Breastfeeding in Public Washington DC

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You may feel comfortable nursing around other people. Other women may feel embarrassed to breastfeed in front of others. They are afraid that people will see their breasts while nursing. They also worry that nursing will make the people around them feel uncomfortable. All of these feelings are normal.

With some practice, your baby will learn to latch on and nurse easily and you may be comfortable nursing around other people. There are simple ways to cover your breasts while nursing:

• If you wear a bra, choose a nursing bra for easy access to your breast.
• You can wear oversized tops or unbutton blouses from the waist up. There is also nursing wear that allows you discrete, easy access to your breasts for breastfeeding
• You can put a blanket or a scarf over your shoulder to cover your baby at the breast. You can also use a nursing poncho.
• Slings can be used to carry your baby and also to cover your baby and breast when nursing. I have a friend who could even use the sling to walk and feed at the same time – no-one ever knew.
• You may want to practice breastfeeding in front of a mirror so you can see how you look to others. Some mothers only like to nurse in private. They use a bottle of breast milk or formula when they are around other people.

Out and about

Breastfed babies are easy to take with you. You do not need to carry bottles or hurry home when your baby is hungry. Your breast milk is ready to feed, no matter how long you have been gone. Remember it is your right to breastfeed in public. Once you get the hang of it you will be surprised at how little people notice what you are doing. I remember preparing what I would say to someone if they spoke negatively about my breastfeeding in public – no-one ever did!

When you are out and about be on the look out for suitable places to breastfeed. Here are some ideas for places to breastfeed:

• If at a restaurant or café, position yourself in a corner where you will not have to move to let others go by.
• Shopping malls usually have chairs, benches or sofas available.
• Some mall or larger department stores have nursing rooms.
• Many stores have dressing rooms that are clean and quiet where you can sit and nurse your baby.
• Churches usually have a cry room, or a quiet area where you can nurse.
• If you are at the clinic and your baby needs to nurse, you can ask for an empty exam room.
• If you want to nurse privately, nurse your baby in the car. Remember, your baby should always be in a safety seat when the car is moving.
• If you do not feel comfortable with any of these ideas, offer a bottle whenever you must feed your baby in public. The bottle can be filled with breast milk or formula.

Source: Nutrition NC

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Briley Philip L Phd

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