notice that s/he is hungry...rooting, sucking on fist, grimacing face, etc. A crying baby also makes you nervous and you and baby may take longer to get latched on comfortably.

5) Try turning your body away while you latch on.

If you're sitting at a table in a restaurant, simply turn your body away from the table briefly while you latch baby on, then resume your normal position.

6) Try nursing clothes.

These are designed to cover your belly for more discreet breastfeeding. Or simply wear a thin top under a cardigan or other shirt. You can also make your own nursing top by cutting slits in a tank and wearing it under another shirt. And always pull up your shirt from the bottom instead of unbuttoning from the top to nurse.

7) Bring a book or large purse to set in your lap to camouflage.

Your diaper bag would also work. Set it in front of baby on your knees while you latch baby on. Or hold a book so that your baby's head and your breast are out of view.

And lastly...

8) Be confident!

You are doing something that is best for you and baby and that billions of women all over the world for thousands of years have done. Be proud of yourself and give passersby a warm smile. You'd be surprised how often people will smile back or even approach with a commendation or anecdote about their own children.

Enjoy nursing your baby!

Carrie Lauth is a breastfeeding educator and publishes a newsletter full of helpful resources for Moms doing things the natural way. Get your free copy at http://www.natural-moms.com

Bring On The Books For A Brainy Baby
Scoop.co.nz (press release), New Zealand - Oct 9, 2008
According to Dr. Robert Titzer, babies and toddlers are among the best equipped when it comes to learning to read, with reading success possible from as ...

'Picky' eating is normal for toddlers
The Province, Canada - 3 hours ago
It is common for babies to happily eat almost anything offered to them, but as they progress into the toddler and pre-school years, many children become ...

Indya would have loved to be a big sister.. she died without ...
Sunday People, UK - 5 hours ago
By Amy Nelmes A grieving couple told last night how their toddler daughter died in a hospital blunder - without knowing her dream of having a baby brother ...

Woolworths launches baby & toddler world
Supermarket Online, South Africa - Oct 8, 2008
... through our regular email newsletters, will provide useful information on areas from feeding plans and recipe ideas for babies and toddlers to advice on ...

SPECIAL SOMERSET FEATURE: The right foods for weaning children
Yeovil Express, UK - 22 hours ago
Babies need a variety of foods from different food groups to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Follow-on milks contain higher levels of iron and ...

A toddler's taste of free will
Irish Times, Ireland - Oct 6, 2008
When babies are small infants, up to the age of at least 12 months and often longer, they believe themselves to be indivisible from their primary carer. ...

March of Dimes focuses on aiding premature babies
Rockford Register Star, IL - Oct 10, 2008
Crusader Clinic is starting special prenatal classes with topics like home safety and infant/toddler cardiopulmonary resuscitation in November. ...

Examiner.com
Safety tips for parents of babies and toddlers to prevent child ...
Examiner.com - Oct 6, 2008
The Power of Parents guide covers safety tips from for four key child development stages: infant to toddler, ages 4-6, ages 7-11 and ages 12-17. ...

Examiner.com
Which presidential candidate would you let hold your baby?
Examiner.com - Oct 8, 2008
by Darby Herrington, Baby and Toddler Examiner With all of the recent mud-slinging in the presidential race, it is no surprise that each candidate seizes ...

Carrick Library has programs for parents and babies
South Pittsburgh Reporter, PA - Oct 7, 2008
The time has come for Toddler Time where parents and their toddlers can sing, shake, wiggle and dance together while learning through songs and activities. ...

Baby Clipart for All Your Baby Shower Printing Needs

Baby clipart is the perfect accent to all of your baby shower printing needs. Whether... Read More

The Colic Baby

When a baby has colic, the family environment is stressful and many family members may... Read More

Tips for Discreet Breastfeeding in Public

If you're a new Mom who is nursing your baby you may be nervous about... Read More

Baby Shower Games to Make Your Baby Shower Exciting

The perfect way to spoil the baby shower games is when there is less involvement... Read More

Your Newborn Baby?s First Few Days at Home ? What You Should Expect

The first few days home from the hospital are important for both baby and parents.... Read More

Teach Your Baby To Read English

If your child's first language is not English, he or she can still become an... Read More

Better Health and Happiness for Your Baby

The design of your home has an amazing affect on the health and well being... Read More

Baby Shower Food Items

Baby shower food items are one of the most important features of the baby shower.... Read More

Baby Shower Hosting 101

Are you ready to host the best baby shower ever but don't know where to... Read More

Baby Shower Invitation Cards

Baby Shower Invitation Cards are a time saver for the hostess. It is also a... Read More