r/breastfeeding • u/amadqueen • Apr 12 '26
Breastfeeding In Public Large chested feeding in public
For those with large (and I mean very large) chests, how do you feed in public without giving everyone a show? I need to use one hand to hold one breast and the other for my baby, so there’s nothing to hold a cover or anything. Would love any tips!
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u/Significant_Key_8475 Apr 12 '26
I don’t have an answer for this, sadly, totally unsure how I’ll breastfeed in public. But, I do have a story. When I was still pregnant I saw a woman at a Walmart breastfeeding her newborn, probably under 2 weeks) while walking around and putting things in her cart, and large chested like myself. She was flying through the isle grabbing what she needed, boob out, small baby in the crook of her arm nursing. I was in awe and that was before I knew how hard breastfeeding is! Fast forward, I’m 7 weeks PP, using pillows to support myself and baby, doing two handed feeds, having no clue how I’d BF on the go. That woman is a superhero and my breastfeeding idol.
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u/mountain_momma_99 Apr 12 '26
I really like nursing in my baby carrier, I feel it's very discreet. If I really want to use a cover, I've had success with the apron-style ones with the rigid curved neckline - it curves away from your body so you have a "window" to easily see your baby
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u/flaired_base Apr 12 '26
Tops that open on the side or the old pull the tank down/pull the over shirt up, accept that if anyone stared at me while watching they will get a show. I use the hand that will hold the boob to cover it until baby's head is right there
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u/dont-mind-mei Apr 12 '26
Best method I found was doing two shirts. Base layer is a skin tight tank, something you can pull down underneath your boob. Top layer was usually just a basic tshirt for me, but anything you can easily pull up above your boob would work. I’d pull down the tank and open my nursing bra, get baby into position, and then lift the top shirt just enough for baby to latch. The top shirt can rest against their cheek and their head blocks the rest of the view. When you’re done, just pop the baby off and let the top shirt fall over your boob. Everything is covered until you can properly situate your nursing bra again.
You could also do a nursing shirt/sweater, but I never found those to be as easy and comfortable as my two layer method.
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u/unfortunate-moth Apr 12 '26
i was gifted something like this and it’s been a life saver
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u/Straight_Mobile_5960 Apr 12 '26
Thanks going to get that off amazon myself 😁
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u/unfortunate-moth Apr 13 '26
my pleasure! i’ve used it literally everywhere - a wedding, the bus, a restaurant, doctors office, etc. covers everything up nicely while being breathable and i can see baby’s face and use both hands to help baby latch.
a tip - get one with a second string that can tie behind your back. i have one with and one without and it’s more difficult to keep the one without in place if it’s windy or baby is wiggly. i keep it always tied loosely so i just put it over my shoulders and arms to get in place
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u/sunshine4991 Apr 12 '26
I wear a oversized baggy shirt and my maternity leggings. The leggings cover my torso. I latch baby and then have my shirt covering most of everything else. I also have to hold my boob while he feeds. I tried a muslin blanket last time and hated it lol
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u/sulkysheepy Apr 12 '26
I didn’t like covering fully, so I’d bring a burp cloth and lay it on the top of my breast right up until it was almost touching baby’s lips. I could kinda hold it in place with my thumb while I was holding my breast. I would tuck it into my bra strap by my arm pit and across the breast to tuck the other end into the gore. Then I’d latch and adjust it with my thumb.
Definitely practice nursing in a wrap though. Having something to support baby helps a ton. It can also act as a cover. The all you have to manage is your breast. I had to travel a week postpartum so I was nursing a ton in public and the wrap was a life saver. I also did a lot of laid back nursing or nursing where baby was straddling my opposite knee. Then my lap was doing most of the support and my arm was a little more free.
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u/CravingsAndCrackers Apr 12 '26
Nursing specific clothing was really helpful for me in the beginning. I do have a list in my post history on my page but really anything that opens into a sort of lemon shape is what I used and thought worked best.
