Breastfeeding In Public
Situation 1:
Since pregnant, Julia was interested to breastfeed her baby since she’s a full time housewife. However, after her confinement, she found out that it’s very difficult for her to breastfeed her daughter especially in public. Thus, she decided to give her daughter formula milk every time they went for an outing.
Situation 2:
Janice is a full time working mum and chose to fully breastfeed her baby. However, she was also having a problem to breastfeed her baby in public. She don’t know how and she felt embarrass when she breastfeed in public. So, she rather spends more time at home than going out to socialize. Since her parents does not support breastfeeding, they keep on telling her to give her baby formula milk because it easier to go anywhere and everywhere.
Situation 3:
Isabella loves to breastfeed her daughter. Everywhere she goes, it doesn’t matter because she don’t have to bring anything related to milk, hot water and others. For her breastfeeding is fun, even in public.
Which situation are you in?
Breastfeeding in public tends to be a big problem for most first time mothers. Every mother has her own comfort level about breastfeeding in public. Not everyone have an easy feeling when breastfeeding in public. Some mother does not feel comfortable when breastfeeding in public so they choose to give their baby to drink formula milk when they went out for outing. Some mother will pack their expressed milk in cooler bag, whenever they went out and nurse their baby using bottle.
I nursed my daughter in public from the first time that we started going out (when she was about 5 – 6 weeks old, 38 days in my confinement day. It was Hari Raya) until now. (15 months old.) Personally, I have never put a blanket over my nursing baby, though some moms are more comfortable doing this. I feel it just draws more attention to the fact that I’m nursing (I know I always notice this when someone else does it). For me a loose blouse, my ‘Tudung’ and also the baby will keep me perfectly covered and modest.
Actually, I have to admit that I also fell embarrass the first time I breastfed my daughter in public. Believe me, nobody will straightly have the guts and great feeling while breastfeeding in public. It needs practice and experience to be comfortable and confident. Luckily, during my first time breastfeeding in public, there was only my family members around me (my uncle, auntie, cousin, grandma, grandpa.. etc. ) and I also have my husband beside me for support. He’s the one who encourage me not to feel shy and just ignore other people. After that, we started to go to shopping complex eventhough at first I’m very particular on choosing which shopping mall we can go. I will definitely choose to go to shopping complexes that has a breastfeeding room. Later on, the more I go outside, the more I feel more confident and comfortable. Nowadays, I can breastfeed my daughter anywhere I go.
For the first timer especially, here are some tips on how to be more confident and comfortable while breastfeed in public.
1.Practice makes perfect.
That’s phrase commonly used to those who wants to succeed. The best place to start is in your own home. First, you need to learn how to breastfeed your baby in discreetly while walking around. Practice in front of the mirror and see how you look while breastfeed. Family members are good “guinea pigs” to practice on when you want to try to breastfeed in public. Always remembers not to breastfeed your baby in the bathroom or storeroom because even you wouldn’t want to eat there right?
2. Get the right outfit for comfortable.
There is no way that you can be able do a breastfeed discreetly if you wear a tight blouse or a dress. If you are going to be a nursing mum, then you should think what is the best outfit you can wear while going out? The easiest solution is to invest in nursing wears. If you have few nursing tops, you can try which style is best for you because nursing wear have different style in openings. Other than that, you can convert your own clothing to be a nursing wear. If you wear a regular outfit, you can lift up your top and once the baby latches on, adjust the cloths to cover as much as possible. Based on my experience, I will convert which ever clothing I have to be like a nursing wear. Of course, not every clothing can be convert to nursing wear. J Other than that, a baby sling is a great accessory for public nursing. With your baby safely in a sling, you can nurse your baby and have your hands free at the same time. The sling can be adjusted to keep you covered and no one will ever suspect that you are nursing your baby.
