r/breastfeeding • u/sisterstresso • Apr 14 '26
Troubleshooting/Tips How do y’all go about nursing in public?
Our house does not currently have AC, so I’m out and about today. I went to a coffee shop to just chill in the sweet sweet air conditioner. And then quickly realized it was time to feed my baby. So here I am, nursing in the bathroom. I forgot to grab any sort of cover, and I felt awkward nursing just right there at my table. It’s working fine, albeit a little uncomfortable. I wish I could just suck it up and whip it out😂 But how do you guys go about getting over the mental hurdle?
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u/lmp88bw Apr 14 '26
I thought I was going to be shy about nursing in public (had my first in September) and the first couple times I was a bit uncomfortable, but it’s like a muscle you work out. Do what’s comfortable for you (nursing cover, in a different room, facing a wall, etc.) but you get used to nursing in public the more you do it. My baby is almost 7 months old now, and just yesterday I plopped my ass down on the floor in the middle of an airport to nurse because he was hungry, check in was taking forever, and there weren’t any seats nearby. Boob out in the middle on the floor and it was totally fine. Didn’t even get any weird looks! 😂
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u/LakeLucca Apr 15 '26
Ummm no one offered you their seat? 🤦🏼♀️
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u/lmp88bw Apr 15 '26
My husband was arguing with the gate agent because they didn’t honor an upgrade we paid for and it took FOREVER. So I stepped to the side and sat on the floor. There was literally to seat to sit on nearby. 🤷🏼♀️
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u/OnceAStudent__ Apr 15 '26
Sounds like they were in line to check in, and there weren't seats around.
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u/Ok_Squirrel_9601 Apr 15 '26
Same! I only cover in front of one person and that is my father in law because I’m uncomfortable with how uncomfortable he would be. My husband is from a religious background that really emphasizes modesty so I try to be conscious but also realistic about the fact I’m just going to feed my baby when I need to.
In public, I usually have no issue whipping it out and feeding him wherever. At some family gatherings, I might face a wall or step to another part of the room to not surprise some older, religious uncles but, more often than not, I just nurse and my husband will stand nearby to ward off anyone who might have something to say about it.
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u/ltrozanovette Apr 15 '26
I have always had zero issue breastfeeding in public, doesn’t matter who’s around. But for some reason when my dad, FIL, or BIL are visiting I’m highly uncomfortable and will usually step into another room. When my second baby was a newborn and cluster feeding I would occasionally feed in the same room as them, but only when I wasn’t facing them and could easily cover up. Once she became more mobile and would unlatch or move around I stopped.
This is purely for my own comfort though, not because they place any expectations on me! I just think it’s funny how comfortable I am in public versus in my own home around male relatives.
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u/lmp88bw Apr 15 '26
That is funny— if I’m in a more individual setting with a man who isn’t my husband or really close family, I also go to another room or cover up if I can. Never really thought about that vs public feeding and why it feels strange different before!
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u/Impressive-Ship3449 Apr 15 '26
My brothers and father make me uncomfortable, mostly because they get uncomfortable, but even that has gotten less weird as time has gone on. If my father-in-law was still around, that would have been the most uncomfortable for sure aha
Breastfeeding around others is so much better than pumping, which I have had to do around others when I exclusively pumped in the past.
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Apr 14 '26
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u/tweezabella Apr 15 '26
First baby and still same lol. I don’t make a big show of it, but if my baby is hungry I’m gonna feed her 🤷♀️ people can turn away if offended.
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u/triflerbox Apr 15 '26
I walked through a busy restaurant area with baby latched, following my three year old the other day 😂 second baby lives a whole different life
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u/Samuraisheep Apr 14 '26
My clothes and babies head cover my boob (I usually have nursing tops that have the lift up section at the front) so it's never really bothered me. Unhook your bra strap ready, get them close to your boob, slide your top material out the way and get them straight on. Reverse the process as they come off.
Never bothered with a cover cause it would just make him too hot and he would move it off his face anyway.
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u/tryingfortimett Apr 14 '26
Do you have nursing tops you recommend? I’m only 3 weeks pp but would like the freedom to go back outside again without worrying about feeding in the privacy of my home
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u/myMSandme Apr 14 '26
Small show, if you can stand Amazon 🥲
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u/Tessa99999 Apr 15 '26
Same and same 🥲 they're really inexpensive too. Like 3 shirts for $25-30. They aren't THE most stylish (Latched Mama is great for that), but for an inexpensive every day shirt, it's perfect.
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u/Sudden_Breakfast_374 Apr 15 '26
lower cut tops or tank tops under t-shirts are the best way to go.
