World Breastfeeding Week: Confidence-boosting tips for breastfeeding in public
Today marks the start of World Breastfeeding week (1st - 7th August)y, and with more Brits searching for breastfeeding rooms near me over the past 12 months1 (+50%), experts at Lounge have provided helpful advice for those who breastfeed in public to feel confident in doing so, with the aim of educating others and breaking down the stigmas that unfortunately still surround the subject.
Mel Marsden, Lounge co-founder shares, “As a mother who breastfed both of my beautiful babies, I know that motherhood is a unique and personal journey that’s different for everyone - so mums don’t need the added taboo that comes with breastfeeding publicly alongside everything else they’re navigating.
“Something as natural as how and where you feed your child is a choice, and whether you prefer to feed your baby in public or prefer some personal space and a sense of privacy is an individual woman's decision. Those around you should lift you up and encourage your comfort, not do the opposite.”
Whether you have first-time nerves or you’re looking for ways to boost your confidence if ever questioned in public, Lounge shares three tips to feel empowered when feeding your baby:
1. Knowledge is power
Unfortunately, not everyone reacts positively to those who breastfeed in public spaces, but they should not be mistreated by doing so. Knowing your rights should help you to feel more confident in nursing as well as to challenge any comments should someone ask you to leave the premises. As advised by the NHS2, you are legally allowed to breastfeed your baby in public, whether it’s a café, shop, library, or on public transport.
If further support is needed, you can contact the Equality and Advisory and Support Service for help.
2. Comfort = confidence
Yours and your baby’s comfort levels should come before that of those around you. Important questions to ask yourself include am I at ease feeding here? as well as is my child at ease feeding here? Remember, the more you do it, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.
Comfort can also be influenced by what you’re wearing, nursing bras are a given, as well as loose fitting clothing, such as tops and blouses. That’s not all, having the right things that your baby needs will help you both, too. Take a muslin cloth for example, it can help you to feel more discreet if that’s your preference, but it also helps with keeping yourself and your baby dry.
3. The sooner the better
Whilst breastfeeding your child in public is completely natural, that doesn’t mean you can’t or won’t be nervous, especially when first starting out. A great way to move past these feelings is to get out and about as soon as you feel ready.
The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be able to get into a rhythm that suits both yours and your baby’s needs, making you less likely to worry about what other people might be thinking. Concentrate on what you’re doing and what your baby is doing and try to stay within that zone, and the rest will fall into place the more you do it.
Mel adds: “Whilst we would absolutely love for every breastfeeding mum to feel confident and empowered enough to feed publicly, we understand that it’s not always an easy step to take. That’s why we provide breastfeeding shoppers with a space that both they and their baby can feel comfortable in within all Lounge stores (Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, and Leeds).”
For more information, or to see Lounge’s latest underwear releases, visit: https://lounge.com/