3. Find a good spot while breastfeeding
If you are in a restaurant, mall, airport or any crowded area, try to find a spot that you can sit so you have a little privacy. A booth is great as long as there is enough room to maneuver a baby. Sit so that you can see what is going on. As for me, I will look for corner space so that I can easily sit and not disturbing other people to walk or doing their business.
4. What should I do if people staring at me?
This situation can really be an uncomfortable. I gave you an example, when you are in university; boys and girls usually flirt around. Let say there was a boy, always staring at you and its freak you out. If you started looking back at him, what will he do? He will definitely turn around right? It’s the same situation here. The best thing to do is to return their gaze without backing down. However, this won’t happen always because nowadays, people are already aware about breastfeeding in public so usually we don’t attract that much attention.
5. Know Your Child.
I think everyone knows how their baby will react while breastfeeding. Some baby prefers to cover their face with clothing so it won’t be much problem for the mum. Some baby however, finds it irritating to have something covering their face or prefers to touch around (meraba-raba). This is usually the main reason why most mums prefer not to breastfeed in public, right? Based on my experience, my daughter one from the later scenario. She loves to touch around and finds it irritating if something is covering her face..How do I overcome this situation? I will divert her attention by giving something for her to play. For example, I will let her play with my necklace or some of her toys. Another solution is, just find a breastfeeding room to feed your baby.
6. Be proud of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is a noble and honorable thing that we can do for our child. So, be proud when you breastfeed yours.
I hope this tips will help. Sape nak tambah lagi, silakan…
Notes: So if your a breastfeeding mum, please don’t stay at home! Go out, have some fun, and nurse in public. The more mothers nurse in public, the more accepted it will become.
Notes: My intention to write this article is to encourage mum’s out there to believe in their self and don’t give breastfeed as a reason for not socializing or going out.
Thank you.
Luv,
UmmiKhayra
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Comment by Hui-Wearn on 26 December 2009:
i would strongly encourage all moms who are serious about breastfeeding their babies to breastfeed wherever they go…. sometimes maybe in public places. there’s nothing to be embarassed about – you are doing the right thing – so no need to feel self-conscious. i started out breastfeeding my son wearing nursing wear as it can be discreet but with my daughter now i don’t even use nursing wear in public places cos i am so used to it!
many shopping malls now in the Klang Valley do provide ‘parenting’ rooms for parents to change baby diapers or to breastfeed. Places that I’ve been to that provide this facility is KLCC, Jaya Jusco, Parkson, Metrojaya, Sunway Pyramid, Bangsar Village, Ikea, Ikano & etc etc etc. so, if you are still a bit shy to breastfeed in public, then opt for the nursing rooms first, then once you are more confident, anywhere also can……really….. you can do it!
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UmmiKhayra Reply:
December 27th, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Yes, I’m agree with you too Hui Wearn..
The more we used to be in public, the more comfortable we are. Maybe last time its difficult to find place that provide parenting room, but nowadays, like you said, almost every mall has it. Its become one of the important facilities to have. 
So, breastfeeding is not the reason we cannot go for outing.. 
UmmiKhayra´s last blog post ..~ Happy 16 Months Old Khayra ~
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Comment by mama emma® on 26 December 2009:
remembered my 1st time outing with ryan.. it was pyramid.. unfortunately d bf room x siap lg that time.. so i selamba je masuk surau.. hehe..
mama emma®´s last blog post ..- ANOTHER SESSION ON BAKING WITH LUV -
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UmmiKhayra Reply:
December 27th, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Betul tu, tu pun salah satu alternative place jugak.
UmmiKhayra´s last blog post ..~ Happy 16 Months Old Khayra ~
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Comment by syigim on 26 December 2009:
good one, ummi khayra
to me breasfeeding in public tu mcm comes naturally bila dah jadi mak.. xrasa pelik plak hihi. me, i just letak napkin over my shoulder bila breastfeed in public.
anyhow, in dubai it’s big on family & moms n suma malls lengkap dgn feeding rooms dgn sofa cantik2 & selesa
and yes, (wlaupun da stop bf) i’m proud to be a breastfeeding mom!