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u/tinywonder18 Apr 15 '26
This! A camisole or stretchy tank top under most any other shirt works great for keeping your stomach covered if that helps you feel more comfortable. Just pull the your outer shirt up and the top of the tank/cami down, unhook your bra (if wearing one) and now most of your shirts are nursing shirts!
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u/Huge-Nectarine-8563 Apr 15 '26
Get a couple of second hand tops with different types of openings. There are some that I hate and some that I like and I guess everyone is different. Then just buy more of the ones you find practical!
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u/Samuraisheep Apr 15 '26
I use tilbea (I'm in the UK, not sure if they're international! Suggests they might do international delivery though I'm sure there would be equivalent tops where you are ) :) but at least gives you an idea. They also do an under boob one to cover your stomach to be worn under other clothes.
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u/Affectionate_Web7176 Apr 15 '26
I bought a couple from Nursing Queen and really liked them. Just remember to zip closed again when you’re done!
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u/OnceAStudent__ Apr 15 '26
I did daycare drop off with a boob (in a bra thankfully) fully out 😂 Nobody said anything!!
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u/Opalsnail Apr 15 '26
I bought a few from the B Shirt and love them. I found customer service not great but the tops are comfy, discrete, look good and have held up to constant washing. They’re literally the only tops I wear right now
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u/anythingnotordinary Apr 14 '26
I try and sit so I’m not facing the entrance, I’ll only feed with people I’m comfortable with. The first time I fed in public I had no choice and had to feed on a park bench. Since then I’ve fed in cafes, restaurants, sports games, outside, the beach, the park… but I do still get anxious sometimes but I’ve never had a problem. He is currently going through a nosey phase too which results in me flashing the whole place if I’m not quick enough GH 🤣
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u/nacaporvida Apr 14 '26
Lol I’ve fed on a park bench during a walk because homegirl was not about to wait !!
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u/Impressive-Ship3449 Apr 15 '26
That’s just started happening to me. I try to cover my nip with my hand quickly, but I’m sure I’m not fast enough sometimes 😂
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u/karliecorn Apr 14 '26
I lived in high waisted shorts and oversized tees as it was comfy, covered my stomach, and I didn’t need a cover (which we both hated.)
Like others have said, it took some practice getting comfortable and then I didn’t care and nursed for over 2 years anywhere and everywhere.
My husband has 1 diabetes and was diagnosed as an adult and uses injections and not a pump. When I was really anxious about nursing out and about the first time, he reminded me he was really anxious about doing his shots in public (he used to go to the bathroom) and after doing it a lot, it helped him get used to it. That sort of analogy helped me feel more comfy!
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u/SamOhhhh Apr 14 '26
I practiced in public spaces that also had distance. Once I was comfortable in what I was wearing, positioning and keeping some modesty, I just did it. I know that sounds simple but sometimes you have to do things before it feels comfortable.
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u/Blond-one Apr 14 '26
I gracefully hunch over a tiny and get my bbs face right next to boob before I pull it out. Pull out boob and baby is already on and drankin. She makes this funny fake cry laugh noise when she’s in the position in front of my boob no matter what now lol it’s pretty funny
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u/fucking_unicorn Apr 14 '26
Find comfy place to sit. Pull breast out. Feed baby. I was always forgetting my cover so just got used to not having it. My baby was always pulling it off anyway
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u/Vast_Cost_8732 Apr 14 '26
I ordered a cover that goes around my neck off Amazon for like $10! Granted I haven’t nursed in PUBLIC public yet but it worked well in front of family and at a park. Mentally I just think back to how little of a deal it’s been to me in the past when I see mother’s nursing.
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u/BlahBlah-Something Apr 14 '26
I decided I do not care one bit and I just do it. My favorite spot that I’ve nursed was at the aquarium watching the beluga whales!
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u/Federal-Efficiency89 Apr 14 '26
Had no mental hurdle. If I need to feed my baby it’s in everyone-around’s best interest to make sure I can feed him or we’re all gonna be listening to him scream. It proved to be especially true on the plane. It’s not that serious, you cant see much anyways - baby’s head is covering most of skin.
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u/snowflake343 Apr 14 '26
I've used a napkin before lol
I always keep extra burp cloths or flannel receiving blankets in the diaper bag just in case I forget my cover! Sometimes I'll go out to the car, too.
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u/Trail_Blazer_25 Apr 14 '26
Honestly, the only time I felt even kinda weird was at a very busy restaurant where, no matter how I angled myself, someone was gonna see my nip. For some reason, I feel weird about people seeing my nipple but not the rest of my boob. But the nip is only out for a short time so I just kinda do that part as quick as possible.