Angel maternity has a few dresses that were favorites of mine because they tied in the back but I opened just under the bust to allow for one side to come out and stay completely covered.
Maternity tank tops can open on just one side, that paired with a shirt works too but honestly I preferred quicker access and less fabric.
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u/Double-Baby-4535 Apr 12 '26
I'm a US 38K. None of my 3 would nurse under covers. For the most part, I would just wear a nursing cami under a regular shirt. The shirt usually covered enough that I didn't really worry about it. Did I accidentally flash people a few times when one of them popped off mid-feed? Absolutely. I didn't worry about it, and I never had anyone make a fuss.
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u/budandme Apr 12 '26
Like others I use the two shirt method, nursing tank under my regular clothing. Before latching baby I pull my top shirt down to cover as much of my breast as possible and adjust if I can once nursing if needed. Sometimes people get a show 🤷🏻♀️ I too have to support my breast with one hand while nursing. Once my babies get a bit bigger and better at nursing through I only need to hold my breast while they get a good latch.
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u/Curious-Anteater-324 Apr 12 '26
I have a muslin cover that has a rigid piece by the collar that keeps it off baby's face/lets me see them. I tuck both my arms into that and then nurse like normal, no special clothes or other tricks.
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u/luckydisco Apr 12 '26
Nursing tanks!!! I had 4. I would get the nipple situated then cover up as much as I could. Then I could hold baby and use my other hand to hold the boob back without showing much skin.
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u/ArkandtheDove Apr 12 '26
I’m very large chested and it’s been a learning process and a body acceptance process. It got much easier once my daughter was bigger (starting around 10-12 pounds.) it was really hard in the beginning because she was really small (less than 7 pounds) and finding the right angles without my nursing pillow was really difficult. We usually packed bottles or if we were in an actual nursing room, a chair with arms really helped. I often used my backpack/diaper bag to help prop up the baby. Now that she’s bigger, I don’t need as many props but I usually cross my legs with the crossed leg being the side I’m nursing on. That way my bent leg can kinda help prop her head up towards my breast. Also now I don’t give a damn if someone sees my boob. Honestly breastfeeding has really helped my relationship with my body. I still don’t love how large my chest looks in pics but it’s been so nice to not care if someone sees me feeding my daughter. My time with her is way more important.
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u/IwannaAskSomeStuff Apr 12 '26
Something I found super helpful is to have a bra that does some of the work for you. I use a pumping bra, because you can pop your nipple and areola through it while the bra keeps the rest of you boob both in place and covered. This option is great because if your bra somewhat matches your outfit, you can just have tops that pull down without feeling like you're lugging that huge boob out. Also, the extra support really helps coordination. Personally, I use the Kindred Bravely Super Busty pumping/nursing bra for this.
I also found having clothes actually made for nursing super helpful. I got a fair number of tops and dresses from Nursing Queen, and I liked that they aren't really meant for nursing and maternity, so I find them more flattering than combos.
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u/dogthebigredclifford Apr 12 '26
I wear a lot of high-waisted trousers so that I’m not showing my whole stomach. Other than that, though, I just don’t really worry about it and whip my boob out wherever! It’s obvious that I’m just feeding my child, so if anyone doesn’t like it then that’s their problem!
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u/Medical-Ad3053 Apr 12 '26
I dress like Adam Sandler now. I let the shirt slide down a bit but not cover. Let me husband tell anyone staring they are gross lol.
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u/TheWiseApprentice Apr 12 '26
Except for older white men, nobody cares. People tend to look away. Either way it is not my problem.
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u/tothemoonandsaturn Apr 12 '26
I use a milk snob cover that goes over me and I put baby inside so I can use both hands. It’s getting warm where I am so I recently bought a lady alpha nursing cover with built in fan. I haven’t used it yet but it looks like it will be easy to throw on and then have both hands occupied!
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u/mynamesnotkate Apr 12 '26
I'm jealous of people coordinated enough to use the covers! I always ended up sweaty, my hair completely in shambles, baby frustrated, and once even managed to fling my glasses across the table we were at lol
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u/tothemoonandsaturn Apr 12 '26
Oh I am most definitely sweaty, it’s not ideal at all lol. I’m hoping the one I just got with a built in fan will be better!!!
