Making Nursing In Public Work For You

Nursing moms come in all shapes and sizes, and with all kinds of personal views about what they are and aren't comfortable with. Before you head out with a baby that could be hungry at any time, it's good to think about what your personal expectations of nursing in public are. There are a few different things to consider.

What are you going to wear?

Pull-down tops work an awful lot better than lift-up tops, in my experience. The baby's head will cover most of your breast that way, and nobody will see your abdomen. Those who don't want to show any cleavage while not breastfeeding can wear a scarf, which can also double up as a nursing cover. If you're wearing a lift-up top, consider wearing a simple camisole underneath if you don't want people to see your belly. Avoiding tops that need unzipping or unbuttoning will increase your own comfort. 

Are you going to cover up?

If you feel better that way, do so by all means. Light blankets, shawls or nursing covers especially made for the purpose are all good options. Another wonderful possibility you should consider is wearing your baby on your abdomen in a baby carrier. Both mei tai carriers and wraps can be adjusted in such a way that your baby ends up at breast height. You will have your hands free, and nobody will be able to see that you are nursing unless they walk right up to you and look into the carrier.

Where do you draw the line?

I breastfed my two babies for two years each in accordance with the World Health Organization's recommendations. I was a very active mother who took her kids everywhere, and I did plenty of nursing in public — everywhere from the local park to restaurants, and even at work meetings.

It is clear that I strongly believe both in breastfeeding and nursing in public whenever the need arises. Yet, I also think that it's good to take other people's feelings into account if possible. No, I am not suggesting that you should ever feel bullied into nursing in a (by definition unhygienic) bathroom, but you also don't need to squeeze your breasts until let-down occurs so everyone can see your whole breast with milk spraying out of it. Yes, I've seen that happen and yes, I personally felt a little uncomfortable.

I'll also have you know that what is commonly referred to as "extended breastfeeding" or "breastfeeding past infancy" may be supported by the WHO and other organizations, but it's particularly disturbing to many people. I'm not arguing that that's right, just that it's true. Once your baby reaches 18 months or so and is eating plenty of solid foods, you could consider not nursing in public any more. These kids still benefit from the breast, but they won't starve if you give them a rice cracker and some water instead.