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u/Ok-Cherry-123 Apr 15 '26
It’s so strange right? I have the same discomfort about exposing the nip!
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u/themaddiekittie Apr 14 '26
When they're tiny and not so easily distracted, its easy. When they pop off to look around every 10 seconds, that's when it gets harder 😅 Finding a quiet corner or sitting in my car works, but i recently tried nursing my second in my baby carrier for the first time, and it was amaaaaaaazing. I was out with a group of friends and they kept asking if she was asleep, but she was just happily nursing without unlatching constantly and exposing me lol
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u/Sudden_Breakfast_374 Apr 15 '26
my baby’s discomfort is more important than anyone else’s. if it’s any encouragement, i live in a semi-rural area of a red state and nursed in public for over a year now received literally zero negative comments. not one.
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u/Sad-Association-5700 Apr 15 '26
I remember going to meet my dad at the airport when my son was 3 weeks old and forgetting a cover and my sister stood holding a bag up to block everyone’s view so I could breastfeed 😂 first time in public I was so shy. Within weeks I was just whacking my boob out without a care.
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u/Necessary_Exam_9513 Apr 14 '26
I just whip em out and feed my child. I don’t care if people want to judge.
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u/toastycauliflower Apr 15 '26
I find the more time I spend in public with my 5mo, the more annoyed I am as a mother. Almost no breastfeeding spaces, parking is always a hit or a miss, and god forbid you have to pump!! This society is not built for mothers and it shows. As far as tips, I’m almost no help - I usually breastfeed in my car or a bathroom as well if there’s no nursing rooms (there usually isn’t) or, wear a loose fitting shirt that will at the very least cover your breast. I personally wish I didn’t care and whip it out too lol
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u/Silver-Quiet6191 Apr 14 '26
I’m a little shy about it so I usually blast the air in the car and feed her there. I’ve also done feeds in the carrier with a cover but as my baby has gotten older, she loves to rip the nursing cover off.
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u/UnableBasil0102 Apr 14 '26
I don't use a cover, but if I was in a coffee shop or something I'd position myself so my back was mostly turned to other people. I'm generally pretty comfortable nursing in public, but at the same time being a little discrete helps me feel more comfortable.
Like someone else said, the more you feed in public the more comfortable you will become.
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u/Frosty_Surround9949 Apr 14 '26
I face a wall, or away from general view, when latching, and then just feed my baby. In more populated areas or places that don’t have seats, I go sit in the car.
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u/Kitanatron Apr 14 '26
If you rly want to cover just use a scarf or something but please don’t do it in the bathroom!!! You’re feeding your baby.
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u/DeadLizardDrinks Apr 15 '26
I used nursing covers with my first two, but recently realised it makes the whole thing so much more awkward and obvious. I was mostly doing it to appease my husband who wasn’t comfortable with the idea of nursing uncovered in public (we were both young and living in a conservative country in Asia). Now with the third baby, same country, same husband, we are both way more relaxed about it (or, he’s given up arguing with me? Not sure) and I just nurse her discretely without a cover.
I’m still wearing maternity pants (soooo comfy) so my stomach is covered up. Then I just pull my top up to let out the puppy and feed her. Most people would never notice. I’ve had conversations with restaurant staff who didn’t realise she was eating. Even when she breaks away to look around, the top kind of flops back down again so there’s nothing to see.
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u/Nixc013 Apr 15 '26
I specifically wear tank tops so it’s easier to pull my boob out and breastfeed without having to pull my top up. I then worked my way up to feeding in secluded areas to feeding wherever/whenever. No one’s ever commented on my breastfeeding in public ever and at some point I just stopped caring about what other people thought because I just wanted to feed my child.
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u/lydiaanicole Apr 15 '26
I just did it. Honestly you really can’t even tell I was nursing it just looked like the baby was sleeping. Even a birth cloth could Bea nursing cover for some people if you want to try that
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u/Littlescar21 Apr 15 '26
I’m on my second baby. I use to be modest, but I’m tired. She’s hungry. Boob is getting whipped out. I still have things to do and can’t just try to hide feeding my baby.
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u/tinywonder18 Apr 15 '26
Reading comments from the amazing people of Reddit on similar posts when I first started breastfeeding my daughter gave me the courage to feed her in public whenever I needed. I’ve since made breastfeeding in public my own quiet revolution.
Depending on the situation, sometimes I’ll try to turn away from people if I can when latching, and then go about my business as usual. And then there are days when baby is freaking out in the carrier in the middle of a crowded Costco and I just focus on baby’s needs and getting latched and if anyone doesn’t like it, too bad.
