Tips for Breastfeeding in Public
by Kelly Gough, Nuvo Maternity
Even though breastfeeding education has come along way many mums still feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public due to a perception that it is unacceptable. New mums can also feel a bit self-conscious about feeding in front of others and it is one of the reasons the women stop breastfeeding early.
 
However with a few tips and clever tricks, breastfeeding in public is possible and no longer a reason to feel stuck at home with your baby.
 
It’s a wrap
A large muslin wrap, shawl or baby blanket wrapped around your shoulder and back is an easy way to give you more privacy while breastfeeding. It’s easy, portable and will keep baby nice and cosy, especially in winter.
 
Breastfeeding Clothes
Breastfeeding clothes – also known as nursing wear – really have come a long way and are fantastic for discreet feeding in public. With clever built-in nursing access you can quickly latch baby on without anyone noticing or having your breasts on display. Breastfeeding tops today look like the latest fashion, so they help you to look and feel good as well.
 
Baby Slings and carriers
Many baby slings allow you to carry your baby and also breastfeed your baby at the same time without anyone even knowing. Make sure you wear clothing that allows you easy feeding access for your baby.
 
Nursing Rooms 
Many large shopping centres and public places offer modern and comfortable parenting rooms that allow you to breastfeed your baby with privacy and a little quiet too. This can be great if you are a new mum and a bit self-conscious as a bit of space allows you to concentrate. Can also be handy if you have a toddler to manage as some have playpens to keep bigger brothers and sisters amused.
 
Plan ahead
If possible try to plan ahead and give a feed just before leaving on an outing or going shopping so you can limit the number of feeds while you are out.
 
As you can see with a bit of practise breastfeeding in public is possible and also convenient, as you don’t have to carry or heat up bottles. With more women breastfeeding in public it will also become more socially acceptable and viewed as a normal part of mothering.
 
Combining Work and Breastfeeding
by Kelly Gough, Nuvo Maternity
New mums returning to work in the first year of their baby’s life are often faced with the dilemma of combining breastfeeding and work. It is one of the most common reasons why women stop breastfeeding and make the switch to formula.
 
Although it can be a challenge, work and breastfeeding need not be mutually exclusive and with a few tips the transition back to work can be made easier.
 
Get pumping
It is worth investing in a quality electric breast pump particularly if you are returning to work on a full time basis. A good breast pump will allow you to quickly express enough milk for your baby and keep up your milk supply during missed feeds while working.
 
Be prepared
Make sure you start practising using the pump at least 2 weeks, ideally a month, before you return to work so you feel comfortable and get used to using it. You can then practise feeding your baby the expressed milk in a bottle or get Dad to help with feeds, so your baby gets used to taking feeds from someone else.
 
You may need to preserve with the bottle particularly if your baby is six months or older as they can refuse it to start with. I know when I returned to work when my youngest son Will was 7 months old, I switched straight to a cup as he refused a bottle.
 
Stock up
Start freezing and storing your expressed milk so you have a good supply built up for returning to work. Some people find it difficult to express large amounts of milk in one session, so it is important to start about a month before you return to work.
 
A good tip is to freeze milk in an ice cube tray (Tupperware ones are great with the lids) and then you have a ready supply to defrost so you don’t waste any!
 
You will soon have a good supply on hand when you express during missed feeds at work.
 
See the boss
It is a good idea to speak to your employer about your intentions to continue breastfeeding and express milk at work, as you will need a suitable area to breastfeed that is clean, private and hygienic. You can then negotiate a suitable arrangement for milk breaks and remember that there is legislation in place that protects you from discrimination.
 
You will also need a fridge to store your expressed breast milk or an appropriate freezer bag with icepacks. Remember to label your milk so it isn’t used in the morning coffee!
 
Dress for success
You will need to wear clothing that will allow you to express quickly and easily. This is where breastfeeding clothes are fantastic as they allow you to discreetly express at work. Many pieces such as nursing tanks can be easily combined with your existing wardrobe and look great under jackets. No one will ever know. Make sure you wear breast pads to stop any unsightly leaks! See our Fresh Mums and Top Secret designs, which are perfect for work. 
 
Do your best
Try and persevere if you can because the benefits to you and your baby are worth it. But please remember you can only do your best and some women are unable to express large quantities of milk or lack support to do so. Remember you can use formula during work hours if necessary and then breastfeed as much as you can outside of work hours.
 
Why Breastfeeding Clothes?
by Kelly Gough, Nuvo Maternity
A common question from first time pregnant mums is do I really need breastfeeding clothes? Why? It’s a bit like chocolate, you don’t actually need it, but once you had some, you can’t be without it! I discovered nursing wear after the birth of my second son and I can’t believe how I ever managed before with my first son two years prior. I now realise I spent a lot of time hidden away in mother’s rooms and away from the action. Specially designed breastfeeding clothes really can make your easier in the following ways:
 
No more exposed belly!
Like many first time mums I was very self-conscious about breastfeeding in public and definitely didn’t want to share my stretch marks and saggy tummy with the world! With regular clothes you need to undo buttons or pull up your clothing to feed your baby. Nursing wear has specially designed hidden nursing openings that allow you to easily feed discreetly without all your bits on display.
 
Breastfeeding in public
Many breastfeeding tops today look like the latest fashion and allow you to breastfeed in public without anyone knowing. I found them fantastic when I was out with friends for coffee or lunch because I could breastfeed at the table without anyone knowing and no longer did I need to miss out the gossip because I had to find a mother’s room. For people who weren’t mums or parents it also made them feel comfortable as you really can’t see anything at all.
 
Keep you warm in winter
There is nothing worse than a cold belly and back in the middle of winter when you are breastfeeding, particularly at night. I loved the fact I could keep covered and warm in my breastfeeding clothes while nursing – especially at 2am in the morning!
 
Special Occasions
No longer are you stuck with oversized button-up tops for those special occasions such as weddings and christenings. Today’s contemporary nursing wear also includes dresses, which is fantastic for when you want to wear something nice and feel like a person again! The best thing is no one will ever know you are wearing breastfeeding clothes and you won’t feel uncomfortable having to feed in front of others which you often have to do in restaurants, churches, etc.
 
Feel Great
After the birth of a baby you can often feel a little down and frumpy as you old clothes still don’t fit and you are sick of your maternity clothes. Nursing wear is designed for the post-baby shape and will see you through the first 12 months or longer of your baby’s life. It really does lift your spirits having something nice to wear which is also practical.
 
Besides you can afford to spoil yourself when you think of all the money you save by breastfeeding and not having to buy formula, bottles and cleaning equipment. You definitely deserve it!
 
 
 
 
 
 

gillygirl :: Apr.01.2007 :: Uncategorized ::