My 9 tips for breastfeeding out and about
By our founder, Dr Eliza Hannam
I will preface this by saying that I of course believe that parents should feed their baby wherever and however they like, and I don’t share these suggestions for the benefit of the public.
But I know that for some, it feels like a big milestone to breastfeed in public to start with, and that some in particular struggle with feeling exposed. Also, I know some babies make it feel trickier as they’re still learning themselves!
1. Plan trips close to home to start with so that it’s easy to abandon and head home if you need
2. Offer a little feed before you leave so your baby is not starving en route/ when you arrive
3. If one side/ breast is trickier, you could feed from it at home, then just feed on the other side when you’re out
4. If you need, take your props with you! Cushions, feeding pillow, little foot stool, support for under the breast etc - I know you might feel ridiculous but people won’t notice (or people like me will notice and think you’re a superstar)
5. If possible, pick a place where you know there’s comfy seating - ideally a seat with a back to lean on. Alternatively you might find somewhere that has a feeding room nearby eg in a bigger shopping centre. Park benches can also be a comfier alternative to say a stool
6. If feeding is particularly tricky for you and your little one right now, you could take a back up bottle of formula/ EBM just in case. Some people find it easier to express and bottle feed out and about until they feel like they have the hang of it. Do whatever works for you!
7. Consider taking a keep cup for your coffee or ordering a coffee in a takeaway cup with a lid, if feeds take a while and you’re worried about having a hot drink while feeding your baby.
8. Can only manage lying down feeds at this stage? Take a picnic blanket and some pillows and head to a park!
9. If you feel a bit exposed opening a button-up top while your baby still takes a while to latch, I personally often found it easier to wear a skirt/ trousers and a top to lift up for feeds (eg with a feeding singlet underneath), as I felt less exposed that way.
