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When you are a brand-new mom lots of things can be daunting, but breastfeeding in public doesn't have to be one of them. With a bit of practice and preparation you will quickly get the knack of feeding your baby discreetly no matter where or when your baby is hungry.

The most important factor in a discreet public breastfeeding session is confidence. So when you and your baby are still learning how to get a good latch it may be easier to find a nursing room for feedings when you are out and about. Many large department stores and children's stores now have a room with an armchair, changing table and sink for nursing moms to use. This can let you sit back and focus on getting a good latch instead of worrying about whether the people passing by can see your breast or fussing with a receiving blanket over your shoulder.

Once you and your baby are more adept at breastfeeding, nursing in public places can be a breeze. Just make sure you are wearing clothes that are easy to pull up and still give you enough coverage. Layers can really help make nursing easy. Good nursing friendly clothes include a nursing tank, a loose t-shirt and a cardigan or button-down shirt. The nursing tank keeps your stomach covered while allowing easy access to the breast and the t-shirt keeps the top of your breast covered. If you don't have a nursing tank handy, a cardigan or button down shirt can help keep the sides and back of your midriff hidden when you pull your shirt up for your baby. Baby's head and body will cover your front.

A few additional items in your diaper bag can really help increase your comfort and confidence when breastfeeding in public. A burp cloth or muslin can help catch excess milk if you have a strong let-down or baby comes off the breast for a breath of air. Tuck the cloth between your arm and baby's head before you latch him or her on. A few extra breast pads can also make a world of difference, and a spare top and nursing bra for yourself can be handy just in case the breast pads aren't absorbent enough. I remember several incidents when my daughter was a newborn where I wasn't embarrassed to feed her in public, but I was embarrassed by the river of milk pouring down my shirt from the other breast!

You can also cover yourself with a receiving blanket or nursing cover. Sometimes this is more trouble than it is worth, especially if your baby likes to pop on and off the breast, as you will have to pull the blanket aside each time to re-latch. A blanket can also bring more attention to the fact that you are nursing than carefully chosen clothing would. However, if you feel more confident and comfortable with a blanket, by all means go ahead and use one.

The more often moms choose to breastfeed in public the more commonplace and normal it will be, so round up a few breastfeeding friends and nurse your babies at the park, the mall and in restaurants! You may be surprised to find that many people don't take any notice at all, and the ones that do just smile encouragingly.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Carchrae.
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