)
syigim´s last blog post ..Facebook Bday Wishes for Kahfi
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UmmiKhayra Reply:
December 27th, 2009 at 11:41 PM
thanks syigim..
yep, saya pun setuju its come naturally bila dah jadi mak ni… 
but ada jugak segelintir mum yang jadikan tu alasan untuk tidak ke mana-mana. Susah nak jalan etc. So guna formula.. 
Kat malaysia pun, sekarang bf room dah cantik-cantik.. ( tp kat mall besar-besar la..
) bestnya, kat sana sume mall lengkap.. boleh bersuka-suka.. 
UmmiKhayra´s last blog post ..~ Happy 16 Months Old Khayra ~
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Comment by siti fairus on 26 December 2009:
I’ve been breastfeeding in public since the 1st born, and now my 2nd born. I am proud to be a breastfeeding mom too like anybody else. I agree with Syigim, if you’re a mommy it comes naturally. I just put my nursing cover and ignores everyone that’s staring. My 9 months daughter can adapt to any environment or position while breastfeeding. And the beauty of it, no fuss about making bottles and carrying formulas and warm water just to make one when he/she needed it. To all breastfeeding mom out there, be proud of it!
siti fairus´s last blog post ..I have a Secret
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UmmiKhayra Reply:
December 27th, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Me tooo…
proud to be breastfeeding mum.. And yes, tak perlu sibuk-sibuk dengan bottles, etc. Adakah sebab saya pemalas? 
UmmiKhayra´s last blog post ..~ Happy 16 Months Old Khayra ~
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Comment by e-caR NazRin aka ibuEiymann on 27 December 2009:
entry yg baguih..i loikee..well, ku slalu gelarkn diriku BREASTAURANT..open 24/7..anytime..anywhere.. no Q.. no waiting list.. and its totally FREE!!
ku mmg slalu bukak BEASTAURANT kt mane2 pun.. dlm LRT, shopping complex, restaurant, tepi tangga, bwh pokok…u name it.. but not in TOILET shj..pls, jgn BF ank dlm toilet..tmpt yg busuk cenggitu x akn kite nk jdkan tmpt bg ank mkn kan..ku pnh t’serempak sorang ibu BF ank dia dlm toilet gara2 malu nk BF in public.. haissshh..
e-caR NazRin aka ibuEiymann´s last blog post ..Bloggers Family Outing: Splendid Sunday @ Sunway Lagoon!!
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UmmiKhayra Reply:
December 27th, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Kak e-car, saya pun tak setuju kalau breastfeed anak kita dalam toilet. Sedang kan kita pun tak nak makan kat toilet.. Ke ada yang rela makan di toilet?
Akak memang rock..
UmmiKhayra´s last blog post ..~ Happy 16 Months Old Khayra ~
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Comment by catlina on 27 December 2009:
rindunye nak bf …
tinggal kenangan jelah..tggu adik e-ein, ku berazam nak BF fully
catlina´s last blog post ..Bang bang boom E-ein!
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UmmiKhayra Reply:
December 28th, 2009 at 12:02 AM
Insyaallah, next baby boleh..
UmmiKhayra´s last blog post ..~ Happy 16 Months Old Khayra ~
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Comment by Mastura on 28 December 2009:
first time bawak Mikhail keluar, is to the clinic for his one-month-old shot…selamber je ‘bukak bekal’ kt klinik tu (of course saya carik port kerusi yg blakang2)
then, saya suka ke Jusco sbb situ ada Baby Room…x kisah sgt…
Masa ke Melaka few months back..x tau nk bf Mikhail kt mana, masuk surau..org tgk jer…Like I Care!
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UmmiKhayra Reply:
December 28th, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Hehehhe surau pun one of the selected place jugak. Kita boleh je bf kat situ cuma jangan kat tempat yang boleh kacau orang nak solat je la kan?
