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A mother asks: My baby is four weeks old and nursing is going well. However, I’ve got “cabin fever,” and really want to get out of the house. Since I’m nursing on demand, I’m worried about what to do if my baby needs to nurse when we’re out in public. I don’t want to stay home forever, but I’m not comfortable leaving the baby with a sitter nor do I want to interfere with nursing by introducing bottles when we’re away from home. You needn’t be a stay-at-home just because you’ve got a nursing baby. With a little practice you can learn how to nurse discreetly anywhere, anytime. In the early weeks at home you can practice inconspicuous nursing, with your partner or a supportive friend as an observer. With the baby cradled in your arms, concealing your midriff, pull up your shirt, unhook your nursing bra, and latch him on. Quickly position your shirt so that it nearly touches the areola—the brown area of your nipple. The baby’s head will cover the rest or your breast nicely. If you still feel exposed, cover the whole operation with a receiving blanket thrown over your shoulder. Later, when you feel more confident, you can do your unhooking and positioning by feel, without lifting your shirt until baby is safely latched on and concealing you. You’ll only need to turn your back for a few seconds to get into nursing position. Two-piece outfits are the most convenient for nursing mothers. Oversize shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts are also practical for breastfeeding. Most maternity stores now carry a full line of nursing fashions with cleverly concealed openings. Some catalog firms cater exclusively to nursing mothers’ fashions. Many consignment shops that carry maternity clothes often have bargain-priced nursing clothes as well. Most breastfeeding women prefer shirts or sweaters they can pull up rather than unbutton from the top. Also, fumbling with the hooks on a nursing bra can make discreet nursing more difficult. After the first few weeks postpartum, many women opt for the stretchy jogging bras which can be easily pulled down and up in a fraction of the time it takes to unhook and hook a conventional nursing bra. When out in public, think ahead, and scout out likely spots for the inevitable nursing break. Many department stores have women’s lounges with comfortable chairs, and all have empty dressing rooms. In a restaurant, ask to be seated in a booth or corner, away from the mainstream of traffic. At the beach or poolside use a beach towel for a cover-up. With a little practice, you’ll soon be nursing like a pro in almost any situation. To the casual observer, it will appear that your baby is merely sleeping in your arms. Supportive observers—such as someone who has enjoyed nursing herself, may be simply thinking, “What a lucky mother and baby!” And, if you still have doubts about nursing in public, think how much more disturbing it would be to others if your baby was crying to be fed instead of peacefully nursing. |
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