You and your baby are out and about, and the time comes when you need to breastfeed. What do you do? While there are laws that protect a nursing mother and allow her to nurse anywhere, you may not feel 100% comfortable just whipping out your breast in the middle of a store. Here’s what you need to know about nursing in public.
Is breastfeeding in public legal?
How to nurse in public
Many new moms find themselves anxious about breastfeeding in public when they first start. They are unsure about the rules and don’t want to be confronted by someone uncomfortable with their actions. Being prepared can greatly reduce the anxiety that moms experience. Here are some tips to help you when breastfeeding in public:
- Put on comfortable clothes that provide easy access to your breasts. These include loose-fitting tops that pull up from the waist or button down the front, or nursing tops with flaps that snap or button.
- Utilize a blanket. You can wrap a small blanket around your shoulder to prevent exposing your breasts to the public.
- Use a baby sling to help breastfeed your baby. Slings can help keep your baby close and in a good position to feed. Note: Do understand that there are suffocation concerns with babies and slings. Be very attentive to your baby’s actions.
- Find a quiet place like a women’s lounge or dressing room to breastfeed in a quiet and private space.
- Practice at home so that you become comfortable with the movements and positions of your body and your baby while breastfeeding. This can make a world of difference to your comfort level when breastfeeding in public.
If someone criticizes you while you are breastfeeding, it is best to have a preplanned response. Remind the person that it permitted by law and that you have the right to breastfeed your child anywhere and are following the rules. If you feel that you are in danger, move to a place where you feel safe and secure with your baby. It won’t take much effort to find people who will support you.
