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Breastfeeding in Public
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"When a mother chooses to breastfeed, we also have a responsibility to protect and support her decision by providing an environment that enables her to be successful," according to Steven K. Galson, Acting Surgeon General of the United States, in 2009.
Without doubt, breastfeeding tops the list of natural choices for parents to make, with health and economic benefits to babies and nursing mothers, according to Dr. Robert Rodriguez, founder of Buddy Boutique, a supplier of healthy, organic, and easy-to-use breastfeeding and baby products, including a popular nursing cover-up.
Dr. Rodriguez, who has studied the behaviors of first-time parents since 1970, publishes and lectures extensively, providing expectant and new parents with ways to have happy, enduring families.
"Mothers who exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, and ideally to 12 months and beyond, will find there are times when they need to feed their infant in public. Breastfeeding in public, like breastfeeding itself, is a learned skill which becomes easier over time," he says.
Despite the growing acceptance of breastfeeding in general, many mothers still remain self-conscious when breastfeeding in public due to cultural mores. They may feel breastfeeding is an intimate activity best performed in private. Or, conversely, they may be more comfortable nursing around strangers than family.
"Whatever the case, mothers will need to negotiate their comfort levels. Breastfeeding is nutritious and optimum for the baby. Everything else takes a back seat," adds Dr. Rodriguez.
He recommends obtaining positive breastfeeding support through organizations like the La Leche League International, whose book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding remains the definitive work on the subject since 1958, updated to reflect current research.
"Sometimes, there is no ‘right' place and time, and mothers simply must negotiate nursing in the best way possible as their baby's need arises," he says.
Dressing for Access
Nursing mothers can ensure a modest appearance when breastfeeding by choosing clothing with care. Over-sized shirts or tops unbuttoning from the waist provide ease of access without undue exposure. The baby, nestled closely, covers exposed portions of the mother's body. Specially- constructed blouses and dresses hide slits or panels which perform a similar function. Nursing bras provide much-needed support, and can be easily fastened or unfastened with one hand.
Nursing Cover-Ups
Mothers may wish to bring a small blanket to cover the baby and any part of the midriff which might be exposed. In more conservative or public environments, a nursing cover up draped over the mother and infant may offer privacy at a moment's notice, and store easily in a diaper bag or tote. Similarly, women who wear their babies in a sling may choose to use the sling as a cover-up in settings where modesty is a consideration.
Breastfeeding in restaurants
In busy restaurants, mothers may choose seating for privacy.
"The inside corner of a restaurant booth offers significantly more privacy than an aisle seat," says Dr. Rodriguez, though he cautions that in some states privately owned establishments may have the right to ask a nursing mother to leave or relocate at their discretion.
As an alternative option, weather permitting, he also recommends nursing in the car before entering a busy eating establishment. Frequently, a happily fed infant will fall asleep, and ensure a quiet meal for his loving parents.
Practice Nursing Strategies
With practice, discreetly nursing in public becomes second nature.
"If a new mother is worried about appearances, I suggest practice in front of a mirror to perfect her strategies and enhance her comfort level," says Dr. Rodriguez.
Additionally, hungry babies are fussy babies, so Dr. Rodriguez recommends paying attention to baby's actions, such as nuzzling, signaling he's ready to nurse, and feeding before crying becomes an issue.
About the Author
Bryan Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of Write Away, Inc. - a public relations and marketing firm based in Weaverville, NC. He also often writes for regional& national publications about local history, farming, culture and food. He graduated with a degree in communications from Alfred University in New York State and then went on to attend culinary school in NYC where he graduated in the top percent of his class. He proceeded to work in high-end restaurants in New York City, Martha's Vineyard, MA and Naples, FL. Bryan currently lives in Asheville, NC with Liisa and their Black Lab, Annie. For more information, visit: http://buddyboutique.com
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