Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

I just started venturing out more with Frankie and everytime we go out, i try to have a pumped bottle wirth me because I'm surprisingly not that comfortable with breastfeeding in public- I would like to be. As stupid as this may sound, how do you breastfeed in public? Where do you go? How do you keep from showing everyone around your nipple? I feel like its a process to get Frankie latched on and comfortable- will this get easier? And for those who breastfeed in public- is it something you eased into or were you always comfortable with it?
TIA

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

It does get easier.
Start by going to family and friends houses and doing it there. You'll get more comfortable as time goes on. I will usually nurse in the car if I have to. At the mall I find Nordstrom's and that works out great.
The Peanut Shell nursing cover is great.

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

I thought I would be too embarrassed to breast feed my DD in public, but I got over that pretty quick. She is 4 1/2 months and she does not take bottles, so when I'm out, I have to breast feed. At the mall I have fed her in Macy's fitting room, at Tanger in Deer Park there are rooms by the bathrooms that have rocking chair, I've fed her there. I have fed her in many different places.
I have a peanut shell nursing cover, which I love, and I have gotten a lot of use out of it. If my baby has to eat, I'm going to feed her while being as discreet as possible. It can be a challenge to find somewhere to feed her, but it can be done!!

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

I used to feel the same way---it was still a challenge for me to get him latched and I didn't want to flash everyone. In the beginning I tried to be home for every feeding, but that was impossible. Once I realized I had to get out, I started by trying to BF at BRU in the Mothers Room, then I tried at the mall at Nordstroms. If I didn't have anywhere semiprivate I would go to my truck.
It does get easier as far as latching/keeping yourself covered but I will never be totally comfortable nursing out in public--thats just me though.

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

I am right there with you. I don't think I'll ever be comfortable with it. The one time I had to feed her in a pinch was the day that we were flying to NY. We got to the airport and she was starving. DH and I drove to an empty part of the parking deck and I was eventually able to nurse her there, but she wasn't happy about it. She's really used to my using the Brest Friend pillow, and I think she's comfortable with that. She wasn't too thrilled with being propped up on my coat

Why don't you start by using the nursing cover at home? This way you'll be able to get the hang of it before you go out.

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

I felt uncomfortable about it myself and then one day I was out with DH and DS and he got hungry so I had to feed him. We were in Dunkin Donuts! lol...

I use a Bebe Au Lait nursing cover and no can see anything. It was helpful to have DH there....

Maybe someone can come out with you till you get the hand of how to do it discreetly? That has helped me...

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

If I could find a private place like a nursing room then I would head into there. If not, I would just look for the most secluded spot & sit there. Try practicing at home in front of a mirror. That way you can see exactly what you're showing off. With some practice you'll figure out exactly how to get situated without showing anything. As time goes on you'll get more comfortable. The first few times I was so , but eventually, it became second nature. I'm 99% sure nobody ever noticed I was nursing.

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

To be honest, I really didn't care. I was concealed enough where no one could see what I was doing. Be it in the restaurant, or at the park, or wherever.

I covered up so no one could see.

Eventually after the 1st couple of times you're like "all right...whatever." You become a pro at maneuvering and positioning.

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

With Madelyn I would find a private area- like a dressing room at the mall. In a pinch, I'd sit in the backseat of our Sante Fe (tinted windows).

This time around there is no way I could do that with a toddler, so I've toughened up and started nursing Eliza in public. I use a nursing cover- I think it's Bebe au Lait. It's nice because the top has a plastic piece that holds the fabric out so I can look down and actually see her- so no "braille nursing." With that cover no one can see anything- even if she pulls off.

Honestly- I am so discrete and the ONLY reason people *know* what's going on is because the cover is loud as hell. No one can see a thing though- other than my loud-@ss hooter-hider.

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

It gets a LOT easier. Now that I am on number 2, I really don't care if anyone gets a glance at my nips for a second or even when I get dirty looks, which I from this one lady last week at Disneyland.

I just use a big blanket and throw it over my shoulder. I have gotten so used to it that I even ran after my DD at the park, with DS on the boob- it was pretty funny.

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

THANK YOU everyone for your replies and tips!! Maybe I'll give it a try this weekend since I'll have my sister with me (shes visiting from NC).

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

I've BF in the Nordstroms women's lounge, restaurants and couches at the mall. The first time I BF in public was at a restaurant. One of the reasons I felt comfortable was b/c I was with a bunch of other BFing moms. I either tuck a blanket into my bra/tank top strap to secure it or I use a nursing cover. It can be tricky at times, but the more you do it, the easier it will be.

If you're uneasy about it, definitely get a nursing cover and practice at home. Also, try places like the Nordstroms lounge where you're in public, but it's still a fairly private area.

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

Re: Breastfeeding Moms- breastfeeding in public question

I used the BeBe Au Lait nursing cover...

Nursing Shield