Anxiety with breastfeeding when out

I think it’s a little bit of just keep doing it and you will start to feel more comfortable… when I fed my first little one in public I would find a very quiet corner and use a muslin over us and was very conscious of people looking but I’ve got some good breastfeeding jumpers/ tshirts etc that I think helps as I don’t feel like I’m on display as much. Most people don’t seem to care and an older lady walked past me the other day and said awww. I sometimes think using a cover/muslin can make it harder as you are then worried about that too. Maybe build it up and try somewhere quiet first tucked away where you feel more out of sight… not sure if that would work for you though x

@Zoe some really good tips there thank you 🙏🏻- will try that. I tried the other day In a restaurant- we went to a quiet part and I started feeding with a cover (it’s a bright turquoise colour lol) & staff kept looking over a lot - probably wondered more about the cover than anything else 😅was feeling good but then the waiter placed 2 couples right behind me on the tables near by and I started to get very anxious all of a sudden. Also really struggle around family and friends- I know it’s just a case of breaking the ice & giving it a go more often but feel I’m still struggling with the latch etc at home as he has tongue tie so not feeling comfortable in public fully yet. Got health visitor coming tomorrow & tongue tie / infant feeding team appointment this week so hope that helps in some way too !

I definitely get that as my little one also has a tongue tie so he keeps un latching and I’m thinking I’m just sat here flashing people again! It’s so hard as you can’t just make yourself feel more comfortable, fingers crossed you will have a resolution for the tongue tie soon so that might help as well.

Yes I'm really anxious to do it and it's definitely getting to the point now of restricting what I can do. It becomes a stress trying to make sure she's fed before leaving the house. I've been trying to build it up like you say so I've done it in front of a few people at home and then will try find somewhere with quiet corner first time out. My little girl also unlatches a lot and want to avoid just nip out for all to see while she's thrashing around!@

I think it’s something that you will absolutely get more comfortable with in time, once you get into the swing of breastfeeding in general. With my first baby I found breastfeeding really difficult (tongue tie and struggle latching) and also found it really scary to do in public at first. I started by doing a few feeds in my local cafe, which is really family friendly. And then I also went to a local breastfeeding support group (mine was run by La Leche League) and that really helped me as it was great to speak with other mums who were going through it or had done it, and also a place to practice breastfeeding around others that was very supportive 😊 hope it gets easier for you x

Practice at home in front of the mirror so you’re comfortable with how you’re sitting/covered. And then you need a bit of ‘fuck it’ mentality 😂😂 you’re not the odd one, you are feeding your baby in the most natural way - other people shouldn’t care and if they do, they’re the weird ones. I get maybe they don’t need to see your whole boob/nipple 😅 but you can be discreet and use covers if it feels like it helps. With family, I’ve learnt who feels uncomfortable about it lol and funnily enough it’s really only older/50+ men who aren’t used to people breastfeeding! I just use it as an excuse to escape chaos and sit in another quiet room 😂😂

Breastfeeding groups are great too, la leche league or others supported by iblc lactation consultants, the good vibes and support you get from being in a space with others who are breastfeeding builds your confidence! Xx