frustrated. . NIP

sweet*18 · March 2014

DS2 is 3 weeks old and we are finally getting somewhat efficient at breastfeeding. I haven't left the house much because it's been so cold but I really want to go out for supper or something soon.

So here's my dilemma, I'm so nervous about nursing in public. What if he doesn't latch or freaks out because of the cover? I'm not sure I'm ready for the nasty looks/comments from people either.

Any advice on nursing in public? How did you get comfortable with it? When did you first do it?

I have support to breastfeed but little support from friends/family about nursing in public. My view is if he was ff like my other 2 kids, feeding him in public wouldn't be an issue. TIA

Chichigo · March 2014

Relax! It's not as bad as you think! I have nursed my baby at church, restaurants, and while walking around Target. No one has ever said anything to me or given me the stink eye (that I noticed). People sitting at our table didn't even realize what was happening on one occasion.

My biggest problem has been table height. I'm short and sometimes have a hard time positioning LO in a crowded space. I don't fully cover, but use a scarf or blanket tucked into my bra strap to cover most of my boob. Wearing hm in a sling helps a lot, too.

I don't remember when our first experience with NIP was, but probably around a month. I find it helpful to attend breastfeeding support groups because nursing around other nursing moms helps me feel more comfortable.

Whitterpow · March 2014

Just do it. It's awkward at first, but the more you do it the more comfortable you'll get.

JennOH85 · March 2014

It's not nearly as bad as I thought it would be and I have yet to get a single nasty look/comment and I only cover with a scarf. I just go about business as usual and have found that if I treat it like no big deal, other people treat it that way too.

If I know I'm going to NIP, I wear a nursing tank with a cardigan or T-shirt and unbutton the cardigan or pull up the Tshirt so I'm really not showing any skin. I just had to fake the confidence until I really had it. I refuse to nurse in a public bathroom (gross!) and only nurse in the car if that's what is most convenient.

You can do it!

Lindsaym5! · March 2014

I found it intimidating to nip at first but was determined to do it. No one has ever given me a dirty look or said anything nasty to me. I think that's what I was most afraid of but if anything I've only had good experiences. I found I didn't like covering LO anyway so I do the whole layering clothes thing with no cover and it works for me! You can do it! Don't let anyone make you feel bad about it. You're just feeding your kid!

Chichigo · March 2014

Here we are having dinner at a buffet. The ice cream station was right behind me. LO was in my ring sling. This is the view from above (what anyone getting ice cream would see over my shoulder).

linzeek44 · March 2014

I've been NIP for 17 months. I've gotten one comment... and it was positive.

I prefer wearing a nursing tank and a cardigan. I pull down the top, latch him, and then can use the cardigan to sorta shield him. I sold my cover since I never used it. I felt like it brought attention to us nursing and otherwise it just looks like I'm holding my baby.

I got comfortable with it by being around other nursing mamas. My first few times nursing out of the house were at a breastfeeding support group. Then it was at playdates. Then it was when we all took our babies out to lunch. It made me feel better to not be the only one.

JJ1973 · March 2014

Others may disagree with this strategy, but was was helpful for me (psychologically) when I first did this was to bring a "back up plan" (bottle of expressed milk if you have even tried a bottle yet - I think my first NIP attempt was well after a month with my first born). I never had to use it, but I knew it was there if things went south and it became too embarrassing or frustrating. Like I said, it never did. Having a bottle just helped me feel secure that I would be able to feed my LO one way or another in public.

sarahandeddiejune212008 · March 2014

Most people won't even notice that you're nursing. I found the cover actually draws more attention than anything, but you have to do what makes you feel comfortable. Just practice at home so you can get lo latched quickly/discreetly. Nursing tanks are helpful to keep you covered as much as possible.

jesuisfatiguee · March 2014

Without reading previous replies…

I have not once gotten a negative comment or nasty glare from someone while NIP. In fact, I've actually gotten positive comments (still perhaps a little awkward at first).

NIP is just a little awkward at first just like most new-mom things are. It's just a big adjustment, but you do get the hang of it before long. Just keep doing it, keep practicing, and know that you're not doing anything wrong.

lilies&orchids · March 2014

I think I first did it when my son was about 5 weeks old at a BF support group. I don't NIP too often and I'm always covered, but LO is now 7 months old and I was recently brave enough to nurse in the carrier while walking around at a baseball game! I did end up ducking into the Family Room because I didn't feel too comfortable standing next to people while nursing, but that's just me. (At least I tried, right?!) I loved reading all of these stories, they are inspirational to me

I practiced in the carrier at home before NIP so that I could figure out the logistics. Otherwise I'm usually just covered up at a restaurant, but he doesn't love the cover now at this age.

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