Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parenting pro,
breastfeeding
often comes with its fair share of questions. Here are answers to
some common inquiries that mothers - new and veteran - may
have.
How can I be discreet when nursing in public?
Nursing in front of others can be downright intimidating and
even embarrassing, especially at first. But with a little
confidence, the right place, and the appropriate clothes, it can
seem like no big deal in no time.
Some women prefer to drape a small blanket or shawl over their
shoulder and their breast to make the public process a little more
private. Others may opt to simply pull up their shirts or sweaters
then cover the baby's head with a blanket. You can also use a
baby sling, in the cradle position, to nurse your baby. Whether you
use a blanket, shawl, or sling, just make sure that your baby's
mouth and nose aren't blocked and that the baby has room to
breathe.
When out and about, ask for an isolated booth when dining in
restaurants so you have a sort of privacy barrier and can face away
from other patrons. If you're shopping at the local mall, go to
the largest department store and ask if they have a women's
lounge or ladies' room with a sitting area. For stores that
don't have sitting areas, ask if you can use one of their
dressing rooms for a few minutes. You'd be surprised how quick
many people are to accommodate a nursing mom.
What clothes are best for "easy access"?
As with breastfeeding anywhere, it's important to don
clothes that make nursing simple. The less fuss, the better -
especially when you're having to hold a hungry baby with one
hand and adjust your bra and shirt with the other.
A variety of nursing bras are available - there are those with
snaps, clasps, and flaps that open and are attached in either the
middle (between the breasts) or on the bra straps. Which kind of
bra you end up using is up to you and what you find most
comfortable. You may want to buy (or register for) a few types of
each just to figure out what's best for you. If you buy them
before you deliver, just remember that your breast size will likely
increase as your breasts fill with milk, and then change again as
your body adjusts to breastfeeding.
You also can invest in special nursing wear or simply sport
button-down shirts (although these can be cumbersome if the buttons
are finicky), a zip-front sweatshirt, or a comfortable shirt
or sweater (V-necks are good) that you can simply pull down or pull
up to allow your baby to feed.
Here's a helpful tip from the breastfeeding advocacy
organization La Leche League: Cut slits in an old T-shirt and wear
it underneath an oversized shirt or sweater. That way, your midriff
and most of your breast won't be exposed when you pull up the
shirt or sweater on top to nurse.
Keep in mind that whatever type of clothes you decide to wear,
they'll probably need to be slightly larger than your
pre-pregnancy size since your breasts are likely to be bigger than
usual while you're nursing.
Is it normal to leak?
Absolutely. As many breastfeeding women everywhere will attest,
milk leakage always seems to happen at the most inopportune times -
during a staff meeting, as you're talking to your boss, while
you're out shopping, when you're hugging an old friend.
Wherever it occurs, it
is
normal.
Leaking may happen when you see a baby, see a picture of your
own baby, hear a baby cry, or even so much as think of your baby.
It's your maternal instinct to feed your child kicking in.
One breast also may leak while you're nursing on the other.
In that case, it may help to put a towel, burp cloth, or cotton
diaper over the other one.
You can buy disposable or washable cotton nursing pads to wear
discreetly in your bra to help combat embarrassing messes and
protect your wardrobe. Some women wear pads all the time while
nursing, others wear the pads only when out in public. It's a
good idea to keep extras with you at all times, just in case.
If you don't want to spend money on tons of nursing pads,
you can use clean folded handkerchief squares inside your bra.
It's better to avoid using plastic-lined pads, which can make
it hard for your nipples to get enough air.
If you're caught in a leakage situation and aren't
wearing or carrying any nursing pads, try discreetly crossing your
arms over your chest and applying a little pressure. Wearing
patterned tops also can help reduce the embarrassment of sudden
leaks.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: May 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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