How to Breastfeed Discreetly

Breastfeed

Although you are under no obligation to hide the fact that you are breastfeeding when in a public place, some women prefer to learn how to breastfeed more discreetly for their own comfort and wellbeing.

If this is the case for you, but you are unsure how to go about breastfeeding without drawing attention to yourself, the below blog is exactly what you need.

From what to wear to seeking out baby-feeding rooms to knowing your rights as a breastfeeding mom, keep reading to find out how you can breastfeed in public as stress-free as possible. 

Practice at home first

If you are new to breastfeeding, you may want to practice from the comfort of your own home before you start breastfeeding in public. This will ensure that both you and your baby are as comfortable as possible, and it will help you determine how you prefer to feed. 

Once you feel a little more secure, you might want to try feeding at a mom and baby group or a breastfeeding-friendly cafe to gain even more confidence. 

Invest in nursing wear

When it comes to breastfeeding discreetly in public, you need to ensure that you are wearing the right clothing. Most notably, you need a nursing bra that will allow you to easily feed your baby without having to expose your entire breast. 

If you don’t want to spend money on further nursing clothing, you can simply layer two tops on each other to create the same effect. Wrap-around cardigans and tops with side openings or zips are also great options. 

Try a breastfeeding cover

If you want complete privacy when breastfeeding, a breastfeeding cover from a leading retailer such as Bibado is the perfect solution. With many different styles to choose from, including simple shawls and more elaborate aprons, you can find the perfect cover-up for you and your baby. 

These can also be used when you have your baby in a carrier, allowing you to feed and walk with complete discretion. 

Find out where your nearest baby-feeding rooms are

For enhanced peace of mind, it can be a good idea to carry out some research before you head to somewhere like a shopping mall or department store so that you know where the nearest baby-feeding rooms are. Not only are these more comfortable with chairs and sometimes even refreshments, but they also provide you with a quiet and peaceful place to feed, which can be a lifesaver for new moms.

Know your legal rights

It is legal to breastfeed in public in all 50 states of the United States. Furthermore, if you are working while breastfeeding, your employer must provide you with breaks to pump, although this is not legally required to be paid. 

You may want to carry a copy of your state’s nursing law in your diaper bag so that if you are ever stopped or questioned, you can simply show this and carry on with feeding your baby. Although, of course, you do not have to do this.