Breastfeeding in Public Confidently: Tips, Tricks, Product Recommendations, and More

We're sharing all the tips to breastfeed in public confidently!

Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of motherhood for many. By breastfeeding in public, we can normalize it and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all mothers. Remember, that you have the right to breastfeed your baby wherever you are.

How to Breastfeed in Public:

Plan Ahead: Before heading out, choose your outfit wisely. Opt for clothing that allows easy access to your breasts, ensuring a smooth and discreet breastfeeding experience. For nursing-friendly clothing items, visit the Breastfeeding Friendly Clothes post.

Use Nursing Covers or Accessories:

If you prefer additional privacy while breastfeeding in public, consider using nursing covers or if it's cold out, a scarf can actually work nicely. These accessories provide coverage while allowing you can still see your baby. My absolute favorite breastfeeding cover is this one from Milk Snob. Even though it is a bit pricier than other nursing covers, I think it is worth it to feel completely covered and secure.

Baby-Wear While Nursing:

Learning how to baby-wear while nursing takes time, but practice makes perfect. You'll want to ensure that you're following all safety protocols if you're considering nursing while babywearing. Be sure to slightly loosen your baby carrier, lower baby to your breast, then reposition as needed. Baby wraps are often easier for breastfeeding on the go and provide additional coverage, too. This Solly baby wrap is my favorite. For other baby carrier recommendations, visit the Best Baby Carriers post. Practice at Home:

Practice breastfeeding in front of a mirror in the comfort of your own home. This will help you gain confidence to use your breastfeeding cover, and find the most comfortable and discreet positions for nursing on-the-go.

Find Comfortable Locations:

Seek out breastfeeding-friendly locations such as nursing rooms, quiet corners in cafes, or comfortable seating areas in malls. Try to find somewhere with an arm rest to prop your arm holding baby up on. If you can't find an arm rest, you could use a large diaper bag as a support.

If you have the budget, getting your car windows tinted can be extremely helpful. This way, if you don't have a comfortable place available to nurse, you can run out to your car and use a breastfeeding pillow in your car to feel more comfortable. Knowing that this is a backup option if needed, you can boost your confidence of breastfeeding on-the-go.

Consider a Portable/Wearable Breast Pump:

If you've tried to breastfeed in public and it is just not working for you, or you are going somewhere where you know it's going to be difficult to nurse as comfortably as you'd like, you could consider bringing wearable breast pumps, a large ziplock bag, a flexible ice pack, and a bottle. This way, you can discreetly pump using your wearable breast pumps, empty it into a bottle for your baby, then put your pump parts into a large ziplock bag with an ice pack to avoid any bacteria growth before you can find a place to wash them properly with warm water and baby bottle soap.

A great wearable breast pump option is the Willow Go. They are discreet enough to wear under clothing, you can easily adjust the suction strength, and there are only five easy-to-clean parts.

Surround Yourself with Support:

Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and fellow breastfeeding moms who help you feel comfortable and confident. Sharing experiences and tips can help you feel more confident and empowered while breastfeeding in public.

Breastfeeding is a natural and essential act that should be celebrated and supported. By embracing breastfeeding in public, we can help create a more inclusive and accepting society for all mothers. Remember, you have the right to breastfeed your baby wherever you are, and your confidence will inspire others to embrace their own breastfeeding journey as well!

Be sure to check out our First Kick Kits with all the pregnancy and birth-prep essentials that every expecting mom needs, delivered right to your door, at prices you won't find in stores. Let us take care of you through pregnancy and postpartum.