This article is all about Tips To Make Breastfeeding In Public Easier.
Breastfeeding is a natural way of feeding your child. Doctors also encourage mothers to breastfeed their children for the first six months.
Everyone agrees that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your infant yet, breastfeeding in public is still a hot topic of debate.
Nursing mothers have to face immense criticism and judgment for feeding their children in public.
According to a survey, six out of 10 women take steps to hide while breastfeeding in public, while three women feel uncomfortable while doing it.
Read along to know why people find it uncomfortable and helpful tips to help you breastfeed in public like a pro.
Why people do not accept breastfeeding in public?
Social media and the modern world have sexualized the female body and, that is why it has made us look at a natural phenomenon of breastfeeding as inappropriate.
We see half-dressed women and don’t feel embarrassed but looking at a nursing mother in public makes us uncomfortable and awkward.
Isn’t it ironic?
We read so many stories where women face criticism and judgment for feeding in public.
It is time to educate people about the true meaning of breastfeeding. No mother would ever want to flash her breast in public. The only reason is to feed the child and provide him with the ultimate nutrition.
So next time you see a woman feeding her child, help her and support her. If you can’t do that, the least you can do is to look away.
Tips for breastfeeding in public
The best thing about breastfeeding is that you carry everything you need with you all the time. There is no need to keep feeding bottles, formula milk, and water with you. If you feel nervous about breastfeeding in public, here are a few things that can help you.
Have a suitable clothing
Always choose your outfits wisely to look trendy and comfortable. Nursing in public is possible and less awkward if you know clever ways to dress up.
It is a good idea to choose off-shoulder and button-down tops for easy access for your child. Similarly, if you wear a good nursing bra, that can also be helpful.
Practice makes it perfect:
If you are concerned about exposing your breast in public, it is always a good idea to practice at home. You can sit in front of the mirror and try different positions to see what works for you.
You will notice that it might seem you are exposing a lot in public, but in reality, you are not because the baby’s head also covers your breast.
You can start breastfeeding publicly by visiting breastfeeding-friendly and cozy cafes first. Once you feel like you have mastered the art of nursing in public, you can go to shopping malls and more crowded places as well.
Read next:
10 Fabulous tips on breastfeeding To Make Your Life Easier
Do your research
It is good to research breastfeeding-friendly places in your city before going out. Several cafes, shopping malls, and public places also have nursing rooms to help you.
These nursing rooms have a comfortable sitting arrangement and a changing station to make things easy.
You can also ask fellow nursing mothers about their favorite cafes and visit them initially.
Use a breastfeeding cover:
Some women prefer to use a nursing cover to feel more comfortable. You can use your shawl or scarf as a nursing cover or buy a proper one.
Some babies do not like to get covered while breastfeeding, while some get too distracted if they are not covered. So, it’s all up to you.
You can also use a baby carrier to feed your child. This way you, will be more comfortable and, your baby can also feel more snugly in the baby carrier.
Know your right
Every place has some breastfeeding rights and, you can also avail them. It is good to research them through government and public health websites in your country. You can also talk to your health care provider and fellow nursing mothers to know more about your rights and privileges.
How can you help a nursing mother?
- Show her a smile of solidarity to tell her that she is doing great.
- If you notice her child is crying, try to help in every possible way
- Don’t make rude faces or stare at her to make her feel uncomfortable
- You need to accept breastfeeding as a natural process. If you still feel uncomfortable, it is better to look away or leave that place.
Final words
The world is advancing every day but, the judgment and criticism associated with breastfeeding in public is still a thing. As a nursing mother, it is your right to feed your child wherever you want.
We have enlisted a few tips to make things easier for you and, I hope someday people will also start accepting breastfeeding as a natural process.
