How to gain confidence when breastfeeding in public
Whilst breastfeeding is being established in the early days, it’s common to spend most or all of your time at home, surrounding by cushions with your top unbuttoned or just sat in your bra. The thought of breastfeeding under so many clothes, without the hundreds of cushions around you to support you, can feel incredibly daunting!
Read on for my top tips on how to prepare to feed your baby in public.
Find the right clothes
Buttoned shirts and t shirts are your friend! Make sure you wear clothes that give you easy access to both breasts – and if you wear a dress that you’ll have to lift up instead of pull down, add some cycling shorts. Preparing with the right clothes will help you to feel more comfortable.
Go with someone the first few times
If it’s daunting going alone, a few practice runs with your partner, a family member or a friend is a helpful option to ease you in. They can hand you things if you drop them, you can pass them your baby for burping whilst you sort yourself out after the feed, and it can just be reassuring to know they’re there!
Next you can practice doing it all on your own but having someone with you just incase. This gives you the option to practice doing everything yourself but the reassurance of an extra pair of hands if needed.
Don’t rush yourself
Be kind to yourself and start attempting this when you feel ready to. If you don’t feel up to it yet, there’s no need to pressure yourself. Take things slowly, at your own pace – and don’t compare yourself to other new mums.
Make sure everything’s in reach before your start the feed
If you’re used to asking your partner to hand you your water, snacks, muslin cloth etc. – make sure everything you need is within your reach if you’re on your own!
Practice breastfeeding positions
Try a few positions without cushions supporting you - tricky I know! But if you’re out and about you won’t necessarily have those cushions with you so it’s good practice to find something that works for you. The koala position is a good option to try when breastfeeding in public. Also try one feed in a dining chair opposed to the sofa just to figure out how that would work. It might be a bit more of an awkward feed but you may be left with no choice when you’re out so it’s good to feel prepared for worst-case seating scenarios.
Focus on your baby
It can feel like everyone’s watching you, thinking things about you – but they most likely not. However it is still nerve-wracking getting your breast out in public for the first time. So instead of focusing on what’s going on around you – focus on your baby. Look at their face, hold their hand, talk to them as you get yourself ready to breastfeed.
Know that you are legally allowed to feed your baby in any public place
UK law protects breastfeeding mothers in public for good reason – you are nourishing and feeding your baby and they don’t deserve to go hungry! Knowing that the law protects you will hopefully give you that little bit of extra confidence. If you were ever made to feel uncomfortable by somebody whilst breastfeeding in public – know that they’re wrong, not you. Nothing you’re doing is wrong – society just needs to catch up. The more women who breastfeed in public, the more we normalise it!
If you want to cover up – cover up
Whether it’s for religious reasons or it makes you feel more comfortable – you’re completely entitled to cover up. You don’t need to explain or justify your reasons – do what makes you comfortable and what allows you to breastfeed your child in public.
Don’t panic
If something goes wrong, you drop things, or maybe your baby does an explosive poo mid-feed and you’re alone – take a breath. You know what you’re doing and how to handle the situation – but it’s natural to get flustered when you’re on your own. Don’t worry about anything else other than your baby, and check that there’s baby changing facilities before you sit down somewhere!
For more support with breastfeeding, view my full list of support services and book some time with me.
