Breastfeeding

Helpful tips for feeding your baby in public places

The thought of feeding your baby whilst out and about might feel a little daunting at first but a little planning and preparation can make you feel more confident and remember most people never even realise a mum is breastfeeding!

• A top and trousers or top and skirt is easier for feeding than a one piece dress
• A loose fitting top is better than a front opening top. You can pop your baby under a loose fitting top without exposing yourself too much
• However many mums find wearing a front opening top/cardigan or jacket over their top helps avoid exposing the side of their tummy and midriff
• Carry a cotton scarf in your bag so that if you feel a little unsure of yourself when feeding the scarf can be draped over your shoulder and across the baby. This will look more like “normal” clothing than using a muslin cloth or a baby blanket that can make baby uncomfortably warm
• The “cradle hold” can be more discreet for feeding in public – if you are not sure ask your midwife or health visitor to show you how to feed like this
• Many mums say they feel better feeding in a corner for example in a café, where they can have a wall at their back or to their side. Having a supportive friend or relative with you will help in the early days
• It often helps to practice feeding in front of a large mirror at home you will then see what you look like to other people. Most people do not usually notice that a mum is breastfeeding!
• If you have a car some mums find it handy to feed baby in the car when they reach their destination, so that baby has had a good feed before they go shopping
• Remember most places would rather have a happy, quiet baby feeding than a crying hungry one! Above all look confident and be proud that you are giving your baby the best start in life!

What is the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme?

The Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme has been established by the Welsh Assembly Government to identify premises that understand and support the needs of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. The scheme is open to local businesses that provide food or drink, and to hairdressers, shops, libraries and museums, community centres and health centres, in fact anywhere open to the general public.

What the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme means:

• breastfeeding must be acceptable in all areas open to the public;
• a mother who is breastfeeding will not be asked to move or to stop breastfeeding;
• staff should be told about the scheme and how to be supportive of the needs of breastfeeding mothers;
• once local businesses have agreed to the conditions of the scheme, they can display our eye-catching ‘Mothers Milk’ sticker, and demonstrate to mothers that they are valued and that they will find a warm welcome in a comfortable environment;

For a new breastfeeding mum it can be daunting to venture away from home into town, especially if she doesn’t know where to go to feed the baby; so have a look at the breastfeeding section of our directory (the directory will be live in the new year, please download the Breastfeeding welcome book) to see which premises are part of the scheme in Gwynedd and Mon.