Breastfeeding in Public Places: How To Do It Right

Nursing or breastfeeding refers to the action of feeding infants with a woman’s breast milk. This is a natural practice recommended by most paediatricians. Infants may nurse many times a day, every two or three hours, during the first weeks of their lives.

However, breastfeeding can sometimes become a problem when an infant is hungry outside the home and the mother does not feel comfortable nursing in public.

Is Breastfeeding in Public All Right?

Yes. Breastfeeding in Public is a human right and there are laws that protect nursing mothers. This implies that women can breastfeed anywhere and anytime their baby is hungry.

Today, breastfeeding in public has become more controversial in some countries than in others. For instance, in most African and European countries, it is accepted by the large majority while in other countries, such as the US, many people feel uncomfortable when witnessing a mother breastfeeding her child.

The main arguments against breastfeeding in public revolve around the exposure of the mother’s body, and the unease of facing partial nudity.

Photo Credit: parenting.firstcry.com

Usually, people in more traditional societies following conservative values find breastfeeding in public an unnecessary display or an embarrassing practice. In some Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, it is not possible for any woman to show her body in public except for their hands and face.

Also breastfeeding at work is often very difficult. Most companies don’t allow mothers to bring their children to their workplace.

Not to mention, some mothers find it difficult to breastfeed their babies outside because of some unpleasant situations. In order to prevent these uncomfortable situations, it is very important for a nursing mother to plan ahead before heading out with her baby. These are a few tips you may want to consider:

Tips For Breastfeeding in Public

 1. Wear comfortable clothes.

The first step in avoiding an unpleasant situation as a nursing mother is to be conscious of your dress. Wear comfortable cloth and a bra that would ease the process for you and your baby.

Some mothers prefer loose tops that can be lifted easily. Other mums would rather keep their tummies covered and may choose to unbutton their shirts and pull down the bra. Some mothers opt for wearing two stretchy tops so that one part can be lifted and the other pulled down. Choose the dress that is convenient for you.

2. Practice at home in front of a mirror.

A nursing baby should cover her breast efficiently. You can try nursing in different outfits to see which ones work for you and your baby. Sometimes simply turning slightly to one side may be enough to reduce exposure, while keeping the baby properly latched on. A mirror is a good place to get started.

3. Use Baby Sling.

You can breastfeed your baby in most slings or wraps; the fabric of the baby carrier will cover the baby and your breast. Some baby slings or baby carriers allow you to feed your child without having to take her out. It is a very handy tool for breastfeeding mothers.

4. Never Breastfeed in The Toilet.

A Nursing mother should avoid breastfeeding her baby in the toilet, they are not comfortable places for you and your baby. “Would you eat in a bathroom?”, then “Why should a baby?.” Kindly look for any other option.

5. Use shawl, scarves, ponchos and Blankets.

Shawl, Scarves, Ponchos and Blankets can also be of great help if you need to nurse in public. They can be placed on your shoulders to cover the head of your baby, for protection and also to cover your chest, reducing the exposure of your body.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

When you breastfeed, you typically give your baby breast milk straight from your breast. Yeah! It can be stressful and ‘archaic’ but it is not only beneficial to newborns. The benefits breastfeeding provides to mothers are vital reasons why it should still be a popular practice.

• Good for the child’s health and development. Breast milk contains an optimal composition in terms of nutrients (proteins, calcium, carbohydrates and fat).
• Children usually digest better their mother’s milk than formula milk.
• Breastfeeding helps mothers lose weight.
• Breastfeeding reduces mothers’ risk of heart diseases, ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
• It also helps to strengthen the mother-child emotional bond.
• Breast milk is free compared with formula milk which can be very expensive, saving families money

You may read this article on the health benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and child.