Nursing in public

[PrincessFiona]

Re: Nursing in public

Cheri,

Try not to worry about it....really. If you feel really uncomfortable, bring a big blanket. I think I have sometimes possibly seemed uncomforable around nursing women (even though I bf'd the first four) simply out of worry about looking uncomfortable and embarassing them. Sort of...trying to be so sensitive to their potential discomfort that I end up looking insensitive by looking away or something. Take care of you...take care of Adele and...just have fun!!!! I can't wait to hear about your trip. Have a GREAT time!

Kris

[Michele]

Re: Nursing in public

On the flights I've been on, I've chosen the aisle seat purposefully....in case I needed the extra room of the aisle...or if I've needed to walk Daegan up and down the aisle....of course that does mean more can see when I'm breastfeeding, but I couldn't imagine trying to maneuver him into position with out the added room of the aisle. :huh:

[Deebs]

Re: Nursing in public

I have nursed in public way too many times to even worry about it. With DD, I did get a nursing cape (just from Target) that is basically a very lightweight blanket that goes over mom's shoulders. Once she was on, I would actually pull it back because she hated being covered at all. At that point, all you could see is where baby met my clothing. I'm very large-chested, so the cape did help me feel comfortable unhooking and positioning my bra out of the way.

With DS, if I was worried about making sure the cape was packed, I'd probably forget something more important (like DD or DS ), so I've just gone without. The nursing prep is easier now that I've had tons of practice. I do love to nurse in the ladies' lounge at department stores, mostly because DD can run around in a confined space while I nurse and DS doesn't get as distracted as he does in a more public venue.

[GrayMatterWife]

Re: Nursing in public

From a legal point of view, the opportunity to discreetly NIP in protected almost everywhere...provided that it is genuinely public (that is, you can't show up at a private club, whip out the breast, and claim that you have a right to do it, if the club's policy is not to allow it). But in terms of restaurants, planes, malls, etc., this should not be an issue. Ordinances prohibiting public nudity are designed to prevent inappropriate displays of sexual expression, not to prevent biological nourishment of infants. You aren't being obscene or vulgar.

That being said, I'd advise: take the high road. Cover up as best you can, to ensure that you are accomodating the delicate sensitivities of any prudes. Try not to expose your nipple itself (because there is something about a nipple that sends some people into overdrive). If you take these precautions, you will be on solid ground if anyone complains. You are being discreet, appropriate, and considerate while attending to your child's (and YOUR) biological situation.

[houseelf]

Re: Nursing in public

I tried to use a nursing cape with both kids. At around six months, each of them were pulling back the drape to see what was happening while they ate. Oh well. I tried. :huh: I guess other people are going to have to be all hell-fired up because I could care less.

Kelly

[v-girl]

Re: Nursing in public

I nurse Kenny in public all the time. Honestly, I get more crap about it from my brother and BIL. My BIL actually asked me if I ever pumped and gave the baby a bottle. Yeah, 'cause I have so much freakin' free time.

[GrayMatterWife]

Re: Nursing in public

I nurse Kenny in public all the time. Honestly, I get more crap about it from my brother and BIL. My BIL actually asked me if I ever pumped and gave the baby a bottle. Yeah, 'cause I have so much freakin' free time.

The biggest headache I ever got was from my FIL--who is a PHYSICIAN. They showed up, unannounced, and I covered up to nurse, but he still turned completely ashen and looked like he was so embarrassed he was going to pass out.

[peggyfromwastate]

Re: Nursing in public

You want to see ashen! Try double football hold on twins... There's no way to cover up that action! I didn't do nursing in public with that, but for family get togethers, look out people! If you can't handle the show, go to another room!

Re: Nursing in public

I did it all the time. Some people staired, I just ignored them. But I swear by nursing tanks http://www.glamourmom.com . They cover your stomach while you pull a shirt up that is over it, or you can nurse it in alone. The bra is super comfy and a thousand times better made that that stuff at Target (or was 2 years ago). It covers most of your breast, so when you unclip only your nipple is exposed. I have heard some mom's breast didn't line up well with the nursing wholes, but by and large moms love them. They are pricey, but for a little extra coverage it's priceless IMO. I wore one alone, wore DD in her Bjorn belly position, and nursed her walking in the mall and no one new anything, even w/out a blanket! (she was little at the time, not that tall). Anyway, it made DH super uncomfortable, but for me it was no biggee, and I wasn't about to go into a bathroom stall!

I"m all for the power of the boob

[peggyfromwastate]

Re: Nursing in public

Thanks for the link Julie-- I have a stupid question about nursing bras, because I mentally blocked that phase from my life.

Do you get the size you were when you are in 3rd trimester? Or do you add a cup size? I honestly can not remember. And I misplaced my stash of bras.

[Auspicious]

Re: Nursing in public

Do you get the size you were when you are in 3rd trimester? Or do you add a cup size? I honestly can not remember. And I misplaced my stash of bras.

My cup size is the same nursing as it was third trimester. :huh:

If I were starting from scratch with nursing bras, I'd order one or two superstretchy "sleeping" nursing bra and/or tank to come home from the hospital in, then measure myself a few days after coming home and order online in the size it says to order based on the measurements. That's what I wish I'd done this time, anyway.

Re: Nursing in public

I wore mine straight home from the hospital. I ordered my proper size pregnant and the bra dealt fine with my full C almost D breast to full on porno boobs (probably somewhere close to FF...) that came when my breasts just got their milk. And it did fine when the girls went back down to DD then to D over the year. All I can say is they stretch well, and are very comfy. I also recommend http://www.bravadodesigns.com/ their bras stretch well w/the boobs too (up and down) and are also extremely soft on the skin, wash great too!

So... I'd order your size now, and as long as the top fits the waste and rib cage, would think on average it will deal just fine with breast influx, but that was just my experiance.

Also becareful not ordering an exact match just days after coming home from the hospital, your breasts are still very engorged and you are going to go down still some in the next month or so before you are at your norm nursing size, and then the girls change once again when your baby starts solids and nurses less. These two companies were great for changing breast sizes. I ordered the double plus size in the beginning from Bravado, then when I went down to a D ordered the plus style.

http://www.bravadodesigns.com/category.asp?ID=7

[Michele]

Re: Nursing in public

Mine were/are bigger than 3rd trimester...and I had a lot of extra fluid...so I went from a 36+ band back down to a 32 band...of course, I wear out bras quick so I replace them every 3 months anyway.

I order bras from (don't laugh) http://www.biggerbras.com I can order, try on and if it doesn't fit I can send it back (have to pay for shipping)....I can also usually get 10-15% OFF with coupon codes...so if you decide to order, PM me and I'll look for one.

[HouseofWool]

Re: Nursing in public

Sorry - I have to giggle and wonder if there is a special store for us gals who are not so well endowed. I hate buying bras that look they were designed for a 14 yo.

[peggyfromwastate]

Re: Nursing in public

When I was a 14 year old I was wearing a C-cup. I'm jealous of your problem!