[~*Sam*~]

Hello!! So my DS Elias is one week old today and him and I are proving, so far, to be a great team when it comes to BF. Any how, my biggest question is what is the best way to BF in public? I know this may sound silly, but I am totally shy and really nervous about doing this. Like what is the best position for baby, and what's the best way to shield? Also, I am only off work until August 26th. When is a good time to start pumping? I need to build up a good supply before I go back to work. I appreciate all of your help!! Yes, this is my third, however I was unable to nurse my first due to him being a preemie that had major GI issues, my second didn't go so well, as a week out I came down with a nasty flu and dried up, and now I'm having wonderful luck and things are going well. I just want to keep them going well.

Thanks a million!!!

[mgm78]

congrats!!!!!

Sit in front of a mirror and see what works best for you. For us, cradle hold works best. If you are shy about showing skin, you can wear a nursing tank or a belly band to cover your belly. You can also practice with a cover, but for us, this made more a scene than just bfing

I would build up my stash by pumping once in the morning with the first morning feed, pump one side, feed the other. I would freeze this until I went back to work (milk is good for 4 months in a regular freezer, one year in a deep freeze). I would wait 4-6 weeks if you can, to let your supply adjust. There is a pumping mom's forum here which is SUPER helpful

La Leche and others recommend trying not to introduce a bottle or pacifier until 6 weeks if possible

[andi2284]

Nursing in public is something that takes many moms a few tries to really get the hang of. With my first, I was always engorged and leaking and it made NIP really akward at first, so I avoided it. After that, I was forced into it when we had to fly out of state, so I tried a cover the first few feedings, then ditched that and just used my shirt to cover me.
With my second DD, I NIP from the start. The only problem I ran into was positioning a newborn. Make sure you find something comfortable that you can prop your arm up on, or trying to keep them in a good position can be akward. Using a carrier can help too, sometimes it's easy to position them in a wrap or carrier and that covers you up well too so you dont' have to worry about being discreet. I always just use my shirt to cover myself and wear something under it to cover my belly. Works like a charm