The American Academy of Pediatrics noted that in the United States, “It is a curious commentary on our society that we tolerate all degrees of explicitness in our literature and mass media as regards to sex and violence, but the normal act of breastfeeding is taboo.”
Embarrassment or difficulty breastfeeding in public is a reason some mothers give for weaning their child early or switching to formula. The best way to avoid these feelings and overcome the difficulties is to have a good support network that includes mothers who have experienced breastfeeding.
While there may occur rare circumstances when someone is extremely sensitive to your decision to publicly breastfeed most of the time you will be able to feed your child without anyone else being the wiser for what is happening. Wearing appropriate clothing can be the first step. two piece outfit, shirt, sweater, or top with pants shorts or skirt offers lots of flexibility for breastfeeding discreetly. Lift your top from the waist (or unbutton from the bottom) for nursing. You will find that lying the baby across your lap will hide your bare midriff. A lift blanket or in cooler climates a jacket or shawl can also afford you an additional level of privacy.
Most of all remember not to let a concern about feeding your baby in public keep you from enjoying the advantages and convenience of breastfeeding. So when your baby needs to eat, feed them.
