STM's- tell me if I'm just being naive

botbot · February 2014

AlexaWinston said:

So...on the subject of nursing covers. I'm not really interested in one or a scarf or what have you because I honestly just don't see myself nursing in public. It's not that I think it's weird, I have no problem at all seeing women doing it. And I totally agree that it's a beautiful natural thing. However, I just don't see myself being comfortable enough to go there. I figure if my daughter is hungry in a public setting I would just have a bottle made that I pumped, or excuse myself to my car or a restroom. Is this completely naive and crazy? Are there any moms that said this same thing and then found themselves nursing in public like it was nothing?

I felt just like you at first. Then I started having a lot of trouble with supply, mastitis, pumping being much more of a pain than I thought it would be, and DS being a lazy latcher. After researching all the things I could do to help with the issues I was having- the one thing I kept coming across was that you should have your child at your breast as much as possible to help with supply.

Of course there are those amazing moms who EP, and it is possible, but I really think if you're able to figure out a way to "suck it up" (that sounds harsh- but for lack of a better term...) and figure out how to be comfortable with NIP- you'll have a much easier time in public. You won't have to warm up a bottle. If baby starts to cry, you can just shove them a boob. Oh- and you won't find a dirty empty bottle that you forgot about in your diaper bag two days later (so gross).

I totally don't think you're crazy- as I felt the same way. I was uncomfortable around male relatives as well (my dad, FIL, BIL, cousins, uncles, etc.) I feel like once I overcame that hurdle, NIP was almost easier.

And actually- it was easier as he was a newborn - I nursed him til 18 months, and boy did some of those later months get squirmy!

Good luck~!

NortyLeigh · February 2014

I never BF my son in public. I pumped and gave him a bottle. I don't care if other people do it, but I was never comfortable doing it.

DEL14 · February 2014

I got a nursing cover that matches my car seat cover (because I'm a big nerd like that). I think a blanket would work fine too but I didn't want to wait and not have the option of a matching cover, lol. I know I will have to nurse in public because I'm taking baby to work with me and we do house calls all day. I plan to nurse in my car before going in but still want some coverage as the houses are right on the street. Can't hurt to have. Nursing in public scares me but I figure it's because breast feeding in general is scary to me because I haven't done it yet.