By Kelly Gough 

Even though breastfeeding education has come along way many mums still feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public due to a perception that it is unacceptable.

New mums can also feel a bit self-conscious about feeding in front of others and it is one of the reasons the women stop breastfeeding early.
However with a few tips and clever tricks, breastfeeding in public is possible and no longer a reason to feel stuck at home with your baby.

It’s a wrap

A large muslin wrap, shawl or baby blanket wrapped around your shoulder and back is an easy way to give you more privacy while breastfeeding. It’s easy, portable and will keep baby nice and cosy, especially in winter.

Breastfeeding Clothes

Breastfeeding clothes – also known as nursing wear – really have come a long way and are fantastic for discreet feeding in public. With clever built-in nursing access you can quickly latch baby on without anyone noticing or having your breasts on display. Breastfeeding tops today look like the latest fashion, so they help you to look and feel good as well.

Baby Slings and Carriers

Many baby slings allow you to carry your baby and also breastfeed your baby at the same time without anyone even knowing.  Make sure you wear clothing that allows you easy feeding access for your baby.

Nursing Rooms

Many large shopping centres and public places offer modern and comfortable parenting rooms that allow you to breastfeed your baby with privacy and a little quiet too. This can be great if you are a new mum and a bit self-conscious as a bit of space allows you to concentrate. Can also be handy if you have a toddler to manage as some have playpens to keep bigger brothers and sisters amused.

Plan Ahead

If possible try to plan ahead and give a feed just before leaving on an outing or going shopping so you can limit the number of feeds while you are out.

As you can see with a bit of practise breastfeeding in public is possible and also convenient, as you don’t have to carry or heat up bottles. With more women breastfeeding in public it will also become more socially acceptable and viewed as a normal part of mothering.

Kelly Gough is a business mum who runs online boutique Nuvo Maternity while also caring for her two small boys aged 3 and 1.

By Kelly Gough

 A common question from first time pregnant mums is do I really need breastfeeding clothes? Why? It’s a bit like chocolate, you don’t actually need it, but once you had some, you can’t be without it!  I discovered nursing wear after the birth of my second son and I can’t believe how I ever managed before with my first son two years prior. I now realise I spent a lot of time hidden away in mother’s rooms and away from the action. 

Specially designed breastfeeding clothes really can make your easier in the following ways:
 

No more exposed belly!
 
Like many first time mums I was very self-conscious about breastfeeding in public and definitely didn’t want to share my stretch marks and saggy tummy with the world! With regular clothes you need to undo buttons or pull up your clothing to feed your baby. Nursing wear has specially designed hidden nursing openings that allow you to easily feed discreetly without all your bits on display.

Breastfeeding in public

Many breastfeeding tops today look like the latest fashion and allow you to breastfeed in public without anyone knowing.  I found them fantastic when I was out with friends for coffee or lunch because I could breastfeed at the table without anyone knowing and no longer did I need to miss out the gossip because I had to find a mother’s room. For people who weren’t mums or parents it also made them feel comfortable as you really can’t see anything at all.

Keep you warm in winter

There is nothing worse than a cold belly and back in the middle of winter when you are breastfeeding, particularly at night. I loved the fact I could keep covered and warm in my breastfeeding clothes while nursing – especially at 2am in the morning!

Special Occasions

No longer are you stuck with oversized button-up tops for those special occasions such as weddings and christenings. Today’s contemporary nursing wear also includes dresses, which is fantastic for when you want to wear something nice and feel like a person again! The best thing is no one will ever know you are wearing breastfeeding clothes and you won’t feel uncomfortable having to feed in front of others which you often have to do in restaurants, churches, etc.

Feel Great

After the birth of a baby you can often feel a little down and frumpy as you old clothes still don’t fit and you are sick of your maternity clothes. Nursing wear is designed for the post-baby shape and will see you through the first 12 months or longer of your baby’s life.  It really does lift your spirits having something nice to wear which is also practical.
Besides you can afford to spoil yourself when you think of all the money you save by breastfeeding and not having to buy formula, bottles and cleaning equipment. You definitely deserve it!

Kelly Gough is a business mum who manages online boutique Nuvo Maternity while also caring for her two small boys!

By Kelly Gough 

“I have nothing to wear!” Heard this before from a new mother?
 
After putting in much time and effort into planning their maternity wardrobe, many new mums suddenly discover they have nothing to wear after their baby arrives!
 
It is important to plan ahead while pregnant to ensure your maternity wardrobe will make the smooth transition from pregnancy to breastfeeding.
 
With a few simple tips planning the perfect maternity and breastfeeding wardrobe is easy and won’t break the budget either!

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In the world of art, there is a movement called Postmodernism. If you’re not an art student, or an artist, or a professor of art, there’s really only one thing you need to know about Postmodernism. It means that you can do whatever you want. Essentially, it is a melding of things that have come before, a new take on old things. What does this have to do with baby clothes? Anything you want it to.

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