7 tips for breastfeeding when out shopping with baby

Shopping with a baby can prove a challenging time for any new mum.

And concerningly, research shows that shopping centres have recently become the most challenging place for Irish mums to breastfeed – overtaking transport. And as Covid rules have now relaxed, many new mums are returning to shopping centres with their babies, some of whom may not have considered breastfeeding in public yet. To help mums feel more confident about breastfeeding while shopping, we have provided some top tips for mums to consider:

1 Research amenities before your shopping trip. If you don’t feel comfortable breastfeeding in public research what amenities are available at the shopping centre you’re planning to visit. Look on the centre’s website for services information, such as changing rooms and family rooms, and make a note of where these are located. This will make for a much smoother visit, and prevent you from spending time searching around for a feeding spot with a hungry baby in tow.

2 Plan your outfit beforehand. Make sure your clothing is as comfortable as possible, whilst also being easily accessible. Planning your outfit beforehand can make breastfeeding in public much more convenient, and also a lot more discrete for any mums feeling slightly nervous. You don’t need to splash out on a new wardrobe either – you’ll most likely already have items in your wardrobe that will come in handy, such as tops and dresses with buttons or zips, wrap cardigans and stretchy tops, which you can easily pull down and back up again. A good breastfeeding bra with clips can also help to make breastfeeding easier.

3 Go out with a breastfeeding mum. As the saying goes, there’s ‘safety in numbers’, and having another breastfeeding mum with you can help to give you the confidence to feed your little one in public for the first time. Alternatively, if you don’t have any breastfeeding friends available to join you, why not take a break from shopping and visit a baby-friendly café, where there’s more chance of being around other breastfeeding mums.

4 Make sure to have a drink on hand. Bring a bottle of water and some snacks with you on your shopping trip. Breastfeeding can be thirsty work, and there’s nothing worse than being caught out hungry or thirsty.

5 Focus on enjoying the moment. You might be surprised to hear that most people don’t notice when a mum is feeding her baby at all. But, if you notice someone watching you feed, try not to worry or feel uncomfortable. It’s most likely they are simply intrigued by what you are doing. Just try to continue to focus on feeding your baby and enjoy the moment with your little one.

6 Prepare what you’d say if you were questioned. While it’s extremely unlikely that anyone will question you for breastfeeding your child in public, this can often be a cause of worry for mums who have yet to breastfeed in public, so it can be worth preparing how you’d respond if the situation were to arise. By having your response already prepared in your mind, you can then feel more confident knowing that you have a plan for dealing with the hypothetical scenario.

7 Practice makes perfect. A good latch is vital for achieving a smooth breastfeeding experience, and this comes down to practise. Finding a comfortable position for both you and your baby will help to ensure that they are getting enough breastmilk and prevent you from developing sore nipples.

Some mums prefer to raise their baby to breast height, whilst other mums prefer to hold their babies diagonally across their bodies. To make sure that you feel comfortable and familiar with getting into position in public, make sure to try out a few positions at home and practice until you find the position that works best for you.