Chest/Breastfeeding in Public… Stay Calm and Nurse On

November 23, 2022 Infant

Moms and babies both benefit from human milk. However, previous generations bottle-fed their babies, so many people have never seen someone chest/breastfeeding. Even your friends may have never seen a nursing mom. That’s one reason that nursing in public has a degree of “shock value”. Some even think chest/breastfeeding is a private activity that should be done behind closed doors (or in bathroom stalls.) On-the-go moms need to feed their babies “on-demand” — wherever, whenever! If you are shy or easily embarrassed, know that there are ways to chest/breastfeed discreetly.

Tips for chest/breastfeeding in public:

First, remember that nursing in public will quickly become “normal”. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.
Don’t panic in the early days. Take each day as it comes, even if you feel you need to cover up more now, this may change as you gain confidence.
Practice feeding at home in front of a full-length mirror. Feeding in front of a mirror gives a better idea of the view others get when you are nursing.
Practice a few times in a place you feel comfortable — perhaps a quiet park, friendly library, café, the food court or on a bus next to a window.
Choose an easy-access bra. Many mothers find a sports bra or a tube top works well for them; rather than having to undo a snap or other fastening, they can simply pull the cup of the bra down under their chest/breast to feed the baby. A zippered sports bra may also provide easy access. If you are using a nursing bra where you need to lower the cup, practice undoing it one-handed at home so you are confident about doing it out in public. Check with your local WIC program, as some provide nursing bras for exclusively chest/breastfeeding moms.
Smile if you notice someone glancing in your direction as you feed your baby. If you show your confidence with a friendly smile, you may defuse the situation.
Leave. If you are feeling upset or bullied, you may want to just leave. Just know you have done nothing wrong.

Discreet Chest/Breastfeeding Positions to Use in Public

Create your own “privacy zone” by trying different positions. You must practice different positions in order to know which positions are best for feeding without showing too much. A good position to start with is the cradle position. Mothers sometimes feel more exposed if they use a hold such as the clutch/ruby/football hold, because the breast is not hidden by baby’s head. If that position works for you and baby, try changing it to an upright “V-Clutch hold”, which works even better for some moms.

Position yourself for privacy

Hold baby’s head close to you so they’re blocking your chest/breast, then lift your outer shirt up and unhook the fastener of the nursing bra or tank top. The undershirt can stay tucked in so you don’t have to expose your chest/breast or your belly, while just enough is free to latch onto. Afterwards, fasten your bra and pull your shirt down. Switching sides? Position your shirt as if you’re closing up shop, reposition baby and start feeding.

Ways to cover up while nursing

If you feel self-conscious and are sensitive to how you are seen by others try the following:
Experiment with different clothing such as specific clothes made for nursing.
Wear a stretchy vest top that can be pulled down at one side to feed, with an open shirt / cardigan over the top.
Use a Baby carrier, sling, or wrap. Using them to carry baby gives you some hands-free time, and helps to sooth a fussy infant.
A blanket, burp cloth, scarf, shawl and other baby covers can all work well if you just want a little extra coverage while baby is latching.

Know the Law

Chest/Breastfeeding in public is legal. In the United States, laws about breastfeeding vary from state to state; a federal law only applies to federal government properties such as post offices and national parks.

All 50 States have passed laws that either allow women to chest/breastfeed in public, or protects them from prosecution for indecent exposure. For more information on your state chest/breastfeeding laws, see the National Conference of State Legislatures, www.NCSL.org.

“Try layering; like a tank top and long sleeve shirt.”

– KELSEY

“Once my husband realized how good it was for us, he was all for it!”

– PAOLA

“Knowing about public breastfeeding laws in my state made me feel confident.”

– JACKIE

“At first I was nervous that people would be judgmental and rude if they somehow realized what I was doing. So, when I actually received a few smiling nods and even a compliment while nursing in public I was on cloud nine.”

– SHAY