Breastfeeding in public can be a positive experience for both you and your baby, but it may feel intimidating at first.
I live in London and never experienced any hostile behavior towards breastfeeding my babies in public. Usually, it was just friendly smiles and coos from Grandma’s and the occasional, oh, sorry, I didn’t realise you were feeding. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. I am in full support of anyone that wants to feed in a full boob out situation but I am also mindful that can make others feel uncomfortable. Or you may prefer to stay more covered for cultural or religious reasons.
Here are some tips to help you feel confident and comfortable while breastfeeding in public:
Tip 1: Choose the Right Clothing
Wear clothes designed for breastfeeding, such as breastfeeding tops or dresses with easy access, to make the process more convenient and discreet. Lots of inexpensive high street brands have maternity ranges and there are a number of family charity shops such as the London based Fara kids stores that also have clothing for breastfeeding. Many have discreet zips or flap sections that allow you to get access to your breast without feeling overly exposed.
If you want to put one really useful item of breastfeeding clothing in your wardrobe then I would recommend a vest from B Shirt.
When I had my first child they had just the black vest top but they now have a whole range of clothing options for nursing.
If you prefer not to invest in items then layers are really useful. Layer a couple of tops so that you can lift one up and the other one down. This keeps both your tummy and the upper part of your breast covered.
Ensure the layer next to your skin is stretchy so you can pull it down to access your breast. Alternatively, you can wear a vest top backwards. Vest tops are usually cut slightly lower at the back so when worn backwards it will make it easier to access your breasts. If you had maternity trousers that came up over your bump or a belly band then you can also use this as your under layer.
Bulky jumpers can be more difficult so consider items that open at the front such as a shirt or zipped jumper or buttoned or open cardigan. These items can also serve as an easy piece of clothing to create a shield or be easily pulled across in front of your breast when your baby comes off.
Tip 2: Breastfeeding Bra
The secret to a fabulous outfit often starts with the right underwear. That is also true for breastfeeding.
People often ask me what they should buy for breastfeeding whilst they are pregnant. I almost always encourage families to buy very little except a good nursing bra. Do this in the later stages of pregnancy to accommodate changes in your body. I would start with something that is comfortable, wireless and stretchy and with a number of clips on the back to allow for your rib cage to change. I would then look for a drop cup type that has a substantial amount of fabric underneath that still covers your upper breast when the front section is dropped down. This will hopefully make you feel more covered whilst still giving you easy access to your breast.
If the weather gets warm you are unlikely to want to wear more than one layer so if you are pulling your top down to access your breast then a bra with some fabric on the upper part of your breast will usually help you to feel more covered.
Tip 3: Practice at Home
You may have only been breastfeeding at home or in clinical environments such as a midwife appointment. Breastfeeding in public can be slightly different from at home. You may have been used to laid back or side lying positions or using a nursing pillow to support you. Practice at home with different feeding positions and with different furniture to see what can work best for you and your baby.
If you prefer a laid back position try scooting your bottom to the front of a chair, latch your baby in a koala hold and then recline yourself back in the chair. This can help replicate the laid back breastfeeding position you and your baby have been used to.
Similarly, if you have been used to feeding your baby whilst using a breastfeeding pillow in cross-cradle or cradle you can also use the latch and recline option. Sit your bottom at the front of the chair. Latch your baby to your breast and then recline back into the chair. This will allow the weight of your baby to rest on your tummy rather than you having to hold the weight of your baby with your arms.
Practicing these positions at home can help you build confidence if you feel unsure about breastfeeding in public.
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Its your right to be allowed to feed your baby in public
The law, specifically the Equality Act, protects breastfeeding parents in the UK. You are legally allowed to breastfeed your baby in public. That can be a restaurant, shop, library, public transport etc. Many businesses also offer you the use of a private space if you would prefer to feed your baby in private.
Additionally larger facilities such as shopping centres, leisure centres and hospitals often have dedicated feeding rooms. In some cases, these are set up with equipment that you may need for sterilising a pump or bottle and other equipment you may need to assist in preparing a feed. These are not always advertised and can often be found with or alongside baby changing facilities.
Tip 4: Bring your partner or a friend
Having a friend with you can help you feel more at ease when breastfeeding in public. Whilst I would encourage you to engage with your baby whilst you are feeding them, chatting with a friend can also provide a distraction for you from the environment. You may then feel less conscious of the public location.
Even better, bring a friend who is also breastfeeding. Often parents have connections with antenatal groups they may have joined in their pregnancy and these can be a great support in the early days, its not unusual to make the occasional lifelong friend from such a group.
There are also a number of local breastfeeding support groups or communities such as La Leche League. They can provide tips, encouragement, and may even organize meetups where breastfeeding is welcomed. Baby classes such as those provided by the local authority in children centres and private classes such as Baby Sensory, Monkey Music and Hartbeeps are also great environments for you to build your confidence with breastfeeding your baby in public.
Tip 5: Consider using a breastfeeding shawl
If you prefer you can use a large muslin or shawl to provide you with some cover. You can use this throughout the feed or only whilst bringing your baby to your breast. If you are using a cover you may find that your baby starts to object to this at around four months of age when they become very interested in the world around them.
You can also buy specific breastfeeding covers that have a strap that helps keeps the cover around your neck. I encourage you to keep a close eye on your baby to ensure they are at the appropriate temperature and do not have any fabric directly over their face.
Remember that you should feel free to breastfeed without a cover if you prefer.
Tip 6: Bring Essentials
I would expect that you almost always have your baby’s changing bag with you on outings. It is worthwhile packing some spare breast pads, a muslin or burp cloth in your bag. It’s common to leak milk from the opposite breast when you are feeding your baby. If you have extra breast pads in your bag then if you have forgotten to put a pair in on the rush out the door you wont be scrambling to try to cover a wet mark over your breast.
Tip 7: Choosing to relocate
If you are feeding your baby and find that you’re feeling uncomfortable or receiving unwanted attention in a specific location you can ask for support from the staff. Unfortunately, staff may not always be familiar with the laws that protect you. If necessary, then move to a different spot, even if it means leaving the place you’re in.
Breastfeeding in public can feel daunting, but with a little preparation and confidence, it can be a natural part of your routine. Trust in your ability to nourish your baby no matter where you are. If you have any further questions or need more specific advice, feel free to ask!
Breastfeeding is a personal experience. Remember to celebrate your ability to nourish your baby.
