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How to make breastfeeding in public easier for mom and baby

Tips to make breastfeeding in Public easier

This post is sponsored by Kindred Bravely. I reached out to them after my long standing love for their nursing bras in hopes we could partner together to spread the word on how to make breastfeeding easier in public for nursing mamas. 

As I anticipated the birth of my first daughter, breastfeeding in public was a pretty big concern for me. I worried that I would become clumsy under the  pressure of a feeding baby and multiple tasks that need to be completed…and I would basically just end up with my breast hanging out and a flailing screaming baby in my arms with dozens of eye peering towards me.

Luckily, that nightmare moment has not come true. In the past 21 months, I’ve been a breastfeeding mama for 17 of them. This has given me plenty of opportunities so refine my public nursing skills. I’ve realized it doesn’t have to be scary and with the right tools, it can actually be very simple!

#1. Easy Access

Hand down, the number one must-have for easy breastfeeding in public is ease of access to your breasts.  The easier you can get baby to breast, the smoother things will run.

This starts with your clothing. Don’t wear a high neck dress out to lunch when you know you will need to feed baby. You’ll be left in a very difficult situation.  Wear shirts that can easily be lifted up or pulled down.

There are a ton of options out there for cute nursing clothes. Have at least 1 nursing tank top on hand in a common color (black or white). This will give you a go-to base for any time you are putting together an outfit where you know you will be breastfeeding in public. Kindred Bravely actually makes their Simply Sublime nursing bra (photos of just the bra and reasons I love it below) in a tank top option, which also doubles as a maternity tank!

Nursing tank from Kindred Bravely

Photo courtesy of Kindred Bravely

I’ve come to depend on a little black nursing dress from Kindred Bravely as my go-to outfit. It’s technically a night gown, but as you can see, it doesn’t scream night time wear at all. This can also double as a maternity dress too!

Tips to make breastfeeding in public easier. Little black nursing dress from Kindred Bravely.

Next, you’ll need to ensure you have an easy time unhooking your bra to get baby latched and eating. If you’ve read the posts on what I’ve packed in my hospital bags (both with baby #1 and baby #2) you know I have sworn by the Kindred Bravely nursing bras for close to 2 years now.

The Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Nursing Bra

My first Kindred Bravely was the French Terry Racerback.  While it is technically a sleep bra, I wear it at just about any hour. It has an extremely wide band under my breasts that keeps it from riding up. The wide band also sits smoothly on my back and doesn’t cause any unsightly bulging.

As I mentioned, I have had this bra for close to two years now. It has been through the wash more times than I can count and has held up great.

My newest Kindred Bravely obsession is the Simply Sublime nursing bra. It has a little more structure to it and looks great under just about every shirt I have worn it with. Again, the band on this bra makes it so comfortable.

Biggest lesson I have learned when it comes to picking my nursing bras… they are not all created equally. You get what you pay for in terms of support, comfort and longevity. If you plan to breastfeed for even just a small amount of time, it’s a wise investment to go with a highly reputable and well reviewed brand. You can read more about what other mamas have to say about Kindred Bravely in their Amazon shop here!

#2. Scout out your location

Anytime Jay and I go out to lunch or dinner and I know a breastfeeding session will take place, I am very strategic about where we sit.

I will often tell the hostess that I plan to breastfeeding during the meal and a booth would be preferred if available. I have just found it is much easier and comfortable for me then to be at a table in the middle of a room.

I also prefer a booth because it is easy to keep my diaper bag within an easy reaching distance for nursing covers, burp clothes, etc and it provides much more back support than a chair.

#3 Watch for early hunger cues

As you already know, getting a VERY hungry baby to latch on, even at home, can be difficult.  Try to watch for the early hunger cues with your baby to start the feeding process before they become overly hungry.

Sucking on their fingers or fist, turning their head sideways or rooting on anything that comes near their mouth can be an indicator that baby is getting hungry.

Keep an eye on the clock too. If your lunch date with your Mother-in-law is planned for 12 and baby last ate at 9, you may want to attempt to feed before your food come or maybe even before you arrive at the restaurant.

#4. OPTIOnal: Breastfeeding Cover

Covering yourself while breastfeeding in public is totally optional. It is illegal for a place of business to ask a woman to cover up or leave for breastfeeding. Seriously, 49 states have laws in place that allow women to breastfeed in any private or public locations (Idaho needs to jump on this bandwagon, stat)

However, if you choose to cover up, here’s a few things that might make it easier.

As baby gets older, they will get squirmier. I like to use a cover that goes around my body, not one that just lays over baby and can easily be pulled off.

Also, be sure to select something that is VERY lightweight. It can quickly become hot under the cover if the material is too heavy.

Well mamas, I hope this post has given you some useful tips and confidence to feed your baby wherever they get hungry!


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