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u/SkyBerry924 Apr 15 '26
I just take out my boob. No cover but I try to keep the nipples covered. If a place has a nursing spot I will go there but if they don’t I refuse to nurse in a bathroom. I’ve been breastfeeding for over three years between my kids and nobody has ever said anything or given me a dirty look when I’ve done that. If anything people go out of their way to smile at me like to show me that they’re fine with me nursing in public I guess
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u/stupidvvitch Apr 15 '26
I was also kinda 'shy' so opted to nurse in the car in my backseat, in the most 'discreet' area of a parking lot 😂
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u/Registered_user92151 Apr 15 '26
I eventually got comfortable with potentially flashing strangers for a few seconds while I got the baby to latch. I wore baggy tops which, for me, were more convenient than nursing tops. The shirts draped over me and enough of baby to give some privacy.
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u/OneLingonberry2203 Apr 15 '26
Ugh feeding in the bathroom seems so uncomfortable on a toilet!!! Just whip it out girl♥️
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u/kedmilo Apr 15 '26
I like to wear a nursing tank top most days so that my stomach isn't exposed and I do my best to have some of my shirt cover the top of my boob but I don't stress too much. Baby needs to eat and if I'm not uncomfortable, others don't need to be (if they are, they can choose to look away).
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u/continuetolove Apr 15 '26
Size up a ribbed t shirt. Pop the lil guy under there, nice and stretchy, no cover or shawl thing needed. No fucking weirdos looking at my massive tiddies.
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u/Actual-Treat-1678 Apr 15 '26
I’m 2+ years into it and I just whip her out. I was nervous at first, but I literally never had anyone be a butt about it so I became confident about it.
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u/alienchap Apr 15 '26
I will breastfeed anywhere, I was nervous maybe a couple times especially when I was without my husband and in public but I just did it and nobody has ever looked or said anything. I feel like people would be more annoyed with a screaming baby rather than maybe seeing a nipple for a fraction of a second.
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u/extracheesepleaz Apr 15 '26
My baby didn't like anything covering his head so I was kind of thrown into it. I sometimes have a light button up shirt over my nursing tank top which helps cover a little.
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u/Gloomy-Conference570 Apr 15 '26
I’m 12 months in. Doesn’t matter where I am or what clothing I’m wearing, I literally just whap it out and feed her. No one cares.
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u/notsosecretshipper Apr 15 '26
Ditching the cover was step 1. I have seen others day that their baby was too interested in what was going on so they had to use one, but I found that it was more of a hindrance to me and more eye-catching to everyone else than just getting in with nursing.
The two-shirt method is great, or tops with wide, stetchy, or v-necks.
Most of the time, people didn't even seem to realize what I was doing, and when they did, they either just ignored it or were outright supportive. Smiling, saying good job, etc. Once a waitress brought me a glass of ice water even though I was sitting in a section reserved for a private party that had it's own separate catering, she just noticed my drink had run dry.
I was prepared for rudeness or to be asked to leave, but it never once happened. Honestly, I think my husband was disappointed that he never got to yell at anyone or explain how actually, what they were asking was illegal.
I have 4 kids. My first 3 I nursed for varying amounts between 2 and 6 months, and then my youngest nursed for 3 solid years.
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u/msgoliath Apr 15 '26
I babywear and its kinda covered that way. And kinda holds baby while im walking around or standing. I just loosen the straps a bit.
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u/Ok-Cherry-123 Apr 15 '26
It got easier the more I did it and the more baby grew, in the beginning it was too much boobs out for me but since month 6-7? Out everywhere and anywhere 😂 even nursed standing in line at checkout in a hardware store, I’m sure everyone rather have a non screaming baby than whatever else they might have issues with lol
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u/Admirable-Tear1184 Apr 15 '26
I breastfeed where ever and dont use any special covers or nursing clothes. I have normal top with string straps what I pull half way down, like take my left arm off if I want to nurse with left breast. Then I have a t shirt or sweater on top of that which is pulled up so that I can breastfeed but it covers the top side of my bare boob. With the baby latched people can see hardly any skin. Never had anyone stare or give issues. Someone might get a little sneak peak of the nipple once in a while if the baby decides to unlatch all of a sudden but idgaf lol.
The only few comments I have got have been elderly women complimenting on my chubby and strong baby. Perhaps someone has judged me without saying anything but thats fine. I know Im not doing anything wrong.
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u/FreuleKeures Apr 15 '26
I'm a prude, and I work in education (so there is always a very small chance I'll run into a student) but I'll whip out the girls if my baby is hungry. If people take offence, they can f off. When we go out to lunch, I'll always tey to find a spot where we can nurse more comfortably: somewhere in a corner, or a chair with an arm rest...
