What do you do?

lightninglarose

When going out (dinner or shopping) and you are bringing frozen breast milk with you do you unfreeze it before you leave. Leave it frozen in diaper bag and unfreeze it when you need it? I'm just not sure how to go about doing this. We are going to a family dinner tonight and I have yet to ever feed in public. This resturant isn't the best place to start as it's always very crowded (I'm not sure how I'll feel about doing it). Any advice helps. If only I had some magic guide to figuring all these things out as a new mom. Thank goodness for this forum and all you wonderful ladies to share

CLLDLL

Honestly, I think you should try NIP. The first time I NIP'ed was at the zoo.  It was crazy busy that day & there was no where private to go.  I had to get over my fear.  I just turned my chair around so I was partially blocked by a tree & went for it.  It was fine.  I think only one person actually realized what I was doing & he walked away quickly.  Now I'm a pro! 

If you really don't feel comfortable doing it, I would leave the milk frozen.  Put it in a ziploc bag, that way if the BM storage bag has a hole it won't leak all over your diaper bag.  If you are only going to be gone a few hours, start thawing it in the fridge and then just leave the frozen milk in your diaper bag & let it finish thawing while you are out.  If you're going to be gone longer before baby eats then maybe bring an ice pack so it thaws more slowly.  IME, it usually takes 4-6 oz. around 4 hours to thaw at room temperature.  

lightninglarose

Did you use a cover? I have yet to buy one and think kin to go get one today. I want to start NIP now that the seasons will change and like you said zoo trips. Thanks for your input you are right I need to just jump in there!

Chichigo

I don't pump, so I don't have much advice in that area. I can share my first nursing in public story.

My husband and I met friends for dinner on Friday night-what were we thinking?! We lucked into a booth in the corner, and I sat with my back to the entrance. The only people I would have potentially flashed were my friends, all BF friendly. I don't own a cover, but covered both myself and baby with an Aiden and Anais blanket while latching. I basically wrapped it around baby, then used it to cover the top of my breast once he was latched(his head didnt stay covered). 

I also wore an oversized cardigan to help the skin exposure to a minimum. I was anxious, but comforted by knowing my state laws regarding nursing in public. In IL, you are not required to cover in a public place (only houses of worship have an exception).

redhead610

Depending on when you are going out, you could pump a bottle right before you go and bring it with you, then it will replace the feed. It would stay good at room temp long enough. Otherwise, I would start to thawa frozen one before you go if you're sure you'll need to feed while you're out.

VitaLuna

Before I was comfortable NIP, I would just go out to the car. Especially in a large gathering/dinner, no one minds if you excuse yourself to feed baby.

I've NIP a few times now. What actually helped me was seeing a friend doing it and realizing that you really can't see anything at all once baby is latched on, even without a cover. I wear a spaghetti strap under my regular shirt, pull the shirt up, cami and bra down, and once she's latched you can't see any skin.

taraleanne

redhead610 said:

Depending on when you are going out, you could pump a bottle right before you go and bring it with you, then it will replace the feed. It would stay good at room temp long enough. Otherwise, I would start to thawa frozen one before you go if you're sure you'll need to feed while you're out.

This or NIP. I have also defrosted and prepared a bottle at home and then let it sit at room temperature for an hour or two before I actually give it to him. This was when he was at the distracting age and wouldn't NIP, even with a cover. 

CLLDLL

I use something like this, that I just use to cover up a bit to be more modest.  https://www.target.com/p/mossimo-women-s-plus-size-faux-leather-cardigan-sweater-black/-/A-14714900#prodSlot=large_2_11

I had a cover that worked ok the first few months.  Then DS got too curious & hated using the cover.  We actually cause more of a scene with it than without.

cinderin

Ds and I both enjoy nursing in the car. I keep a pillow in the back seat and it is very comfortable. DS is a wiggler so it would be hard to nurse him at a table (jmo). So another vote for nursing in the car.

jllmb79

CLLDLL said:

Honestly, I think you should try NIP. The first time I NIP'ed was at the zoo.  It was crazy busy that day & there was no where private to go.  I had to get over my fear.  I just turned my chair around so I was partially blocked by a tree & went for it.  It was fine.  I think only one person actually realized what I was doing & he walked away quickly.  Now I'm a pro! 

If you really don't feel comfortable doing it, I would leave the milk frozen.  Put it in a ziploc bag, that way if the BM storage bag has a hole it won't leak all over your diaper bag.  If you are only going to be gone a few hours, start thawing it in the fridge and then just leave the frozen milk in your diaper bag & let it finish thawing while you are out.  If you're going to be gone longer before baby eats then maybe bring an ice pack so it thaws more slowly.  IME, it usually takes 4-6 oz. around 4 hours to thaw at room temperature.  

Funny my 1st time NIP was at the Zoo too   I still don't feel that comfortable since I have an over active letdown and my DD's would pop off.  Now at 10 months DD#2 pops off to see what she is missing.

OP when I would go out and use frozen I would thaw it out at home so it was ready to go.  I didn't want to have to possibly deal with an unhappy baby waiting for her milk.

AnnaR29

My first nip was on mothers day. Brunch with my parents and nephew in a busy restaurant. I wasn't ready so I pumped before we left and brought that milk with me. When we got to the restaurant I nursed in the car before we went in. Didn't even need the bottle. I have no problem nip but I had to do it on my terms when I was ready. I could never figure out how to use the cover but I love my A&A blankets.  Good luck and have fun.

Kbrittonhart

I take frozen bags and empty bottles to restaurants and ask for a cup of warm water. I use that to thaw it then bottle feed. If it's semi-public (family/friend house, road trip, etc.) I feed from breast but have frozen milk in a small cooler just in case.