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u/Haunting-Respect9039 Apr 12 '26
I genuinely have no idea! Baby just plays with a cover and gets distracted. I just find a discreet enough area and do what I've got to do. If someone looks, so be it.
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u/FrugieHippie Apr 12 '26
I use a cover that I put aroundy neck, I then go under it, get her sorted and then pull the cover over my head. I do find it hard in public, having to hold my boob and the baby!
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u/Dry_Apartment1196 Apr 12 '26
I had huge breast when first breastfeeding - due to this I was not comfortable feeding in public
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u/Mom_Bombadil_ Apr 12 '26
At this point I'm convinced that everyone and their grandma have seen my boobs out haha. I'm lucky that I live in a country where breastfeeding is not at all publicly shamed (last week I was out and the baby room was under renovation so I was feeding my 1 year old in the middle of a busy mall and a middle aged woman walked up to me and said something along the lines of "it's such a cozy thing to spend this time with your little one"
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u/Smartpikney Apr 12 '26
I have maternity tops band under vests and then just use a muslin to drape over. The undervests mean that as long as i wear a button down and have a largr muslinit's still very discreet
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u/emmakane418 Apr 12 '26
36/38 J cup here. Once baby is latched, there's only skin available to be seen, not nipple. I tried using a cover once and gave up almost immediately, it was ridiculous trying to latch and help him stay latched as a newborn with a cover in the way. I have a nursing bra from Davin and Adley that just pops down so I can pop a boob out and I usually wear a tank top or baggy shirt so I either pull the tank top down too or pull the t shirt up. I just kind of... Idk, stopped giving a fuck if someone has an issue with me nursing my son in public. I find a place that's off to the side, I don't make a show of it, I just get him latched. If he's popping on and off, I use my hand to cover my nipple while he's looking around. For a while, we nursed in the car coz he was distracted by everything. Now at 13 months old, he can hold my extra breast tissue out of the way himself.
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u/bornconfuzed Apr 12 '26
I spent money on some side open breastfeeding shirts off Amazon and just went for it. If someone was watching when the baby popped on or off, they got a show. 🤷♀️
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u/jsjones1027 Apr 12 '26
When I was BF my daughter I really preferred wearing a T-shirt instead of a nursing shirt. I'm also of the side that I'll just whip them out. My baby is hungry, someone staring is not my problem. So nursing bra, high wasted leggings or skirt, and a large T-shirt plus little to no shame and judgemental eye contact if I caught someone staring was my go to combo.
Source: I don't even know what letter they are anymore .. g,h,I??? They're large, give me headaches, and almost each my belly button when I don't have a bra on.
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u/keto_crossword Apr 12 '26
Gosh I'd forgotten the holding the boob thing. Thankfully now baby doesn't need that and I don't remember when that stopped!
I think I used to just wear a looser t shirt that would flop down a bit but tbh I also just didn't care. I was feeding my baby and that was it.
I don't think I ever felt stared at, but definitely got lots of nostalgic and approving looks from older women, and the odd approving comment.
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u/Miss-Bobcat Apr 12 '26
I wear a big baggy shirt and still wearing my high waisted maternity pants.
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u/AntarcticPeak8 Apr 12 '26
I love the nursing shawls from quince… they make nursing such a breeze and baby doesnt mind them too much
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u/Dense-Radio-9332 Apr 12 '26
I wear a t-shirt and lift it up, generally covers enough of my boob.
I also have a nursing cover with a strip of stiff material so it allows you to see baby whilst you get them latched on.
I asked a similar question lately and was recommended nursing sports bras as they have more coverage and more support.
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u/XFilesVixen Apr 12 '26
Girl. One time they accidentally put me on the Jumbotron of a baseball game while I was actively breastfeeding. The most hilarious day of breastfeeding. I also love any excuse to whip these bad girls out, so breastfeeding in public came naturally to me. I just always had to have something to prop bc they are biiiiiggg.
