The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a mother to breastfeed her baby exclusively for six months and then to continue breastfeeding with some supplementary food for the next two years. This ensures optimal growth and development of a baby. But as a mother, you always have two choices; either to breastfeed or not to breastfeed. It is important to know that even if you opt to breastfeed, it will not hold you back from your work or active lifestyle. Initially, you might not be very comfortable breastfeeding your baby in public, but practice and time will help you become more confident. After all, you are giving the most natural and healthy source of nutrition to your newborn and you should be proud of that. To make nursing in public more convenient and comfortable, we have some tips that will help you breastfeed on the go.
Breastfeeding in public is your right and no one can take it away. You have the every right to nourish your baby wherever and whenever you want. Just like others do not seek your approval before having their food, your baby also does not need the permission of others.
Easy-access bras work well in public. As one of your hands will be occupied by your baby, you will be left with only one hand to access your bra for nursing. In such cases, stretchy sports bras and specially designed nursing bras are a good option. They do not involve any complicated fastening and can be used confidently in public with a little practice at home.
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| Miss Anita Spacer Cup Nursing Bra | Miss Lovely Moulded Cup Nursing Bra | Miss Rose Underwire Nursing Bra |
Specially designed nursing clothes with easy access panels make breastfeeding easier. A loose fitting t-shirt can also be a good option in casual situations. You can easily lift it from the side to feed your baby. Putting on a shirt, cardigan, or jacket over the t-shirt will help you not feel exposed when the baby is at the breast. Belly bands also help in covering up.
Dressing yourself in layers is very helpful while nursing in public. When you pull up your shirt to get your baby to your breasts, you might feel exposed. Wearing a tank top underneath will reduce exposure. Now when you feed your baby, the head of your baby will cover your breast and your tank top will cover the rest area.
If you feel uncomfortable in nursing clothes and need a little more privacy, then you can go for breastfeeding covers. They provide extra privacy and make you feel more confident. A scarf or shawl can also be used. But make sure that first you practice this at home because many babies do not like a cover over their heads while nursing.
Do you wonder if you can walk around while breastfeeding your baby? The use of different types of slings and wraps, adds freedom to the breastfeeding process. With practice, you can even walk and do your own work while feeding your baby. Breastfeeding slings and wraps cover your baby as well as your breast.
Latching on and off are times when most of your skin is likely exposed. If you desire more privacy, turn towards the side that is less visible to others and then latch on your baby. Once you are settled, return to your normal position. You can repeat the same process if you want to unlatch the baby.
Finding the right spot to breastfeed your baby is very important when you are out somewhere. You should look for a place where you can sit comfortably with a back support and are less visible to the public. Places like malls, big box stores, furniture stores, bra and lingerie stores, libraries, public parks, and anywhere where kids are welcomed are good to go.
When you are going out with your baby, it is always better to plan your outing times around the feeding schedule of your baby. Feed your baby just before leaving the house so that your baby can enjoy the outing and you can relax while on the go. Sometimes, your outings may take longer than thought of so always plan as if it will be a longer time.
If you are not comfortable breastfeeding your baby while you are out or at work, you have another grace saving option of using breast pumps. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) states that employers are required to provide proper time and space to breastfeeding mothers at work. A reasonable break time should be given whenever the employee has a need to express milk for 1 year after the birth of the child. Also, a proper place other than a bathroom, that is covered and free from the intrusion of coworkers should be available to express milk.
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| Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump |
Medela Symphony And Lactina Double Breastpump Kit | Ameda One Hand Breast Pump without Flexishield |
Experts suggest that newborn babies be kept on a consistent routine of breastfeeding. As they do not have any other source of nutrition than breast milk, it is very important to nurse them in a timely manner. So, follow the above given tips and breastfeed your baby confidently while on the go.
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