Tricks of the Trade

10 Tips to Breastfeed in Public

By Brenda Nixon

4. "I found that tees worked better than button down shirts. Also, I would throw a blanket [baby blanket] over me first and then pull the bottom of my shirt up. The baby's head covered anything that the blanket might not ... but the blanket usually did the trick!" – Eva Marie Everson, Florida

5. "In a restaurant with high-backed booths, I'd choose the last booth in a row and sit on the side facing the wall and then I could nurse to my heart's content without anyone noticing." – Patricia Lorenz, Florida

6. "I am a scarf wearer (and a designer) so I used a hand painted silk scarf as a cover. Since I am an elegant flamboyant image type, it worked for me. Most people had no idea of what was going on and just thought that my scarf was draped over my shoulder." – Gail Hayes, North Carolina

7. "Just ignore those people who don't understand. Realize you will get disapproving looks from someone at sometime, and just focus on the fact that you're doing a great thing for your baby and don't be ashamed." – Sarah Anne Sumpolec, Virginia

8. "I discovered nice hotels have all kinds of private nooks with soft plush chairs and sofas for privacy and peace and quiet. Neither of these cost a thing to use." – Pam Farrel, California

9. "I would head toward a mall department store and use a dressing room. Nice and quiet with support for my back; cleaner than a restroom; my older child would entertain herself with the mirror while I fed the baby. The clerks were, without exception, very accommodating and seemed to like having a part in making a baby happy!" – Debi Stack, Missouri

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