Even though breastfeeding your baby is one of the
most natural functions possible, when it comes to
breast feeding in public there is constant debate
and everyone has their own opinion about this subject.
If you were a mother in Africa or Asia, no one would
give a second thought to the fact that you were breastfeeding
your baby in public. The problem arises in the Western
world where even though mothers are actively encouraged
to breast feed their babies as long as possible, they
are often made to feel uncomfortable when they have
to do so away from their homes.
Some interesting facts
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that
babies be exclusively breast fed (with no added water,
juice or other foods) for the first six months of
life. It supports breast feeding for the first year
and beyond as long as mother and child are willing.
The good news is that in the US, breast feeding has
reached its highest level in 20 years as approximately
77% of new mothers breast feed, at least briefly.
Several high profile news stories, where nursing
mothers have been asked to refrain from breast feeding
in public by over zealous officials, may also have
contributed to a changing culture that is now beginning
to accommodate nursing mothers. In recent times, many
protests have been mounted by breast feeding moms.
“Our society still does not recognize the functional
use of breasts,” says Karen Peters, executive
director of the Breast Feeding Task Force of Greater
Los Angels. “It only recognizes the sexual aspect”.
In a 2003 survey, 43% of those questioned said they
were comfortable with moms nursing in public, 30%
were not while the rest were undecided. 5 years later,
it is hoped that the 30% figure “against”
has decreased even further.
Tips for breast feeding your baby in public
But while the debate rages on, you still have a hungry
baby that needs to be fed wherever you happen to be
and that may take some planning on your part if you
are to feel comfortable about breast feeding in public.
If you are going to be out for a few hours, consider
how and where you will be able to nurse. And breast
feed your baby right before you leave home to give
yourself as long as possible before he gets hungry
again.
o Wear easy access clothing. You can even purchase
specialized nursing garments with slits and openings
hidden in a shirt or dress. You could try wearing
an old T-shirt underneath your normal clothing in
which you have previously cut openings. This means
that when you unbutton or pull up your normal clothing,
your body remains covered below. Use breast pads if
you are likely to have milk leakage.
o You may be able to temporarily distract your baby
from the urge to nurse by slipping your little finger
into his mouth to suck on while you find a quite place
to use for nursing.
o Find a comfortable corner if you are in a store
or mall. A good place to use is a fitting room but
of course ask first. If you are outside and you have
a stroller with you, then lock the wheels and use
it as a footrest. This will make you more comfortable
and will help to block you from public view.
o Try to breast feed your baby even before he gets
very hungry as crying babies attract attention to
both mother and baby. It also means that he will nurse
more calmly without pulling at your clothes. Have
a small soft toy with you that your baby can use to
occupy his hands while he nurses. There is even a
special nursing necklace available which is a string
of large, colorful and non toxic beads that your baby
can play with while breast feeding.
o Drape a light shirt or jacket over your shoulders
rather than using a blanket to cover yourself. Apart
from making you both hot, a blanket just draws attention
to you.
o Another way is to nurse your baby in a sling. If
you turn your baby’s body towards you and bring
up the padded rail to cover both of you, then it could
not be easier to feed your baby.
o Public restrooms are not always the best option
particularly if they are small. If you find one that
has a separate seating area, then it is fine. Large
department stores often have a ladies’ room
with a sitting area. Some restaurants have booths
rather than tables which makes it much easier for
a nursing mom and her baby. Staff are usually very
helpful in accommodating such requests.
Nursing in front of others can be intimidating and
even embarrassing to a new mom but with a little confidence,
some planning ahead, the right place and appropriate
clothing, it soon becomes an easy exercise.
A nursing mom’s rights
Please remember that if you are ever given a hard
time by anyone about nursing in public, stand up for
your rights. Legislation that helps breast feeding
mothers is spreading rapidly and in many states it
is now the law that women can nurse their babies anywhere
they want to. Your baby comes first and if he is hungry,
you need to keep him calm, quiet, happy and fed.
Breast feeding is the best gift that a mother can
give her baby. Don’t let anyone try to take
that gift away from your baby.
