Breastfeeding In Public

Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe’s Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today’s post is about nursing in public. Please read the other blogs in today’s carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st! 


 

When my son was an infant – actually for his entire first year of existence – he nursed every hour. So, no matter where I went with him, we always ended up nursing in public. By the time we got to where ever we were going – it was always time to nurse. So I have literally nursed at just about every public venue that you can think of or imagine. You name it, I’ve nursed there.

Breastfeeding in Public with Skinies Open Cup Nursing Cami

I am a strong proponent of nursing in public. I never thought about it much before having a baby – but after my son was born, I quickly realized that if I wanted to go anywhere or do anything, I would need to learn how to nurse in public – or I would be stuck at home. Not all babies nurse as frequently as mine did – but many moms find that when they are out, at some time or another, their baby will need to nurse. I can remember seeing moms nursing their babies and not knowing where to look or what to do. I now always give the mom a sweet smile or a pass along a “thumbs up” or say “good job.” There are so many moms that are worried about breastfeeding in public, so I always make a point of showing them that I care. It’s a simple way to really make a difference in someone’s day.

There are lots of ways to feel comfortable breastfeeding in public – but the most important thing is to keep in mind that you are taking care of your baby. I changed my entire career and started a business – all because of breastfeeding in public. It was the breastfeeding gear that helped me to breastfeed in public comfortably (I LIVED in nursing tops) – and they were so difficult to find – online and in person – so I quit my job and started a business that has blossomed into so much more than just gear.

What helped you to breastfeed in public? Were you inspired by another person? Or did you have a favorite piece of gear that made it easier? Please leave a comment and share your story!

 


 
Here are more post by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.

12 comments to Breastfeeding In Public

  • […] Judy @ Mommy News & Views Blog-Breastfeeding in Public […]

  • Great post! I’m sure all those nursing moms appreciate the positive acknowledgment from you. It is a great way to pay it forward and help normalize breastfeeding in public.

  • […] Judy @ Mommy News & Views Blog-Breastfeeding in Public […]

  • […] Judy @ Mommy News & Views Blog-Breastfeeding in Public […]

  • […] Judy @ Mommy News & Views Blog-Breastfeeding in Public […]

  • I always try to give bf’ing mamas encouraging smiles or words when I see them nursing in public. It’s always nice to know you’re supported :)

  • […] Judy @ Mommy News & Views Blog-Breastfeeding in Public […]

  • Thanks for sharing this. I have always felt right about public nursing, and have wondered how to encourage other mothers when I see them unsure about what they are doing. I love the simplicity in how you are able to support them with a simple smile or thumbs up. I’ll have to do that =)

  • Jennifer

    My DS nurses a lot. He always has. It may only be for a few minutes, but his nursing style is that of a snacker – a little bit many times a day. It’s served him well – he’s 7.5 months and 23 pounds. I had to get over any shyness about nursing in public VERY quickly. It makes me a bit nutty sometimes, but I’m grateful we have a great BF relationship. Fortunately, I’ve not had anyone give me lip for BF in public. But he’s still young. I’m guessing the older he gets, the more that becomes a possibility, but I won’t let it stop me.

  • I also had a very frequent nurser in my first, so he got me in the habit of not worrying about nursing in public.

    Luckily it wasn’t until I was nursing my third that I ever got any question or hassle about it — by then you’d better believe that I wasn’t embarrassed or intimidated! LOL!

    I think it IS tremendously important to validate other nursing moms. If nursing was normal in society, as it should be, this would be a complete non-issue…

  • […] learned about goals and how they change as we change. We promoted breastfeeding in public and we discussed ways that we can help other moms to reach their own breastfeeding goals and beat […]

  • Breastfeeding in Public by Mommy News, June 20th 2009

    This bog is about the personal choice of a mother who chooses to breastfeed her child in public. With that personal choice, there are controversies “Is breastfeeding appropriate in public?
    Her son nursed every 1-2 hours, so no matter where they went she would end up breastfeeding in public. She developed tips and tricks to help with nursing in public.
    Some places that are breastfeeding friendly are Babies “R” Us, and Motherhood Maternity. They offered a secluded, quite room, equipped with a changing table, a comfy sofa, a rocker, and pretty pictures displayed on the wall. Many of the store locations have free infant sized diapers for use when the changing table is needed.
    Tips for breastfeeding is to know your rights as to where breastfeeding is protected by laws. Practicing in your home is a way to feel more confident about how much skin is being shown by nursing in front of a mirror as you would in public situations. Nursing clothing is another way to help breastfeeding be more discreet. They are convenient, cute, and stylish. Using a sling makes it easier to nurse on the move. Being confident is the best thing you can do.
    This mom is confident and is doing what she believes is best for her son. Nursing in public is an enjoyable time for her to feel proud she is doing what’s best!
    I breastfed both of my girls. With my first daughter, 6 years ago, breastfeeding was not a controversial topic, and was considered acceptable by society. Now days, you see lots of controversy on “Is breastfeeding appropriate in public?” It’s interesting to see what positive and negative changes develop over a period a time.

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