When it’s time to feed your baby, there is no such thing as waiting. Regardless of where you might be, at home or out and about, your baby needs to be fed on time, even more so if the little one is hungry and wants to nurse. However, the thought of breastfeeding in the presence of others may turn some moms off, especially if they are not accustomed to it. In this article, we would like to feature a few useful products which can help make nursing in public less complicated and more comfortable for you, and for your baby as well.
First and foremost, we feel that you should know that choosing to breastfeed in public should be a decision made by you and no one else. In this regard, do keep in mind that all you are doing is ensuring that your baby’s needs are met, in this case, his or her need to be fed on time. After all, you probably already know by now that when you are up and about with your baby, it is almost impossible to always make it home on time to breastfeed your little one at home. And, speaking of time, when you choose to nurse in public, you will be saving time, for you won’t have to pack feeding bottles, and warm it up before feeding your baby, etc.
There are, however, a few items that will make nursing in public less of a hassle, and more of a gratifying experience, especially when you know that you are able to meet your baby’s needs wherever you are, and whatever time it is. Here are some products to consider bringing along when you are nursing in public.
1. Nursing cover/poncho
This is a no-brainer, really. Nursing covers or ponchos can be bought at any maternity centre, or even online. They come in countless designs and patterns, and have special features such as openings for discreet feeding. The idea of a nursing cover is to literally cover up so as to keep the act of breastfeeding private and modest. There are also products called nursing aprons available for this same purpose. Since the idea here is to cover up while breastfeeding, an oversized scarf might work just as well, as long as you are able to work out how to feed your baby discreetly, or without exposing yourself.
2. Nursing bra
A comfortable nursing bra is something no nursing mom should go without. It will allow nursing moms to feed their baby in an easier manner, as these bras come with detachable cups. Take your time and pick a nursing bra which is most suitable for your breast shape and size. While it might be tempting to buy one online, it’s best to try it out first before purchasing it for the first time, because a good fit is crucial when it comes to your comfort. You can make your following purchases online once you know the exact design that suits you.
3. Nursing clothes
We are living in an era where shopping for nursing apparel, including nursing clothes, is nothing short of a pleasure, for there are countless types available for your picking! The idea of wearing a nursing top, for example, is to simplify your breastfeeding activity, even when you are outdoors. These clothing come with special openings so that you can comfortably and privately feed your baby. Nursing clothing these days are exceptionally trendy and fashionable too, so go ahead and pick out a few today!
4. Nursing pillow
While this item might not be a must-have, we do feel that it would be really good to have at hand for a more comfortable feeding time. There is no right or wrong way to use a nursing pillow, for each mom has their own preference when it comes to nursing positions, and how they hold their baby while breastfeeding. However, a nursing pillow will without doubt add to a mom’s comfort while she breastfeeds her baby, even in public with a nursing cover. Nursing pillows come in a few shapes and sizes, so it might be a good idea to actually try it out before making a purchase.
5. Breast pads
Leaky breasts aren’t something a nursing mom can escape from, for it is a natural occurrence. For nursing moms, their breasts are likely to leak when it is nearing their baby’s feeding time, or when their breasts are not pumped yet. Nursing pads are handy to have at hand, and every nursing mom who is headed outdoors should wear them in their bras, before and after feeding their baby. They are available in washable or disposable variants.
6. Snacks and drinking water
These items may not seem like a particularly relevant nursing essential, but believe us, they are. Clean drinking water is essential for nursing moms to stay adequately hydrated throughout the day, even outdoors. Dehydration is the last thing any nursing mom needs to experience! Good quality lactation snacks or lactation cookies are very satisfying and they keep hunger pangs away too. They are generally made to be specifically nutritious for nursing moms as they contain ingredients that promote milk flow. Make it a point to bring these items along with you whenever you are up and about with your baby, especially if you plan to nurse your baby on the go.
Like you and everyone else, your baby needs to eat too, and as their mom, surely you won’t want your precious infant to go hungry whenever you are on the go together? Think about what is holding you back when it comes to nursing your baby in public, and you may very likely come to the conclusion that you simply do not wish to ‘expose’ yourself in public – and that is understandable, to say the least. Obviously, you are not alone in this, and that is why many nursing items have emerged in the market, to help ease public nursing, and make it less complicated, and most importantly, safeguard the modesty of nursing moms.
What are you going to carry them all in?
The answer is, a good diaper bag, also known as a mommy bag! Have you got yours yet? If you have not, do take your time and check out all the special features the reputable ones include in their models. Your own personal taste matters greatly too, for it’s you who will be carrying it around. So, make sure that at the end of the day, you are happy with your mommy bag, and will be carrying it with pride!
