Breastfeeding in public

[CatherineK]

I refuse to express when I am going to be with my child...I work and have to express while there, but this is my third, and I've never given my own child a bottle. I reserve that for when I can't be there. The more you can directly nurse, the better your supply stays. As for the poster that says her kids are well behaved so will sit quietly while she nurses, that is not my issue at all. My kids are perfectly behaved. I just don't feel they should have to be closed away, or grow up learning breastfeeding is something to hide. I am not going to take them out of the excitement of wherever we are because their sister/brother is hungry. They have grown up feeling bf is nothing to be ashamed of, and that breasts have a purpose other than looks.

 

[iwantabub]

Catherinek thats a fairly valid point and i completely understand what your saying and its a fair point....

I have a question if I may...

When u do express and feed from a bottle when necessary does it make bubs want to breast feed less after?

It would be nice to express sometimes when necessary if I have to pop to work to sort something out and would be nice for dh to feed him...would this be ok?

I dont wanna turn him off my boobs if he starts to like the bottle better..

Also if needed (hopefully not) if u need to mix feed formula and breast milk, say your not making enough milk, does bubs then not want boob anymore coz youve started on formula?

 

[CatherineK]

Well, expressing/pumping is a lifesaver for a working mom or one that wants a break. But especially in early weeks/months it can reduce supply. Of course it's fine to do though! I went back to work at six weeks with my first, and when I worked I pumped 3 times and my husband gave bottles at home. But to help compensate for this, whenever I was there, I always nursed directly. The important thing is that if your baby is being given a bottle, you should probably be expressing durin that same timeframe, especially at first. So your body knows to continue to produce. That is why I feel expressing extra during the day, then sleeping while your DH feeds, for instance, can start to hinder breastfeeding. For some! I never had a problem with my baby wanting to nurse when I got home from work...they only associated me with breastfeeding, and learned that if mommy was around, no bottles were.

 

[iwantabub]

Ok thanks. .. how long does milk last once u express?

 

[CatherineK]

As for supplementing, it can be a slippery slope as well. If baby has a growth spurt, your body knows from his increased nursing. Your body catches up. If you mistakenly feel your baby is not getting enough, and supplement, your body produce less, then because your baby is full andneeds to nurse less, then you may need to supplement more, etc. 99% of women produce perfect amounts of milk, but more than 50% think they are not or are told by docs they wrongly need to supplement, give vitamins, etc. formula also changes the virgin gut flora in a baby, which can be detrimental. Honestly, be informed and have confidence in your body. Research and know that doctors don't always know best.YOU do!

 

[2ndtimeluckyX]

Storing breast milk
You can store breast milk in a sterilised container:
in the fridge for up to five days at 4°C or lower
for two weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge
for up to six months in a freezer
Breast milk must always be stored in a sterilised container. If you use a pump, always sterilise it before and after use.
(Taken from the NHS website )

 

[CatherineK]

Milk can las several days info fridge, can freeze for months. Again, these are my experiences. Some people have crazy good supplies and never have to worry. I always produced enough, but not much extra, so had to be diligent. But after the first six months, it's so much more laid back! No stress, baby can add other things to diet, you can go hours without nursing with no issues so you gain some 'freedom' back

 

[LegoHouse]

A screaming baby makes me much more self concious than discretely feeding him x

 

[CatherineK]

And for you US moms, I guess the UK is different, but there is no need to sterilize storage containers or pump parts. That would be a pain in the a$$! Lol! I'm on my third baby and never even seen a sterilizer, let alone used one. How do You Uk moms deal with that? Ugh!

 

[Piper84]

We bought a steriliser for LO's bottles (EBM) and dummies and the breast pump. After washing them up you just pile them in and add water, then press "on". It's not that much of hassle.

 

[misslissa]

I can understand how you feel, I'm due in June with my first and I'm already feeling quite strong about bf!

I'm fully intending on bf whereever and whenever required. There is absolutely no way other people will make me uncomfortable and if anyone dates comment they will get told and probably flashed for good measure! Ha ha!

