Nursing in Public

LSzwaya

Anyone have any tips? I have yet to overcome my fear of nursing in public.

MrsRebecca

I was SO scared to NIP but I have done it twice now very successfully! Part of my problem is that I am not comfortable nursing without covering myself and both DS and I hated the Hooter Hider.  I started using it occasionally at home and we both got used to it.

uofibabe

Only time I did was at the Pedi office and I figured the Dr. had seen enough body parts in his time that he shouldnt phase him ....I'm done breastfeeding - I dont think I could handle doing it in the mall or any place like that. Good luck!

PB&J1216

Practice practice practice!

Anna&Matt

I either do it in my car or pump and fill a bottle before we go out. I'm not comfortable NIP and LO has no issues going between breast and bottle.

MrsRebecca

Anna&Matt:

I either do it in my car or pump and fill a bottle before we go out. I'm not comfortable NIP and LO has no issues going between breast and bottle.

This is what I do when I know I'll be out for an extended period. I pump and bottle feed. I use the Tommee Tippee bottles and DS goes back and forth just fine.

itkatydid@gmail.com

use the moby or a nursing cover. You don't need a fancy one you can get one at Target for about $15 they are really helpful if you feel shy. I've done it a couple times and I don't have a problem with it. Someone told me that once you have done it it gets easier and they are right.

qtiekiki

I just cover up with a nursing cover.  But once DD get older, she didn't like being covered and would pull it out of the way.  So I use the family room or a dressing room.

fiftysixty

I just use a receiving blanket and tuck a corner under my bra strap. Works fine for me.

seanandcallie

The first time I NIP was at the mall and I nursed her in the moby using the cradle hold. The front part the you pull up hides everything and I was able to slip my hand in the side to unlatch my nursing tank. If i didn't have the tanks, I don't think I would be comfortable NIP since I would be self consious about my tummy and stretch marks showing. With the tank and the moby there is nothing to see, especially once Ella is latched cause she covers what skin is showing. My brother didn't even realize I was nursing and he was walking right next to me. Until he tried to peak in at her and I told him. He laughed and said, "I hope my future wife is as cool as you." That made me feel pretty awsome I have to admit. We also have a home-made hooter hider that someone from Sean's work made for me. I used that the other day at Steak N' Shake and when I had her in the moby but I was baby sitting and little kids have no sense of space and I didn't want my boob to fall out when they came crawling on/around me.

diana.filipi

I do it all the time.  DD was less than 2 weeks my first time and I had a girlfriend with me.  That kinda helped.  Also, I nurse at home without any special stuff like a boppy or breast friend.  That way I don't need it while out. 

While I'm NIP I don't make eye contact with a whole lot of people. I'm not hiding I'm just not inviting attention.  I do not cover myself or my DD.  Today I bf while walking through the mall (a first for me to be able to walk and bf at the same time .

susanlovestexas

I have NIP'd almost everywhere you can think of!  I think it's sooooo much easier than pumping and using a bottle.  If I'm in a store that has dressing rooms I usually use that so I don't have to cover up.  LO eats a little better if her head's not covered.  Otherwise, I always use my Hooter Hider.  I love it.  Most people don't even realize that I am nursing.  I even nurse while I am walking around and shopping if I am in a hurry or not in the mood to sit. 

Like a PP said, nursing tanks are great to keep your back from hanging out.  The nursing cover will keep the tummy covered, but without a nursing tank, my love handles hang out in the back.  Not cute!  Or if you have a low cut shirt, you can just scoop your boob right out of the top of it. 

nikll34

I'm a pretty open person and have no issues with NIP. Both my family and DH's are all really open too so I'm used to it. I just whip it out and nurse. I don't care. It's such a natural thing to me. In public though I cover with a blanket or whatever so I don't creep out other people. I could care less if people saw my boobs, but I know some people freak out if they see one.

diana.filipi

I've been thinking about this post. The biggest piece of advice is to know that there's nothing wrong with what you're doing.  It seems to me there is an undercurrent from a lot of moms that are weirded out about about NIP that there is something fundamentally wrong/bad about nursing. 

grapeape73

I do it all the time and it really doesn't bother me.  I use a Hooter Hider or a nursing shawl and it covers anything.  I do make sure to have something on that I can pull down instead of having to pull my shirt up and expose my belly. 

shopgirl78

I don't have a problem with NIP however it is very hard to do so when you also have a toddler with you and they are not contained.  

LSzwaya

I definitely don't think there is anything wrong with NIP at all. I am just a little bit perturbed about how to get DS to latch on without giving everyone a sneak peak at my nipples. I am concerned more about the logistics!

jennstacy

I loooove my Hooter Hider.  I totally thought it was a waste of money because with my first daughter I just used a blanket...the Hooter Hider is way better and worth the money.  You can look down through the top and help with latch if needed..you can also look at your LO while they are nursing.  It totally covers you up and I would highly recommend it.  I understand what you are saying...it can be stressful, but I agree with pp it does take lots and lots of practice for you and baby.  It will get easier and Lo gets older.