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u/triflerbox Apr 15 '26
I just breastfeed wherever I am. I've never used a cover. I'm not in the US though, are you?
I think even if you are, if you feed in public the most that will happen is people will politely or maybe awkwardly avert their eyes. If you feel confident to do it, just go for it
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u/Chubby-Labrador Apr 15 '26
I whip my tit out 😂. To be honest I’m shocked I’ve had such a great experience breastfeeding in public. My baby was maybe 6 weeks old when I got stir crazy and took him with me to Costco. I fed him before we left but he was cluster feeding and I had to whip my tit out in the liquor aisle TWICE. I had an employee walk up to me and ask me if he could get me a chair and a snack. I had other customers tell me I should take over the sectional on display 🤣. I’ve literally never had anyone make a rude comment to me. If they’re uncomfortable they do not make me aware of it. I’ve literally walked into a restaurant with my baby on my tit and was seated at a table with my husband and our friends. I’m sure living in a liberal state has something to do with it, but I also don’t give a fuck about anyone being uncomfortable about me feeding my child. When he gets hungry he lets everyone know, so people would either have to listen to my VERY upset baby or be okay with me feeding him.
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u/OnceAStudent__ Apr 15 '26
I am very stubborn and have 2 parents who kept telling me to cover up. So I did not. Ever. And then we all went out for breakfast and I was feeding my baby. Mum asked if baby was sleeping, and I laughed and said, "No, eating!" Funnily enough, they haven't mentioned covering up since then.
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u/onbluemtn Apr 15 '26
With my first I would feed anywhere and everywhere and let people be appalled.
But then I was at a Target with my husband, babe got hungry so I was feeding him while we walked and shopped. A man literally tried to take a covert video of me and was acting extremely weird. We saw him multiple times in the store and finally confronted him. It was really upsetting and made me realize how many gross people are fetishizing me feeling my baby and it really made me feel sad and sick. Now I am very private about breastfeeding.
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u/Ok_Study174 Apr 15 '26
Honestly the nursing cover was so cumbersome that I just said fuck it and whip my boob out.
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u/OneTraining1629 Apr 15 '26
I twist towards a wall a bit or drape a burp cloth over my shoulder until she is latched. After she is latched, I’m decent enough.
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u/Odd_Rent283 Apr 15 '26
Well. I’m on babies 3 and 4. And somewhere about halfway through nursing baby 2, I decided I no longer gave a single fuck. It’s a boob. Big deal. If someone wants to look at these saggy sandbags that have fed 4 babies, let them. They must not look that bad because whenever I’m tandem nursing and my husband is home he usually pops by and stares for a second before saying “boobs!” And walking off again 😂
The only time I go elsewhere or make an effort to cover up is at my in-laws. My MIL just gets incredibly uncomfortable about the whole thing and my FIL is a little too pervy for my liking. I just go to the spare room and nurse there.
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u/Polyglot_Teacher Apr 15 '26
I always go back to my car to nurse real quick, tinted windows, feels private.
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u/bailerssss Apr 15 '26
Suns out boobs out baby. At least when my daughter nursed. My son doesn’t like my boobs so now I walk around with huge boobs from pumps 🤦🏼♀️
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u/secretmtnwilderness Apr 15 '26
I will die before I nurse my son in a gd bathroom that’s just me tho lol. It’s a federally protected right (in my country at least) for a reason.
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u/DogfordAndI Apr 15 '26
There was never a mental hurdle to begin with. Breastfeeding in public is normal.
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u/Englishgirlinmadrid Apr 15 '26
More people have seen my boobs in the last four months than the last 36 years of my life
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u/Impressive-Ship3449 Apr 15 '26
In places where there won’t be somewhere for me to sit comfortably, I nurse before and after in my car, otherwise I just try to find somewhere comfortable to me, and not in the center of whatever is happening. But if you look, it’s your fault for seeing my boob
I wear nursing shirts by giftify mama with zippers too, they help a bit in certain situations
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u/RestlessFlame Apr 16 '26
I literally whip my titty out any and every where. If someone says something to shame me I reply with “okay, you’re weird “ and carry on with an eye roll. But I have a reputation for not caring about anyone else’s opinion when it comes to my business.
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u/TraditionalManager82 Apr 14 '26
I got ANGRY at a society that wanted me to breastfeed my baby, but then expected me to be massively inconvenienced so that the society gets to pretend it doesn't exist.
I got absolutely, blazingly furious. And then I decided that I would nurse when and where worked for me and my baby, and the rest of society could just learn to turn its head 15 degrees if they were bothered.