Nursing in public was TOUGH! But I think the real life saver for me was having nursing tops...it was so nice not to have to expose my entire side. And I also tried to hit the fitting rooms when they were available- Airconditioned, private, and a place to sit down!

ethans_momma06 Oct. 29, 2009 at 2:16 PM

I guess it just never bothered me. I nursed everywhere, even at the cubscout meeting the other night.  My kids were just so eager to get their milk they barely let me get my breast out, let alone let it just hang there.  Honestly I can latch in half a second. 

If you are modest though, you can use a nursing cover if you want to.  But honestly I think they draw more attention to you.  I have seen women nurse with them and without.  To me the ones without look like they are snuggling a sleeping baby, women with the cover are more obviously nursing. 

Natsnumberthree Oct. 29, 2009 at 2:56 PM

It really didnt' bother me.  Where I live (Ontario) seeing a bf'ing mom in public is not that uncommon.  I never had anyone look twice at me.  With my first I had a nursing cover but it did more harm than good- he did not like to be covered up and would flail around with his free hand, drawing a lot more attention and flashing a lot more than if I just left him uncovered and pulled my shirt down to his head.

Freela Oct. 29, 2009 at 3:53 PM

I'm am sick to DEATH of hearing about breastfeeeding "discreetly" when the local high school girls show more breast than I ever will.  This week, I breastfed in front of a high school class while giving a talk.  Not one of them realized I was breastfeeding.  Those girls were showing more breasts than I have.

apexmommy Oct. 29, 2009 at 4:00 PM

It never bothers me to nurse in public.  I have had my own family be more rude about it than anyone in public.  I do think I am gettig good at it... I could do it about anywhere, I think!

Easiest places - the car parked someplace out of the way, a dressing room, and babies r us.

Hardest - in a booth (too small) in a restaurant, the mall where a creepy guy was lingering (how did he know??), and at any part my family throws (sad face)

science_spot Oct. 29, 2009 at 4:53 PM

I think it's really important for people to realize that you can very easily nurse discreetly without having to use a cover/blanket/shawl.

I know my daughter would never put up with be hidden under one, and we have happily breastfed all over the place - but nobody has seen anything more than the back of her head, and occasionally a bra strap.

I love seeing public nursing - it's very rare, and I always try to catch the mothers eye and smile.

ladysavage Oct. 31, 2009 at 9:29 AM

I don't know..seeing a friend nursing makes me a bit uncomfortable. I know that's my problem and I should probably just get over it, but why not just cover up?  I don't get i. I wore a cover while breast feeding and had a couple of boob designs. It was never an issue.

lltp Oct. 31, 2009 at 10:56 AM

Well, it's hot around here in the summer, so now I don't cover my baby's head.  They recommend you don't do it at night, not sure why you'd do it in the day.  And those tops are very lovely.  But at $75 for a T SHIRT I think you'll just have to deal with me not having one.

apexmommy Oct. 31, 2009 at 2:26 PM

I never really nursed out in public. I remember breastfeeding in nursing rooms at the mall, Babies R Us and the fair, as well as dressing rooms. I also nursed in the rest room at my college when my daughter was a week old, but there was a curtain and a cot. If I was nursing with friends or family in the room, I just covered up with a blanket. Most of the time though I just went to my bedroom and had some private quiet time with my daughter. If I get to have another one, I will get one of the nursing covers. I'm not big on nursing in public without covering up.

toriandgrace Oct. 31, 2009 at 6:43 PM

I prefered to nurse more privately even when in public.  I was more relaxed and so was the baby.  Usually I would just take her to the car- quiet, air conditioned if need be and no distractions. 

AVsMomEM Nov. 1, 2009 at 11:52 PM