Not all mothers are comfortable bearing all in public, whether it is due to modesty, body image, or lack of acceptance from society. Here are some specific ways in which breastfeeding mothers can nurse discreetly in public.

Practice

The more experience you have breastfeeding your little one, the more comfortable you will be doing so in public. Use the first few weeks at home with your newborn to get your technique down. You can even practice in front of a mirror to see how much you are exposing. With experience, many women are able to quickly get baby to latch on without exposing much, if any, of the breast.

Location

While out and about with baby, there are many places available for you to breastfeed your baby if you prefer to retreat to some place private. If you are shopping, many department stores offer an actual nursing room, near the family restrooms. A fitting room works well because it usually has a place to sit. Other ideas include retreating to your car at the park, sitting in the back pew at church, or facing the wall in a corner booth at a restaurant.

Clothing

Although special clothing is not necessary in order to breastfeed, you may found it helpful in maintaining discreetness. Maternity lines offer clothing made with slits and flaps to help facilitate latch-on with very little, if any, exposure of the breast. If you don’t want to purchase specially-made clothing, the simplest thing to wear is a loose fitting tee that can be easily pulled up over the breast, along with a jacket or cardigan to cover from the side. Some mommies like to completely cover the baby, and all you need for that is a blanket, or you might find a nursing shawl to be tremendously helpful.

With a few helpful hints, you can be comfortable breastfeeding in public. Remember to be proud of giving your child the best possible start.