Breastfed babies are exceptionally portable and easy to comfort no matter where your busy schedule takes you. Yet many women worry about breastfeeding in public. The anticipation of nursing in a public place is usually worse than the actual experience and oftentimes the only people who notice you are other breastfeeding mothers.

Most women find ways to breastfeed discreetly. Ask your partner or a friend to stand in front of you while you lift your shirt or sweater from the waist. When nursing, baby’s body will cover most of your midriff and you can pull your shirt or sweater down close to her face to cover the top of your breast. Some mothers put a light blanket over their shoulders as a type of cover.

While visiting in someone’s home, you may feel more comfortable leaving the room or turning away from people when first putting your baby to your breast. If you prefer more privacy, breastfeed in an empty room, car, or public restroom. Many restrooms are becoming baby-friendly and have a separate area with a changing table and chair. Some shopping malls now provide special Mothers’ Rooms where mother can feed her baby in privacy, which helps sensitive babies who are too distracted to nurse well in public. It won’t take long before your baby will learn to start breastfeeding with little fuss.

An alternative is to express or pump your milk at home and offer it in a bottle in public. However, offering bottles with artificial nipples in the early weeks may interfere with breastfeeding. (See “Supplements and Artificial Nipples” in the Questions and Concerns section.)

Seek your own breastfeeding comfort level. If you get discouraged, talk to a lactation consultant, knowledgeable healthcare provider, or friend who has successfully breastfed her baby. If you read a breastfeeding book, you may discover new information that will help you overcome the challenges. At the very least you’ll find comfort in knowing that someone else has had a similar experience.

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