Breastfeeding?

[EffyKat]

Hey, so I've just posted in Pregnancy Club about this. I really want to breastfeed my baby, I've been thinking about it ever since I got pregnant. And I'd love to do it and bond with Adam a little more! But whenever I talk to my mum about this and ask her for her advice all she says is, "What happens when you're out and about and he wants a bottle? Will you just lob your boob out infront of everyone?" "Also, you live with us, you'll have to feed him infront of your father!"
Why can't I go upstairs and do that? Why is it such a big deal if I have to 'lob' my boob out? They have places to go to do that! I just really need advice. What should I do?

 

[aafscsweetie]

Don't let anyone discourage you!! There are plenty of ways to breastfeed in a private setting, even if you're out in public. I mean, there are bathrooms everywhere- you could always feed in the bathroom. You could even use a breast pump to express milk before you go for an outing with baby, that way you have milk in a bottle for baby and wouldn't have to pull out a boob. But there are also nursing covers (like this one: https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3916756) that would cover you up if you chose to breastfeed in a public area (or at home on the main floor where your dad could be). And like you said, you definitely could go upstairs to your room to nurse!! Seriously, don't let anyone discourage you. There are plenty of ways around it.

 

[~RedLily~]

Ella has never had a bottle and no one has ever seen my boobs. I wil just go into another room or turn away to get her to latch on and put a muslin next to her. There is a few places out that have bfing areas like mothercare. You can also get covers or nursing tops that are very discreet. Sometimes people don't even realise you're feeding so there is no reason for anyone to feel uncomfortable.

 

[vinteenage]

Tell your mother to shush because it's your choice.
Does she know about all the benefits of it?

Really, whats the big deal about feeding him in front of your father? It's not like you'll be flashing your boob around. Baby's head covers it for the most part and you can tuck a blanket around you as well. It's not like anyone should be staring directly at your boob as your feeding! Same for going out...people rarely realize a baby is being fed when they're breastfeeding in public, it just looks like baby is tucked up cozy against you.

You can always keep formula and bottles on hand. That's our plan, so if I need to go out without baby and don't have time to pump, or don't have enough, whoever is watching him can give him formula.

 

[EffyKat]

Thank you so much! I just hope I have the courage to do it when the time comes! x

 

[EffyKat]

Tell your mother to shush because it's your choice.
Does she know about all the benefits of it?

Really, whats the big deal about feeding him in front of your father? It's not like you'll be flashing your boob around. Baby's head covers it for the most part and you can tuck a blanket around you as well. It's not like anyone should be staring directly at your boob as your feeding! Same for going out...people rarely realize a baby is being fed when they're breastfeeding in public, it just looks like baby is tucked up cozy against you.

You can always keep formula and bottles on hand. That's our plan, so if I need to go out without baby and don't have time to pump, or don't have enough, whoever is watching him can give him formula.

I've also thought about giving him formula if I really need to but breastfeeding when I can. It's not as if I'm asking my mother to sit and stare at my boobs while I'm feeding him. She has no say really, she just makes me nervous about it.

 

[MissMamma]

whats wrong with breastfeeding infront of your dad?! he's your dad! he's seen you naked hundreds of times, wiped your bum, cleaned up your sick etc etc...
if you're really that bothered you can go in another room in your house...
there are things called breastfeeding butterflies for bfing in public, or you can use your sling

just to add, i was on the train the other day with OH and we spotted a mega cute lil baby and we were kinda staring, it was only after a while that we noticed his mum was breastfeeding him!

dont be put off by your mum, its better to try it, if it turns out how she says then you can always switch to formula and bottles but i've been told its a lot harder/near impossible to get a formula fed babba back onto boob!

 

[EffyKat]

I think I'm definitely going to give it a shot. It's worth a try right?

 

[Sophiiie]

try not to let her make you feel nervous
having to feed in public was one of the only things I worried about, but it's really not that bad at all. it's surprising how little can actually be seen, my OH's sister didn't even realise I was feeding once, she asked if she could hold Charlie & I had to explain that I was in the middle of feeding him, she said it looked like I was just cuddling him. a good idea is wearing 2 tops, like a small strappy top under your normal one, then you can lift one up & one down, and once baby has latched on, nothing can be seen x

 

[EffyKat]

That is also a good idea x

EDIT: The two top things I mean

 

[MissMamma]

a good idea is wearing 2 tops, like a small strappy top under your normal one, then you can lift one up & one down, and once baby has latched on, nothing can be seen x

thats a really good idea! thanks hun!

 

[mayb_baby]

Don't let ANYONES opinions influence YOUR decision xxxx

 

[xx~Lor~xx]

Agreed with the other girls they've all given some top advice there. I'm quite appalled by your mum going saying about you 'lobbing your boob out'. I exclusively breastfed my little girl up till 7 months, she had never had milk in a bottle up to then. I breastfed quite happily in public, it can be strange at first, but I'm pretty sure no one ever saw my boob when I breastfed. You can cover yourself with a jacket, muslin or blanket if you feel a bit 'in the open' anyway. I breastfed plenty of times in front of my dad, and other male (and female) members of my family and OH's. Chances are, they will just get used to it, ignore it, or if they feel awkward they will leave the room. Don't be put off by what your mum says, if you want to breastfeed then go for it! It really is incredible

xoxox

 

[Emma17]

just go for it if you want to!

 

[Desi's_lost]

I think people make a far bigger deal out of the possibility of seeing a flash of boob while trying to feed your baby (not on here, i mean the people that appose it) than there should be. Its not like you're exposing yourself in a sexual way, or even trying to flash someone! And its a boob. Everyone has seen one before. Most have even been breastfed themselves.

 

[EffyKat]

I think she's just scared my dad will get uncomfortable but I'd certainly go out of the way to feed at home!

 

[~RedLily~]

Don't know if this helps but this is how discreet BFing can be

without covering up

https://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx290/ellabump/Elayna/506456cc-1.jpg

and just with a muslin

https://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx290/ellabump/Elayna/cc5b7ba8.jpg
https://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx290/ellabump/Elayna/24c1c6ae.jpg

 

[EffyKat]

That is fantastic, not as I expected from all the 'criticism' from my mam.
But on a different topic from breastfeeding, on the last photo your baby just looks soo cute the way she's looking at you! X

 

[hot tea]

Breastfeeding is awesome and it's great to hear of people who really ant to do it!

Don't let ANYONE tell you it's not right. You need support. And you know what, even if you did want to flop your boob around everywhere... that would be fine! Boobs are for feeding your baby. Of course I am sure you are more proper than that, in which case being subtle is an art quickly learned when you breastfeed. Breastfeeding in public can be done very discreetly. Have a blanket, wear a tank top under your shirt and I gaureentee no boob will show at all. Trust me, I have F cups and I can do it (They used to be Hs!!!).

Also those who do notice will probably be nice or just ignore you. No one will be rude... and if they do, they obviously don't know what is best for babe. I have had people give me thumbs up - more smiles than frowns.

Good luck and don't ever get discouraed. You can do it!

 

[EffyKat]

Aw thank you. those words of encouragement mean a lot to me especially since on here you have people with their babies who have more 'pros' than 'cons' for breastfeeding.