In my early days of feeding in public, I used to find it hard. Fumbling under a cover of some kind trying to latch baby on was a nightmare. This was especially bad in the early days when I was still sore due to various latch issues that I had. Trying to not scream out in pain and frustration, along with being panicked about the reaction of strangers......it's not easy.
I might be lighthearted in this blog about feeding in public, but then I have been doing it for nearly 3 years. I have come a long, long, long way from that nervous new mum. So here's a tip -
When you have to face that hurdle of feeding outside for the first time, do it with a friend. If possible, do it with somebody who is already breastfeeding as some moral support. However if (like me) you don't know anyone that fits that bill, just take somebody you feel happy with. Somebody who can be a distraction for you and who you know will turn into a fearsome tiger if anybody dares to raise an eyebrow in your direction. A chaperon, a knight in shining armour. It will also make you less obvious, more transparent, to passers by.
I may have been in this situation for a while, but I have still enlisted friends to throw something over me when baby pulls away and exposes my breast completely. Or just to keep me company so I'm not so bored! Since having a baby I have needed my friends more than ever before and they ave become like gold to me.
Oh, and if you know a breastfeeding mum - offer to be that friend. The one who keeps her company, or does little helpful jobs for her. She needs you, she may just be too polite to ask.
Have you checked out these blogs yet?
www.themummyadventure.com
www.thesecretlifeofkate.co.uk
www.methemanandthebaby.co.uk
www.circusqueen.co.uk
www.petitmum.co.uk
Hop on over to the website of Eco Rainbow as well to look at their lovely stuff! I am slightly in love with their 'cat in the hat' breast pads. Use discount code 'BREAST' for 15% off
Good luck on the hunt xx
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My husband has been brilliant he could have complained at not getting to feed our child or objected to the amount of time feeding has lasted but he didn't.
ReplyDeletethe best support i had was from my mil
ReplyDeleteexcept for the midwife and health visitor I had no support so I trained to be a peer supporter in my town
ReplyDeleteMy breastfeeding supporter/s have to be the ladies on babycentreUK. Without their help, I would definitely have been formula feeding almost from birth as my baby wouldn't latch. 14 weeks of pumping later, and he surprised us all.
ReplyDeleteHe has now been breastfeeding for almost a year (he's 15 months) with no sign of stopping soon (how it should be).
I am now training to be a bfps so I can help others. Yay!
My support was my hubby, he was pretty good at it as well x
ReplyDeleteA lovely post on the practical help that can be offered!
ReplyDeletemy biggest supporter is my OH who saw me through the early nights with baby no 1 when we struggled with latch issues, and ended up referred back to the hospital for a feeding plan which involved a very difficult schedule of expressing and topping up. he also understands how important breastfeeding is for both mine and our childrens health.
But I also have a community of women friends who have breastfed/are breastfeeding and its their support that gets me through the ups and downs.
mine are my boyfriend and the pink ladies, they helped me so much during the early days of feeding :)
ReplyDeleteBiggest support is my friend Kate (who's son is 4 months older than my DD) and my OH.
ReplyDeleteMine was the lactation consultant who diagnosed my daughter's tongue tie.
ReplyDeleteErin and Lisa. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe breastfeeding support councillor at the birthing centre
ReplyDeleteMy husband has been my greatest supporter.
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend,bless 'im!
ReplyDelete@LaaMoii
My husband
ReplyDeleteMy supporters are my husband, my parents, my in-laws and now my three year old daughter. I am lucky.
ReplyDelete