UmmiKhayra´s last blog post ..~ Double Standard Benciii… ~
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Comment by Hanz on 28 December 2009:
skarang ni bukan ajer NURSING WEAR, Nursing Cover pun ader, Nursing poncho pun ader & even pakai sling macam UmmiKhayra dah mention, boleh BF.
Plus, banyak Shopping Complex dah provide Nursing Room nowadays, kat The Curve comfy…dulu2 masa my time with MyMomsBest, kami pernah buat compilation Nursing Room places..Baby Room pun boleh nurse lagi..asalkan jangan kat toilet, sian your baby..
Alah…tak jadi halangan kalau nak seribu dayakan, kat Kedai Mamak pun ku BF jer babyku, kat GIant & Tesco tempat lalu-lalang pun selamber jer..bukannyer kita naked, hehehe
Hanz´s last blog post ..HAPPENING at MomBloggersPlanet! Just don’t miss it!
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UmmiKhayra Reply:
December 28th, 2009 at 4:41 PM
betul-betul.. dah ada nursing cover, nursing poncho.. mana-mana yang selesa kita dah boleh guna. Memang tiada alasan lagi kalau nak cakap malu.. malu.. malu… tu memang beralasan tu untuk kasi formula…
Hanz, samala kita.. sambil jalan pun sebat…
UmmiKhayra´s last blog post ..~ Double Standard Benciii… ~
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Comment by Millie on 28 December 2009:
I pun dah tak berapa kisah NIP..tapi masa anak 1 & 2 dulu masih malu2 lah
Now, when I’m at my parents’ and my BIL is chatting with while sitting in the chair next to me, I pusing badan sikit je & selak utk susukan Zuleyka..pastu toleh la kepala sikit utk sambung borak he hee..my sis (his wife) pun fully-BF both their sons..so he’s very used to this situation
Millie´s last blog post ..SOHO Mama’s 100th Entry Contest!
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UmmiKhayra Reply:
December 28th, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Biasa memang first timer akan rasa nervous dan malu.. Samala macam saya. Tp lelama ok sebab husband pun ok.. Saya pulak, family husband banyak lelaki, adik beradik husband pun lelaki.. tapi lelama diorg macam faham la. Sume buat selamber je..
UmmiKhayra´s last blog post ..~ Double Standard Benciii… ~
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Comment by sumijelly on 29 December 2009:
alhamdulilah…sejak yang ke 3 nie..dh x rasa segannak BF di public. Cuma bercover jerla..umapama letak beg ker, kain ker…
lagi senang kalu anak BF, x perlu pening pala nak cari air masak, basuh botol..
Bangga tul jadi one of mum yg still BF sehingga kini. skrg dh 10 nulan..targer nak capai 2 tahun kalu berjaya.. doakan la untuk sumi..hehehe
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Comment by UmmiKhayra on 30 December 2009:
Aminn… Saya doakan untuk sumi..
Tu la.. memang tak pening la kepala nk fikir kena bawak apa bila nak jalan and nak basuh botol semua.. menonong je kalau jalan pun… 
UmmiKhayra´s last blog post ..~ Family Day Haji Abdullah & Rubingah ~
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Comment by zahidah on 2 January 2010:
alhamdulillah…ramai rupanya ibu-ibu yg tidak berasa malu utk BF di public. Pd mulanya memang agak tidak selesa, tapi bila kita dah biasa….ianya akan jadi lebih mudah dan perasaan kurang selesa itu akan hilang…sy pun seperti ibu-ibu di sini juga, sudah biasa BF di public…pandai-pandailah cover…..
zahidah´s last blog post ..Untuk Pemaisuri dan Puteri Ayah
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Comment by sayahappyslalu on 22 March 2010:
I’m a new mom.. thanks for sharing.. harap dapat breastfeed my baby selagi yang termampu..
sayahappyslalu´s last blog post ..Silence..
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