It's weird I feel like this but its so important to not feel uncomfortable. It's not your issue, its societies. It has never bothered me or my boyfriend to see someone bf, its natural and it should be encouraged.

X

 

[Dk1234]

Get good bottles. I use breastflow and my son had too ups in bottles of ebm at day 4 and has never prefered the bottle. That is until now that I'm pregnant and he gets 1/2 breast milk 1/2 formula at bedtime he won't even nurse anymore. But pregnancy has lowered my supply loads.

 

[bellablue]

I really didn't do it in public there was always a place to slip away to and inbetween trips but don't mind seeing lady's do it whatever you feel comftable doing up to you

 

[Anderson8]

And for you US moms, I guess the UK is different, but there is no need to sterilize storage containers or pump parts. That would be a pain in the a$$! Lol! I'm on my third baby and never even seen a sterilizer, let alone used one. How do You Uk moms deal with that? Ugh!

I just had a cold water steriliser, just a tub with a lid really, fill it up and pop in a steriliser tablet And chuck all your bits and bobs in it. Easy peasy

 

[Piper84]

We were also told not to put LO's stuff in the dishwasher because the plastic gets damaged and bacteria can grow in the pores that appear.

Now LO is 18 months we put all his cups etc in the dishwasher

 

[special_kala]

I feed where ever whenever.

There is nothing wrong with covering up if you want too but a lot of babies won't tolerate it.

Breastfeeding in public can be very discreet. I have vert big boobs and find really only its a bit of extra flesh on show and only nipple if you were staring at me.

If other people are uncomfortable with me using my breasts for what they are intended for that's their issue not mine.

 

[CordeliaJ]

I've seen mothers breastfeed when baby is in a sling, and you can't really see anything, and the baby can still see mum through a gap at the top. I think I will do that, or try one of those shawls.
I have no problem with women breastfeeding in public, but sometimes opinions will vary depending on the place. For example, on occasion I work in a bookstore, and once a woman came in and started obviously breastfeeding not particularly discreetly, and I thought that seemed a fairly inappropriate choice. The shop was surrounded by cafes on either side and a big mall opposite - presumably she thought the bookstore would be more discreet, but we don't allow food in there either, and many customers left especially as she had another very noisy child with her. I think I probably would've too, because the atmosphere was all wrong and a bookstore is so specific where people go to be quiet and left alone, but unfortunately as I was at work, I couldn't get away from it. In some places the staff are really stuck, because while any member of the public can walk away, staff can't. Of course I would never have asked her to stop or suggested she leave, but I cant't say I was impressed with her choice of place. Perhaps if the cafes/mall hadn't been there I would've been more understanding, also the UK is far more conservative about these things than in the US.

 

[Babo]

I won't let it be changing my mind about breastfeeding but I agree with the ladies that say they wouldn't be getting the twins out before having a baby! It's not a case of being ashamed and it is of course extremely natural but you wouldn't drop your pants and pee anywhere would you?! Or for that matter let your child. So I think discretion is the way forward for me. Plus I wouldn't want my husband being uncomfortable about people staring at me.

 

[CatherineK]

Breast feeding should not be compared to peeing! I hate that analogy! If it is a place where it is appropriate to bottlefeed, it is also appropriate to breastfeed!

 

[Babo]

Breast feeding should not be compared to peeing! I hate that analogy! If it is a place where it is appropriate to bottlefeed, it is also appropriate to breastfeed!

In my opinion that means places that people would be eating/drinking. Such as restaurants, cafes etc. Not the bookstore as the other person said. Or public transport to my mind. Although if you end up waiting an age for a bus (as you probably would round my way) and by the time it comes LO needs a feed then needs must. Just an example.

I personally don't feel like you should be made to feel uncomfortable but equally shouldn't force it on people. For right or for wrong it is a bit of a taboo and it does make people uncomfortable. Not that it's going to stop me from doing it or going out.