Breastfeeding In Public

I had an epiphany the other day.  It was the realization that I was finally comfortable nursing Munchkin in public. It might seem small but it means that there is less stress in my life. 

Before I was pregnant I knew I wanted to breastfeed.  Wanting to breastfeed and actually breastfeeding are two different things.  It was a harder in the beginning than I was expecting.  I’ve been “blessed” with a larger top half and it took me a little bit to learn how to get Munchkin to latch.  I have to hold the “sandwich” in order for her to stay latched.  This can make things awkward, especially in public.  Juggling Munchkin, my breast, the cover, and propping her up on my leg took some practice.  I didn’t think it would ever become second nature.  It used to stress me out so much that I would avoid going out.  If I had to go out, I would nurse Munchkin right before we left and would bring a bottle of mama milk with me.  That worked ok, except that Munchkin preferred mama milk from the source. So often I ended up nursing anyway.

When I nursed in public I felt like everyone was watching me.   I used a nursing cover in the beginning but Munchkin HATED it.  I did too, as it was just one more thing to deal with.  I felt like I should be covered because I didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.  I also didn’t want anyone to say anything to me about nursing my baby.  How embarrassing would it be if someone told me to stop or to move?  At this point I no longer care if someone says something to me.  WA state law allows me to nurse in public and if someone doesn’t like it, oh well.  If someone does say something they’ll get an earful from me.  Nicely, of course!  The best part is that if The Man is with me, he’s ready to say something too.  I love that I have his support in breastfeeding our daughter.

I think what made it easier was nursing at church.  There’s a rocking chair tucked away for nursing moms.  You can see the TV for watching the service if it’s going on and there are usually only kids and their parents in the area.  I started with the cover in that area, then a blanket and finally nothing.  From there I just started nursing in other places too.  Now I don’t think about it, I just feed the baby when she’s hungry.  It’s nice to have one less thing to stress about.

 

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