Showing posts with label breastfeeding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breastfeeding. Show all posts

Friday, July 19, 2013

Tips For Discreet Breastfeeding In Public

7:57 PM 0 Comments
     If you're a new Mom who is nursing your baby you may be nervous about doing so in public.

     Or perhaps you are disturbed by media reports of women who are harassed for breastfeeding in public and are considering pumping your milk to give your baby when you leave home.

     Here are some tips for discreet breastfeeding that have worked for many Moms. Hopefully they will help you feel more comfortable nursing in public so you can avoid the inconvenience of pumping and preparing bottles.

1) Before you have your baby, attend a La Leche League or other breastfeeding support group meeting.

     Unfortunately in our Society that gives lip service to the benefits of breastfeeding, it is still rare to see Moms nursing in public, and so most of us grow up having our own babies never having seen another woman nurse.

     Going to an LLL meeting and seeing how other Moms nurse their babies discreetly and confidently can boost your own confidence. They can also share with you tips that will make nursing in public easier for you.

2) Invest in a baby sling.

     These are wonderful for making life with a baby easier all around, but one thing they're great for is discreet breastfeeding. I can't count the times someone approached me in a store and commented on my baby having no idea that s/he was latched on and nursing! The fabric of the sling can be adjusted to come up over the baby's head (yet most babies don't mind this like they do a blanket), or you can use the extra fabric on the "tail" to cover baby.

3) After your baby is born, practice nursing in front of a mirror or a friend to perfect your technique.

     Once you and baby are getting to be old pros at the latch on, you can most likely do so in just a couple of seconds.

4) Nurse at the first signs of hunger.

     A nursing baby generally draws less attention than a screaming one! So latch your baby on as soon as you notice that s/he is hungry...rooting, sucking on fist, grimacing face, etc. A crying baby also makes you nervous and you and baby may take longer to get latched on comfortably.

5) Try turning your body away while you latch on.
     If you're sitting at a table in a restaurant, simply turn your body away from the table briefly while you latch baby on, then resume your normal position.

6) Try nursing clothes.


     These are designed to cover your belly for more discreet breastfeeding. Or simply wear a thin top under a cardigan or other shirt. You can also make your own nursing top by cutting slits in a tank and wearing it under another shirt.

7) Bring a book or large purse to set in your lap to camouflage.


     Your diaper bag would also work. Set it in front of baby on your knees while you latch baby on. Or hold a book so that your baby's head and your breast are out of view.

     And lastly...

8) Be confident!

You are doing something that is best for you and baby and that women all over the world for thousands of years have done. Be proud of yourself and give passersby a warm smile. You'd be surprised how often people will smile back or even approach with a commendation or anecdote about their own children.

     Enjoy nursing your baby!

Summary:
     If you're a new Mom who is nursing your baby you may be nervous about doing so in public.

     Or perhaps you are disturbed by media reports of women who are harassed for breastfeeding in public and are considering pumping your milk to give your baby when you leave home.

     Here are some tips for discreet breastfeeding that have worked for many Moms. Hopefully they will help you feel more comfortable nursing in public so you can avoid the inconvenience of pumping and preparing ...

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Choosing Maternity Bras For Maximum Comfort And Support

9:15 PM 0 Comments
     If you are new to pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may be a little overwhelmed with the commitments of motherhood. Although this may feel like unknown territory, it is not as difficult as it may seem. For example, in choosing maternity bras, many of the same factors apply as regular bras. However, there are a few new considerations to keep in mind.

     The key to choosing maternity bras is finding something that is comfortable and supportive. Because your breasts grow considerably during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you need something that can hold up to the challenge. If you have relatively small breasts, this will not be as difficult. However, the larger your breasts are, the harder it is to find something that will work effectively.

     Typically, maternity bras that have wide straps are more supportive; this applies to shoulder straps as well as the torso band. While most women prefer something that is pretty, it really is more important to get something that works. Luckily, many of the maternity bras on the market today are attractive as well as effective. You just may have to look a little harder to find them. If possible, you should try on a few maternity bras before purchasing. Take into consideration that your body and breasts will continue to grow through pregnancy, that a lot of that weight will drop at birth, and that your breasts will continue to grow when breastfeeding.

     Most maternity bras open to allow for breastfeeding. When you try on the bras, you should play with this feature and see how easily you can remove the breast. This may seem unnecessary, but when you are holding a baby with one hand and trying to open the bra with the other, you will understand why this is important! Complicated latches or awkward positioning will be a major hindrance when trying to breastfeed.

     There are many places to purchase maternity bras. Many of the stores you are accustomed to shopping at, however, may not carry them. Shop around and visit several retail shops and maternity stores to widen your options. Shopping online is also a convenient option. You may want to check local stores, though to try on some of the brands available.

     Although you will want super-supportive maternity bras for day wear, you may also want to consider a more comfortable version for night wear. Most breastfeeding women can not go without a bra, as the weight of the breast may cause them to leak. On the other hand, few women want to wear a restrictive bra all day. Find a looser, more natural bra to sleep in that still allows for easy feeding.
Summary:
     If you are new to pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may be a little overwhelmed with the commitments of motherhood. Although this may feel like unknown territory, it is not as difficult as it may seem. For example, in choosing maternity bras, many of the same factors apply as regular bras. However, there are a few new considerations to keep in mind.

     The key to choosing maternity bras is finding something that is comfortable and supportive. Because your breasts grow consider...