Too embarrased to breastfeed!

retro_bluebell

I think you have had some great advice but wanted to add that it really is mind over matter! Honestly no one will know you are doing it...the first few weeks are awkward and I would say do whatever you feel comfortable with- if thats going upstairs then do it...it wont help your milk supply if you are stressed out.

Baby cafes or support groups are a fab way to start off- I first fed my DD at a breastfeeding support group, the best thing about this was I got to know other BF mums and we would go for lunch after,so more chance to feed in public (and you have your girls there for backup in case anyone says anything lol never cross with a groups of bf mums!). After a while it became second nature to her and me and Ive done it everywhere Ive needed to (even in a packed Macdonalds in the chaviest area of Sunderland- that did take guts mind I was a bit paranoid then lol)

The first few weeks are tough but if you prepare yourself to be mostly breastfeeding and concentrate on that (and your other lo obviously) yo cant go wrong.

Good luck x

whitewing

retro_bluebell wrote: »

The first few weeks are tough but if you prepare yourself to be mostly breastfeeding and concentrate on that (and your other lo obviously) yo cant go wrong.

Good luck x

I think that was my main problem. I had absolutely no idea that breastfeeding took up so much time, and I didn't allow for it. It was very frustrating.

xxvickixx

Just the fact that you are trying to work around the issues you had last time shows that this is something that you want to do, which is often the biggest hurdle.
It is the first little bit isn't it while your trying to get it right that makes it impossible to be discrete. I remember my DH standing in front of me helping and feeling really embarrassed because my Dad was in the room lol! I'm sure nobody saw anything as they would have all been looking away but I do know what you mean.
I think the suggestion that they go and make the teas or fetch the change bag for you pop some washing on or even nip to the shops is a good one so you can get the feed started and baby latched on before they come back.
When are you due by the way?

mrsw1983

Please don't allow anyone else to make you feel bad about giving your child the best possible start in life.
With my first baby, I used to disappear upstairs to feed him (for up to an hour at a time!) but as time went on I got more used to doing it more publically (sp?). I stuggled for around the first 10 weeks but we got there eventually and I BF my son until he was 14 months old.
I would take advantage of being able to sit down for more than 5 mins and read a book, surf the net etc without having needing an excuse!!
Good luck x

mookiandco

I have never felt comfortable breastfeeding in public but I am still breastfeeding now when my little one is nearly 11 months old. It was hard when visitors came round and at first I would go into the bedroom. I remember getting worked up because little one was taking so long. I soon found out that the more I willed her to hurry up, the more fretful she got and the longer it took to feed her!

I very quickly began expressing so I always had a stash in the fridge/freezer and could decide whether to breastfeed or bottle feed. (sometimes i'd go to the bedroom to breastfeed just to get rid of visitors)!

The nearest I got to feeding in public was once in the car in a car park (with a muslin shading the window!). I only ever fed infront of my mum or OH.

If after all the helpful advice on here, you still dont think you can breastfeed in public it doesnt mean you have to stop breastfeeding. I breastfed/bottle fed expressed milk until my little one was 6 months and then gave her formula instead of the expressed milk. I've been back at work since she was 4.5 months and have still continued to breast feed.

Whatever you decide the most important thing is that you and baby are happy. xxxx

[Deleted User]

I breastfed my first child nearly 25 years ago when it was very unusual. I was the only mother breastfeeding at mother and toddlers! Feeding my child while out had to be done "in public" but discreetly. As another poster said big T shirts are the answer. Front opening clothes just expose you unnecessarily. I fed my baby on many park benches and think no one was the wiser. At home I would usually feed upstairs in bed as I found it more comfortable so usually avoided the in front of strangers problem.

I thought that the best thing about breaast feeding was it is so easy (after you get the knack) and cheap (never owned a bottle). No time wasted with cleaning, sterilising, making up feed, taking around equipement when you go aout but then everyone says that I am lazy!

I am sure that you will find an arrangement that suits you and your baby.