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Feeding on the Go
Your Guide to Nursing in Public
By Melinda Copp
Breastfeeding is the most convenient way to feed a baby. There's no running to the store to buy formula, no sterilizing nipples and no worrying about bottle temperature. However, many moms feel uncomfortable with the idea of nursing their baby in public places. They worry about Baby starting to cry in hunger and not being able to find a private place to nurse, and they worry that someone might see them and complain.
Concerns about public breastfeeding often drive moms to stop nursing altogether. And that's a shame, because breastfeeding doesn't have to be – and shouldn't be – an inconvenience every time Mom leaves the house. "The key to being successful is being able to nurse anywhere," says Claire Latham, La Leche League leader and mother of two from Springfield, Va.
"In the beginning, when you don't have a good latch, [nursing in public] can be awkward," Latham says. "If it gets too daunting, there's nothing wrong with going back to your car or wherever you're comfortable."
Start increasing your comfort level by practicing at home. Experiment with different shirts, and watch yourself in the mirror so you can see what you will look like to other people. This way, when the time comes, you won't be worried that you're showing too much skin. "To keep your midsection covered, cut holes in an old tank top or T-shirt and wear that under another shirt or sweater," says Carrie Patterson, the executive director of ProMom. You could also try covering your baby's head or carrying him in a sling so latching on is easy and discreet.
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