Nursing in the Open: Tips for Breastfeeding Moms
by Rachel Barlow
Congratulations! You've made it through the first few weeks
and you and your baby are enjoying all the benefits of breastfeeding.
Except possibly one. A lot of new moms find themselves
turning down invitations to shopping or dinner parties because they
are nervous about breastfeeding in public. If you're one of these
moms, you're denying yourself the advantage of convenience that only
breastfeeding moms have.
As a nursing mom, you already know how easy it is to take
along your baby's food supply, but let's face it, in the beginning
the idea of breastfeeding in public is, well, a little uncomfortable.
So what can you do?
The first step is to remind yourself that by breastfeeding you are
giving your baby what he or she needs. If someone around you is
uncomfortable, it is their problem, not yours. Remember women have
been doing this since the beginning of time. There is nothing
unnatural or indecent about it.
Take some time to practice breastfeeding discreetly in the privacy
of your own home. This may mean learning how to adjust and hold
clothing so that you are covered in a way that makes you
comfortable. It also means taking into account what you want to
wear. There are many more fashion-conscious options for nursing
moms, and, as you feed more and more often, you'll find even a T-
shirt can be positioned to allow ease of nursing while affording you
some privacy.
Put baby under cover. Bring a colorful scarf along, or wear a loose
over-shirt. Worn over a T-shirt, an overshirt can completely
obscure any exposed breast from view. It is both convenient and,
unlike a scarf, will stay put more easily.
When shopping, remember that a dressing room can make a nice, quiet,
out-of-the-way spot for breastfeeding. This is especially nice when
you are still getting used to nursing in public. As you are
learning, your stress affects your baby, and successfully getting
over the hurdle of breastfeeding in a strange place (however you
choose to do it) can lead to future successes.
If you know you will need to feed your baby in public, try to bring
along a friend. A cooing mom, mother-in-law, or sister makes a
great screen, and having the support of a friend can help defray any
stress.
Stay strong, and stick to your objectives. The more you
nurse in public, the easier it will get, which will, ultimately,
make every aspect of motherhood easier.
Rachel Barlow is a freelance writer and stay-at-home-mom who is the
editor and publisher of
The Green Mountain Mamas Gazette (www.greenmountainmamas.com)and its
sister publication The Mama's Gazette (www.mamasgazette.com).
For parenting tips, recipes, and activity ideas visit
www.mamasgazette.com!
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_119369_40.html
Keywords: barlow, beginning of time, benefits of breastfeeding, breast, breastfeeding in public, convenience, dinner parties, dressing room, fashion, food supply, hurdle, invitations, mom, moms, scarf, shopping, strange place, stress, t shirt.
