6 Breastfeeding Tips from a Local Certified Lactation Counselor

Once the spring weather catches up to the calendar, moms are
going to emerge from their homes with their winter newborns, and their older
babies too. A nursing mother sometimes feels that she has to run errands or
enjoy time out of the house in between her baby’s feedings. New mothers
especially, may have hesitation when figuring out the early weeks of
breastfeeding in public.

Here are some tips for feeling more comfortable breastfeeding in public. With practice and these suggestions, moms will soon be nursing anywhere with confidence.

1. Read baby’s early hunger cues so that you can begin nursing before he or she is hysterical. Loud crying will call attention, and a frantic baby doesn’t latch as well.
2. Choose the hold/position that is most comfortable for baby and you. When baby feels supported, comfortable and safe they will be able to nurse with more concentration and efficiency. Same for mom; ensure your back is supported and your shoulders are at ease.
3. Use a nursing cover, blanket or nursing hat to be more discreet (if you wish).  Baby slings are also a good option. Once you feel comfortable, you may opt not to use these items.
4. Choose an outfit that is easy in which to nurse. Something with buttons, deep v-neck or a wrap style top may be less conspicuous when opened/moved to the side.  Consider layering with a tank top so that
   your stomach is covered while baby is eating if you plan to lift your shirt.
5. Have what you need within an arm’s reach before having baby latch. I.e. have a burp cloth ready, a drink or snack you plan on having or your phone nearby. Interrupting baby to fumble for things in the diaper bag will add time to the feeding or risk baby unlatching because of distraction.
6. Practice! If you want to see what you look like nursing in public, sit in front of your mirror and see if you feel comfortable and well covered. You may find that to the average person, you look as if you’re just cradling the baby.

Tips provided by Jeanne Russell, a Certified Lactation Counselor and a Bergen county mom of a toddler and a newborn. She started Confident
Mama Lactation Counseling, based in Ramsey, to help mothers achieve their
personal breastfeeding goals. While breastfeeding natural, it doesn’t always
happen easily when the time comes.

Expectant parents can prepare for breastfeeding by attending an upcoming Prenatal Breastfeeding Class being hosted by Confident Mama Lactation Counseling at Baby’s Premiere 3D/4D Ultrasound Studio in Maywood. Class will be held on April 18 from 7-9pm. This interactive breastfeeding class is intended to give expectant parents insight into the benefits of breastfeeding, while providing knowledge about proper latching, helpful nursing positions, properly storing breastmilk and applying solutions to common breastfeeding challenges. Feeling prepared for breastfeeding will help expectant parents start off on the path to success. For more information please visit www.confidentmamalactation.com or
email Jeanne@confidentmamalactation.com