Breastfeeding Clothes Advice for New Mums
Public nursing as a new mum can be daunting, but here is some helpful advice.
Wear suitable clothing: a loose fitting top which is short enough that you don’t sit on it is ideal. It needs to be loose enough that you can easily lift it, and that it doesn’t hitch up all the way round. Alternatively, breastfeeding tops are designed so that you can get feeding access without lifting your top. These are great if you want to wear a fitted or longish top. Fashions vary, but the better ones are cut to flatter the New Mum shape – bigger around the boob and clingy around the tummy.
A long wide scarf or a pashmina can also be a useful aid as you latch baby on if you want to hide yourself from neighbours. Make sure you pop one in your baby changing bags.
And of course, remember your underwear! Nursing underwear is a must, you need to be able to unfasten quickly, and get something that fits properly. Try ordering a few styles in a few different sizes. Try them all on, move about and keep only those that really fit and feel comfortable.
Try to spot when baby is hungry, don’t wait for him to be screaming. Most babies will have little signs that they’re hungry before they start yelling the place down and drawing public attention to themselves and Mum. You’ll soon get to know the signs, and when you see them find a good spot and get him attached!
If on the other hand you have baby like my first who would go from sleeping angel to famished and screaming in a few seconds, the best you can do is have an idea of when he’s likely to be hungry and prepare yourself. My little one was such a heavy sleeper I sometimes got him into place on my lap whilst still sleeping, waited for him to wake, then attached him before he knew what had happened.
Find a good spot to stop: to begin with at least you’ll probably find it easiest to feed sitting in a straight backed chair, perhaps in a corner so you can see who’s around, and with a long glass of water to hand. Avoid noisy places if you have a nosy baby as he’ll be looking around (and trying to take your nipple with him) rather than concentrating on the job at hand. I like coffee shops, there’s always somewhere to sit, drink is on hand, and you have something to do (eat muffins) !
photo credit: benklocek
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