7 Tips To Help You Breastfeed In Public Confidently...

By: Kristy Kemp 

Breastfeeding your baby is an excellent way to provide your child with the proper nutrition that they need. Breastfeeding also allows the mother and child to form a bond that is unlike anything else. Nursing a baby at home is a little different than breastfeeding in public. Even if the perfect nursing technique is always at home, some breastfeeding tips may be needed to ensure that breastfeeding in public goes smoothly and comfortably for the mother and the child.

1. Don't panic; you're not the first to do this- There have been babies as long as there have been people and babies need to eat. Until 50 years ago, the formula didn't even exist so women breastfed wherever they were! At first, it may seem strange to breastfeed in public, but you're not the first one, and you won't be the last.

2. Find an excellent nursing bra. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to half-strip down in the middle of the mall just to feed your child. Nursing bras are designed to keep most of your clothes on, while you're breastfeeding and only let one breast or even just the nipple come out so you can feed. I would suggest going to a specialist in sizing too because you know your breasts have changed since this little one came around.

3. Ignore the funny looks. Seriously, there are a lot of people who just don't understand how urgently a baby needs to eat when they are hungry or in need of comfort. Some understand and just don't care. Pay no mind to them. Your child's nutrition is more important than their wandering eyes or comments. 

4. Find a comfortable spot. Especially if your child is a great eater, sitting in some boring corner with a plastic plant sticking out in front of you is not the most fun way to spend the 45 minutes it takes for your baby to sate himself. Do not feel like you need to hide out in a smelly bathroom, if you don't want to. 

5. Relax. Most people won't even notice what you're doing. You can sit down for a half hour conversation with a person who only realizes you were feeding a child when he unlatches. 

6. Take comfort and pride in the fact that there are laws in place, protecting your right to feed your baby wherever you are otherwise authorized to be. In 49 of the 50 states in America the law protects you. Currently, Idaho is the only state in which there are no laws that specifically clarify that a mother has a right to feed her baby in public, but that doesn't mean breastfeeding in public is illegal there either. 

7. Join some support groups! Not to brag, but I happen to know an excellent support community right on Facebook, "Breastfeeding Mama Talk" that has helped thousands of breastfeeding moms find their voice and confidence when it comes to breastfeeding in public. Get mom to mom support and read through other experiences and situations and it will help you to feel inspired and empowered to breastfeed in public confidently. 

If you are planning on breastfeeding your baby in public, these breastfeeding tips should help ease your mind. It may take some time getting used to but nursing your baby is normal no matter where you are. You got this mama!

Kristy Kemp

My name is Kristy Kemp. I created Breastfeeding Mama Talk back in September 2012. My motivation behind creating Breastfeeding Mama Talk was to be that support system for breastfeeding mothers around the world.