728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
Get Pregnancy Information
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Pumps and Pumping › Tackling the Tough Stuff

Tackling the Tough Stuff

Public Nursing, Pumping at Work and Misguided Advice

By Jackie Rupp

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

suggests practicing in front of a mirror to see what the public will see.

While breastfeeding, you may find yourself nursing at playgrounds, waiting rooms, restaurants and supermarkets, etc. "Breastfeeding should be the same everywhere," says Nikki Lee, a registered nurse who has worked with breastfeeding mothers for over 25 years and has nursed two daughters herself. "Once the novelty wears off, no one will notice or care."

Some simple tricks may help make these on-location feedings nothing to get nervous about.

  • First, find a quiet area. This will lessen distractions for Baby and you.
  • Another important step that Lee suggests is to feed when Baby shows the first signs of hunger – BEFORE she starts crying. "Don't interrupt anything that you are doing," she says. "Be matter of fact: You have a baby; you are a mother; the baby is hungry and has to eat. Don't apologize; don't ask permission."
  • Carry a blanket or shawl for added coverage if Baby is younger than 6 months. After that, blankets may become more of a toy for Baby than a cover-up for you. A sling works even better, especially if you have to breastfeed while standing. This has worked well for Manning. "I use a sling and am able to nurse discreetly while I am walking through a store," she says. "I have a sling that has a long tail on it, and I use that to cover any areas that might be showing. I have no problem with being discreet about it. I make sure I always have a blanket with me to drape over her if she is not in the sling, and in hot weather, I also make sure that I have on a roomier shirt that I can arrange without needing the blanket over her head."
  • Wear something you are comfortable nursing in, whether it's a tank top, buttoned blouse or comfy sweater. Try not to dres in anything too bulky or embellished, which may get in the way or distract Baby. Owning a few specially designed nursing tops can also help. La Leche League suggests making a simple inexpensive nursing top by cutting slits in a T-shirt. This can then be worn under a sweater and provides extra coverage and warmth to your mid-section.
  • At a restaurant, sit at a booth for added privacy and have someone sit next to you in the aisle seat for even more seclusion.
  • For family gatherings, think about where you would feel comfortable breastfeeding. If the hosts provide a quiet room for you to use, this could be a sign this is where they prefer you to nurse. Since you are a guest, taking the offer may be wise and may be distraction-free for baby. If you are unsure of where to nurse, pick out a quiet corner, smile and be receptive to conversation when someone comes by.
Pages:  1  2  3  4  


Want to see more?