Emma, mum of newborn Katie, is uncomfortable at the thought of breastfeeding in public.
“Since Katie was born 3 weeks ago, I’ve been struggling to master breastfeeding. I know it’s supposed to be difficult and painful and after a lot of perseverance it’s definitely starting to get easier but I still don’t feel completely confident about feeding anywhere except at home.
All throughout my pregnancy I would see women breastfeeding their babies at the shops or in cafes and it looked so easy, I assumed I would be the same but now I’m not so sure. It’s such a palaver feeding Katie, half the time she fusses and won’t go on, or she’ll pull off mid-feed and milk sprays everywhere – not a pretty sight!
I would love to have the freedom of feeding wherever and whenever but at the moment there’s just no way I could do it discreetly, I’m terrified that if I try I’ll end up completely exposed or squirting some unsuspecting stranger with breast milk.
Does anyone have any advice? I feel like the only one in my mother’s group who isn’t comfortable whipping out her boobs at every opportunity! Is there any way to make it easier to breastfeed in public or do I just need to wait until Katie is a bit older?”
The results of our mums’ survey show that Emma is in the majority with 2/3 of our respondents reporting not feeling completely comfortable with breastfeeding in public at one stage or another. It appears that it does get easier, with the vast majority of our mums feeling confident by the time their babies were 3-6 months old. Only 5% stated they still didn’t feel comfortable by the time their children were 20-21 months old.
The main fears experienced by our mums were exposing themselves (30%) and people staring (20%). Concerns about leaking everywhere came a distant third at just 8%.
Our mums had some great advice to help Emma feel more comfortable breastfeeding including:
“Just do it. People around you are more embarrassed in case they see anything so they tend to turn away. I was so scared to breastfeed in public & made my partner stand in front of me the first time but drew more attention to myself!” – Sarah, London
“I would highly recommend getting a breastfeeding butterfly. Also the first few times I fed in public I made sure I was with supportive friends or family who helped me to stay calm, as feeding in public made me feel all flustered.” – Victoria, Southampton
“Buy a good nursing top that has discreet flaps. Or, buy a bump band to wear around your waist, so that your tummy is covered when you do pull up your top. Another good idea is to buy a large triangular scarf that will hide your baby and breasts while you feed, but looks good.” – Claire, Nottingham
“Wear two tops, one to pull up the other to pull down. Plus give yourself time, your baby is only 3 weeks. Practice feeding your daughter with a mirror in front so that you'll see how little you can see.” – Emily, Wales
“Wait until you're comfortable & confident at home & wear layers e.g. Vest & a loose t shirt, less chance of boob or back fat exposure!” – Nina, Scotland