Our 7 Best Tips for Breastfeeding in Public

Ah. The beauty of the Boobie.

It’s celebrated in magazines, on posters, on the runway, in the movies, and on beaches. But, for some reason, the sight of Titties doing what nature intended them for — feeding and comforting our babies — can cause some people to protest in shock!

And some people even confront mamas who are nursing in public.

Well. We’re here to say that is nonsense. You, your Titties and your breastfeeding journey are incredible. Feeding your child is natural and what you’re doing mama is amazing. But if you need a confidence boost and some support for how to breastfeed in public, then, as always, we’ve got your back.

Check out our tips and tricks for nursing in public, as well as understanding your legal rights.

And let those Boobies do what they do best!

Why is breastfeeding in public an issue?

The very easy answer is IT SHOULDN’T BE!

The debate about breastfeeding in public has always been a thing. Unfortunately.

For some loopy reason, there are a few folks out there who seem to think nursing in public shouldn’t be done.

That we should be feeding our babies under a stuffy cover (umm...excuse me, sir, have you tried eating your lunch under a blanket in this heat?), in a restroom (ewww) OR that we should have done it before we left the house. Um, yeah. OK. Like we can reason with a baby or toddler who wants their milk and wants it NOW!

The fact is breastfeeding has so many incredible benefits for both you and your little one but so many brave mamas choose to stop breastfeeding simply because of a bad experience or fear of feeding in public.

If this has happened to you then we’re so sorry. And it might help to understand your legal rights. 

What are your rights for breastfeeding in public? 

Before we get to our tips for how to breastfeed in public, it’s important for you to know your rights mama.

Because you have them.

If you are wondering, is breastfeeding in public legal? The answer is YES. Breastfeeding in public is legal in all 50 states of the USA. It’s protected by both federal and state law. This means whenever your baby is hungry, no matter where you are, you have the right to nurse. 

Yep. Whether you’re doing a Target run with your child, or out to eat at a restaurant… if your bundle of joy is hungry or simply needs comforting, you can whip a Titty out and let them snack. 

The laws that protect you allow you to nurse in any private and public location. And there are additional laws including your right to nurse or pump at work during breaks, as well as abstaining from jury duty (in 17 states) if you are breastfeeding. Some states have additional laws to protect you too.

The bottom line is this. You have every right to breastfeed in public. You are protected by law. And you have our unconditional support.

If you need a little more help, confidence, or nursing in public tips, then we’ve got your back. And your Boobs!

Tips for nursing in public 

Breastfeeding with confidence isn’t always an innate thing. Am I right? 

Some amazing mamas can whip a Titty out wherever they are and get down to their milky business, while other incredible moms find nursing in public a little daunting or stressful.

Whatever side of the Boobing fence you sit on, here are some tips and tricks to help you breastfeed with confidence whenever you’re out of the house.

#1 Practice. Practice. Practice.

In the early days of breastfeeding, it can be overwhelming to do in public because you may not feel confident with your latch or positioning. You’re only used to nursing your babe nestled in your cozy nook. When you feel you are more in your groove, it will be easier to do outside of your safe nest.

That’s why it’s a good idea to practice at home before heading out. How? Try nursing in front of a mirror so you can practice the easiest positions (like the cradle hold, or the cross cradle hold) and see what it looks like while you’re feeding. In your mind you might think everyone will be able to see your whole Boobie, but, in reality, your little one’s head covers most of your breast. And did you know, you do not need to cover up! However, that is completely your preference (more on this later.)

#2 Nurse with other mom friends

One of the best ways to achieve breastfeeding with confidence is by doing it surrounded by other amazing mamas just like you!

Whether it’s a good friend or a group of moms from a mother and baby group, you might find it easier (and super empowering) to nurse when you’ve got your squad with you. Breastfeeding in public with other breastfeeding mamas can help you feel more relaxed. And what’s a more gorgeous sight than one mama nursing? A whole group of them!

#3 Wear what feels comfortable

You don’t have to buy a ton of nursing clothes when breastfeeding if you don’t want to.

Although there are more and more trendy options available than there used to be (from specially designed nursing tops to dresses). If nursing clothes aren’t something you feel comfortable wearing, there are plenty of ways to dress in your style AND be breastfeeding ready. We like to call this, Whip A Titty Out (WATO) fashion.

• Try the two-shirt method (more on that in our next tip)
• Invest in a few good nursing bras and easy access tank tops
• Wear a button-down shirt that can be opened and closed with ease when your milk monster calls
• Style a pair of cool overalls - perfect for easy access
• Try a wrap-around style dress or cardigan for slipping a Tittie out
• Wear a comfy and cozy zip-up hoodie and unzip whenever your babe needs a snack

Above all, always wear what feels most comfortable to YOU.

#4 Try the two-shirt method

The two-shirt method is a simple and convenient way to nurse in public...and anywhere really. Especially if you’re concerned about showing too much skin.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Wear a nursing tank top or any kind of stretchy tank top 
2. Slip on another shirt over the top of your tank top
3. When baby needs his milk, pull your shirt UP and your tank top DOWN

Easy! Nursing in the open without showing anything.

#5 Use a cover-up, but ONLY if you want to

Now. You know you don’t NEED to cover up.

What you’re doing is beautiful and natural and mama, you’re a superwoman. And you are free to feed your little one with or without covering up.

BUT. If it makes you feel more comfortable to cover up a little bit when nursing in public, then you might want to consider using either a large scarf, muslin, or a nursing apron. 

These take some practice, but there are lots of styles to try. 

We can’t guarantee your baby will like it though, as some little ones might find a piece of fabric in front of them a distraction or a fun toy to play with. Also, keep in mind, it can get warm under there for bebe if it is a hot day.

#6 Wear your baby

No... we don’t mean as an accessory! Although. What a cute one, right?!

Wearing your baby in a sling or baby carrier can make nursing in public, and on the go, a cinch!

Make sure you’re wearing a top and bra that can be accessed easily before slightly loosening your arm straps. You can then slide the waistband of your carrier down so your babe is in a more comfortable position for reaching your Boobies. 

Always make sure baby’s head is supported, her chin is off her chest, and that she has a clear airway without any obstructions.

#7 You own your body

Just remember, your body belongs to you. Just because you are nursing in a public space, doesn’t make your body or your baby public property.

You’re feeding your baby. You’re giving him sustenance. Public nursing shouldn’t be a big thang! And just because other people might have some strange ideas about what’s appropriate, remember, this is YOUR body and your baby. The law is on your side, and what you’re doing is amazing.

And every time a mama sees another mama nursing, she’ll be filled with confidence that she can do it too. You’re helping to normalize feeding in public.

And that mama, makes you a superhero!

You've got this mama!

We’re so proud of you for going out of your comfort zone and feeding your little milk monster in public. 

You really are the Tits!

Whether you do it once or you start nursing in public regularly, you deserve a standing ovation. Like everything, it takes practice to feel confident when whipping your Titties out, but the more you do it, the more it will feel like second nature.

You do what’s best for you and your baby. And we’ll be here on the sidelines cheering you on.

Do you have any tips for breastfeeding in public that we forgot to mention? Share them in the comments below — you might be able to help someone else with your advice.

Be sure to check out some of our other blog posts on the Let's Talk Titties blog and shop our hand-painted ceramic pots covered in Titties to celebrate motherhood. You deserve it!

All the Breast,
xx Jessy and the Titty Team

 

At Titty City Design, we believe that every boobie is beautiful, and that should be celebrated. We are a female owned and operated, small business here to spread self love and body positivity with our line of products for the home. A portion of our proceeds go to help support postpartum women and breast cancer patients.

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