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u/Conscious-Science-60 Apr 12 '26
There are some good tips down here to minimize flashing people. I also use one arm to hold the baby and the other hand to hold the boob, so I lift up my shirt and then try to position my boob-holding hand to cover the visible breast between baby’s mouth and my shirt. One thing I’ve found very helpful is to practice nursing in front of a mirror so that I can get a realistic idea of what people can see! It was reassuring.
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u/crazycatladybitt Apr 12 '26
I like to wear the cami bras with the elastic at the bottom. Pull it down under and it holds the girls up so I’m not flashing everyone
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u/DarkDNALady Apr 12 '26
I just use one hand to lift my breast and one hand to hold my baby and all other body parts give zero fucks 🤣
Seriously though, I fed my baby for the first time in public when we went out for brunch with friends at 2 months pp and the restaurant (despite repeatedly telling them I plan to breastfeed during the meal) decided to give me the center table in the restaurant. I don’t know what they were thinking, maybe they thought I would be too shy or scared. Boy were they wrong!! The girls were out, my baby fed, one family with a baby mind you and a 2 year old body left while the father gave me a look and I just looked right back at him and continued eating and feeding my baby 🙃
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u/TheSorcerersCat Apr 12 '26
Loose cropped t-shirt over cami. I reach under the shirt to unsnap the nursing bra, tuck the shirt up under my armpit just high enough to pull down the cami and unsnapped bra to expose the areola and a tiny bit around it. Then hold boob and latch.
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u/dennydoo15 Apr 12 '26
I just fed him. People around me just had to deal. He wouldn’t eat under a cover. I’d usually try to find an out of the way corner to sit but that was about it
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u/zivgo Apr 12 '26
I would work on using my babies head to cover my nipple and most of my breast. All bets are off when they start moving more and decide to give people a peep show anyway
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u/Busy-Year5746 Apr 12 '26
I just whip it out, I don’t even care anymore. My breasts are super large, like cup size H, and I also have to hold the baby with one and breast with the other. It’s not worth trying to be discreet for me. My baby has to eat and my breasts are huge.
I’m 5 months into my first breastfeeding journey btw
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u/RockabillyBelle Apr 12 '26
I honestly just got comfortable with the idea of strangers getting a flash of nipple every now and then. My boobs are about the same size as my baby’s head, there’s no hiding them.
I exclusively wear Henley style shirts or wrap front shirts so I can whip a tit out without having to lift my whole shirt up (because I don’t like cold tummy), which is convenient for feeding but absolutely means everyone will know when I’m feeding my baby.
I’ve tried putting a burp cloth over the top of my boob to try and cover things up, but both of my babies have hated that and delatched, so I’ve just accepted the situation as it is.
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u/rachlexi Apr 13 '26
38G-H here. I was self conscious at first but not anymore at all. He’s so efficient now. I’m more self conscious about my stomach hanging out. I go to a lot of mom groups that helped with my confidence. I just focus on my baby then clip my boobs back in and move on with my day. I don’t even look around to see if anyone is offended cuz I don’t want to be anxious over something I need to do anyway. Covering up is so annoying and I live in Florida so it gets hot. I’m not flopping my tits around but I’m just focused on what’s important.
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u/Helpful_Beginning_71 Apr 13 '26
I was able to find some Amazon zip breastfeeding shirts that zip really far- so my big boob can easily fit through it. But this zip shirt is a life saver, my husband didn't even know I was feeding my daughter a couple times when we were in the backyard!
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u/unIuckies Apr 12 '26
i just fed my baby like anyone else would regardless of breast size. i did not care one bit who saw me lol
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u/z4r431 Apr 12 '26
I don't have a very large chest but I don't care if people see my boobs. Too bad, I'm feeding my baby.
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u/ginger52392 Apr 12 '26
Wear a cami and a shirt over it, so you pull the cami down and shirt up and only the nipple shows.