Nursing in front of others can be downright intimidating and even embarrassing, especially at first. But with a little confidence, the right place, and the appropriate clothes, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Some women prefer to drape a small blanket or shawl over their shoulder and their breast to make the public process a little more private. Others may opt to simply pull up their shirts or sweaters then cover the baby’s head with a blanket. You can also use a baby sling, in the cradle position, to nurse your baby. Whether you use a blanket, shawl or sling, just make sure that your baby’s mouth and nose aren’t blocked.
As with breastfeeding anywhere, it’s important to don clothes that make nursing simple. The less fuss the better, especially when you’re holding a hungry baby with one hand and trying to adjust your bra and shirt with the other.
A variety of nursing bras are available—there are those with snaps, clasps and flaps that open and are attached in either the middle (between the breasts) or on the bra straps.
Which kind of bra you end up using is up to you and what you find most comfortable. You may want to buy (or register for) a few types of each just to figure out what’s best for you.
You also can invest in special nursing wear or simply sport button-down shirts (although these can be cumbersome if the buttons are finicky) or a comfortable shirt or sweater (V-necks are good) that you can simply pull down or pull up to allow your baby to feed. La Leche League suggests cutting slits in an old T-shirt and wearing it underneath an oversized shirt or sweater. That way, your midriff and most of your breast won’t be exposed when you pull up the shirt or sweater on top to nurse.
Keep in mind that whatever type of clothes you decide to wear, they’ll probably need to be slightly larger than your pre-pregnancy size since your breasts are likely to be bigger than usual while you’re nursing.
Once you’re all suited up and out and about, ask for an isolated booth when dining in restaurants so you have a sort of privacy barrier and can face away from other patrons. If you’re shopping at the local mall, go to the largest department store and ask if they have a women’s lounge or ladies’ room with a sitting area. For stores that don’t have sitting areas, ask if you can use one of their dressing rooms. You’d be surprised how quick many people are to accommodate a nursing mom.
As many breastfeeding women everywhere will attest, milk leakage always seems to happen at the most inopportune times—during a staff meeting, as you’re talking to your boss, while you’re out shopping, when you’re hugging an old friend. It’s completey normal.
Leaking may happen when you see a baby, see a picture of your own baby, hear a baby cry, or even so much as think of your baby.
You can buy disposable or washable cotton nursing pads to wear discreetly in your bra to help combat embarrassing messes and protect your wardrobe. If you know you’re prone to leaks, it’s a good idea to wear the pads when you’re out in public and keep extras with you at all times, just in case.
If you don’t want to spend money on tons of nursing pads, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using clean folded handkerchief squares inside your bra. What’s not a good idea, says the AAP, is using plastic-lined pads, which can make it hard for your nipples to get enough air.
If you’re caught in a leakage situation and aren’t wearing or carrying any nursing pads, try discreetly crossing your arms over your chest and applying a little pressure. Wearing patterned tops also can help reduce the embarrassment of sudden leaks.
Source: www.KidsHealth.org
Protected Under the Law
Women in Pennsylvania who want to breastfeed their babies in public are now protected by a state law. Under the law, a mother would be permitted to breastfeed her child in any location, public or private. Local governments would be unable to prohibit breastfeeding in public, and the act of breastfeeding could not be considered indecent exposure. With the legislation, Pennsylvania becomes the 39th state to protect the rights of women who breastfeed in public, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. For more information on Senate Bill 34 visit www.legis.state.pa.us.
Breastfeeding Support
Whether you’re looking for tips and advice about breastfeeding or just want mother-to-mother support, your local La Leche League just might have the resources you’re looking for.
La Leche League of Carlisle
Contact: Molly Vioral, 258-9608
Mechanicsburg La Leche League
Contact: Kate, 303-0147;
Kathy, 761-8156
La Leche League of Harrisburg
Contact: Maureen, 540-7700
Lykens Valley La Leche League
Contact: Audrey, 692-4593
Lancaster East La Leche League
Contact: Terri, 290-7449;
Bobbie, 569-5556
Greater Ephrata La Leche League
Contact: Andrea, 336-3418
Red Rose La Leche League
Contact: Kathleen, 285-5458
York La Leche League
Contact: Paula, 741-6087