To Cover Or Not To Cover
Feeding a baby is probably the most important task that mothers need to do in order to keep their babies alive. Unfortunately in some cultures, particularly in the Western world, feeding a baby at the breast IS seen as something shocking, even vulgar by some. Many people are simply not used to seeing breastfeeding images and so feel some discomfort around a nursing mother. For others, nursing a baby or toddler is an activity that belongs to privacy, behind closed doors.
Some breastfeeding advocates believe that the only way to normalize the activity and affect a change in the collective consciousness is to proceed naturally, and not behave as if nursing is something that needs to be hidden away.
Others feel that they can’t do much to change the opinions of uninformed individuals. They may decide to avoid offending others by using some sort of nursing cover up when feeding their baby. No approach is right, it depends on the situation and the feelings of the mother.
Things to consider when using a nursing cover up:
A large blanket tossed over mom’s shoulder screams “hey, we’re nursing under here!”. A better choice would be a lightweight receiving blanket placed behind the baby’s back and pulled up over his head so that mom is covered. There are also lightweight nursing covers on the market that attach to mom’s neck. These come in a lot of cute fabrics and designs and fold up easily in a diaper bag or purse. Some of these are stiff at the top so that mom can see baby’s face while nursing, preserving the closeness and communication between mom and baby.
Many moms find that wearing their babies in a sling, or any soft cloth baby carrier is even more effective as a nursing cover up. A ring sling like the Maya Wrap or Zolowear can easily accommodate a nursing infant. The pouch that holds the baby can be pulled up to cover baby’s head easily. The tail of the sling can also be used to cover the baby’s head or any exposed breast. Ring slings are also a good option for new moms since they’re easy to use, but pouches, mei tais and baby wraps all have discrete nursing possibilities.
Young babies are often easy to nurse discreetly, but older babies sometimes develop habits that make discreet nursing harder. For example, some babies refuse to be covered up. Others begin playing with mom’s other nipple. If your baby begins doing this and if discreet nursing is important to you, you might want to get to an agreement so he can continue playing as long as he’s covered.
discretly nursing in public - Tokyo train
Nursing cover ups can also be of good help in the case of babies who are easily distracted while nursing, which is common with babies of around 8 or 9 months of age. Sometimes mom has such a hard time getting baby settled down to nurse that she gets uncomfortably full, which can lead to problems with plugged ducts or mastitis.
Another good choice for discrete and comfortable breastfeeding is the wide variety of nursing tanks and tops available. You can choose among nursing tanks with built-in bra to nursing tops and blouses with designs that provide easy access to the breast.
A frugal alternative to nursing apparel is wearing different layers of clothes. Choose from your wardrobe those tanks that cover your tummy but leave easy access to the breast from the neckline. Then wear a top that covers your chest but leaves easy access from the button. Voila! You have a discrete and frugal nursing apparel that is also comfortable and chic.
Breastfeeding is gaining more acceptance in western society as more people become aware of its benefits, but we may still be a couple of generations before it is common to see women nursing in public. In the other side of the world, where it used to be common to find moms nursing everywhere in public places, breastfeeding pictures are being changed for those of artificial feeding. The world does need more breastfeeding women out in public but if it makes you feel uncomfortable discrete nursing might be the way to go. Just do what feels best to help you and your baby to have a happier and longer breastfeeding journey.
