I’ve talked before about my early experiences nursing in public, but it’s always a topic that bears repeating since it can be such a vulnerable time for new mamas just learning the logistics of nursing…and finagling bare breasts out of the comfort of their home.
I think the first time I tried to nurse in public I used a receiving blanket as a nursing cover. I was enormously self conscious about my post-partum belly and my super large breasts that were even larger when newly filled with milk.
I remember knowing that I didn’t have to worry too much about the timing of our outing because if my son woke up and needed to eat, I knew I was just going to feed him right there where we were. But knowing this and actually, boldly carrying it out are two different things!
My first son was about 10 days old when my sister came to visit and insisted we go to the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical gardens (We both love the plants there and a Frabel exhibit was on display that year). Before I had my baby, I never took the time to appreciate the benches spaced throughout the conservatory, nor how they all seem to be slightly secluded or angled just so that you get a sort of private view of whatever plants you are admiring while resting.
That day I really appreciated those benches! My son was hungry and I parked our stroller (we were using it as a luggage rack for all the equipment we brought along for that wee baby), hid behind it, and proceeded to nurse in the flower gardens to the sounds of the piped in bird noises.
I would say it was tranquil if I weren’t so terrified about strangers seeing my hooters. Three years later, I could care less who sees my breasts while I am slipping them in and out of my baby’s mouth…but then, I remember feeling super exposed.
I’m really glad I took the plunge, though. The Conservatory became one of my favorite places to NIP. Now that I’ve got a preschooler and a baby, I love it even more because my older son can run around the contained children’s garden while I sit on a shaded bench to nurse.
What do you remember about your first time nursing in public? Do you still revisit those spots where you first learned how to nurse on the go? Leave us a comment to share your experience!
