Blog Reviews Online

Public breastfeeding as a new mum can be daunting, but here are some helpful tips.

Wear suitable clothing: a loose fitting top which is short enough that you don’t sit on it is fine. It needs to be loose enough that you can easily lift it, and that it doesn’t hitch up all the way round. Alternatively, breastfeeding tops are designed so that you can get feeding access without lifting your top. These are ideal if you want to wear a fitted or long top. Fashions vary, but the better ones are cut to flatter the New Mum shape – bigger around the boob and clingy around the tummy.

A long wide scarf or a pashmina can also be a useful helpas you latch baby on if you want to hide yourself from neighbours. Make sure you pack one in your baby changing bags.

And of course, don’t forget underwear! Maternity underwear is a must, you need to be able to unclip quickly, and get something that fits comfortably. Try ordering a few designs in a few different sizes. Try them all on, jiggle about and keep only those that really fit and feel comfortable.

Try to anticipate when baby is hungry, don’t wait for him to be screaming. Lots of babies will have little signs that they’re hungry before they start shouting the place down and drawing everyone’s attention to themselves and Mum. You’ll soon get to know the signs, and when you see them find a good spot and get him attached!

If on the other hand you have baby like my first who would go from sleeping angel to hungry devil in a few seconds, the best you can do is have an idea of when he’s likely to be hungry and prepare yourself. My little one was such a heavy sleeper I sometimes got him into place on my lap whilst still asleep, waited for him to wake up, then got him attached before he knew what had happened.

Find a good spot to stop: to begin with at least you’ll probably find it easiest to feed sitting in a straight backed chair, perhaps in a corner so you can see who’s around, and with a long glass of water to hand. Avoid hectic and busy places if you have a very inquisitive baby as he’ll be looking around (and trying to take your nipple with him) rather than concentrating on the job at hand. I like coffee shops, there’s always somewhere to sit, drink is on hand, and you have something to do (eat muffins!)