From my previous entry
here,
here and
here you would know that i'm new at this whole BF thingy despite being a third time mother. BF it self was not easy at first, let alone nursing in public (NIP).
So, let me share with you what TO ME are the most important things to have/do when you choose to NIP.
(take note is a choice you make and there are other choices if you choose not to NIP).1. Be comfortable I wasn't a first. Akif was still too young at that time so he had to be guided to get a perfect latch. And it was impossible to do so without taking an amount of my breast out of my clothes. So..there i wa struggling to put my nipple into his mouth and at the same time trying to cover my breast and my tummy from getting exposed. My struggles caused Akif to be uncomfortable which at the end made him screamed his lungs out.
If you are worried about people staring, then what you should to is stare back at them. They will surely look away. Trust me..tried it and it worked!
Babies are very sensitive. If we are not comfortable, they too will get uncomfortable. Hence resulting to a very disappointing experience/moment.
Practise how you would NIP before you go out. Practise makes perfect!
2. Good nursing braI don't know how some mothers can nurse without a nursing bra. Wouldn't folding/ pushing your normal bra to the side whenever you want to nurse can in the long run damage your beautiful bra?
Once you have mastered unfasten and fastening the clips, BF will be a breeze. It's good to have a well supported nursing bra and make sure you have some with padding to wear with your plain clothes cause nipples tend to perk up after nursing. You definitely don't want be caught 'perking' off guard, right?
3. Nursing cover (NC)When i first started BFing, i know it is a must have. I'm very shy about my assets so NIP must be done discreetly ;). But because the ones i like were kind of out my budget and because i don't know how to make one, i end up not owning one,
at first. Then i found a way to have my own NC without having to spend or do very much from
mama shmontel.
It went well a first but not anymore. You see, my baby is the type who likes to roam his fingers around when nursing. So the NC often gets in his way therefore would cause him to get upset. So out of the list goes my NC. But i still bring it along whenever i'm going out,just in case.
4. Nursing topsThis is most essential i think. But believe it or not, i don't own one. Not because i don't want to but because i cannot find one that fulfill my requirements/needs. I want a nursing top that is..
a. Not tight..i.e generous cut
b. preferably long sleeve so i can cover my
aurah.
If not then i have to put on my cardigan to go with it it.
c. Long enough that it covers and ends slightly under my bottom.. (approx. 32" to be precise ;))
d. Large enough to fit me..i'm a size 16
So far, there are local brands selling nursing tops but none really suits me. Sleeves are normally 3/4 and length wise, not long enough as they always fall on the hips..not below. In the size department..hard to find one that fits comfortably.
So, I end up wearing my normal t-shirt or blouse. But what's lacking when wearing these normal clothes is tummy easily get exposed when you lift it up to nurse. To solve that problem, i have ordered two Tina Nursing Tanks from
Fabulousmom. They are on clearance sale @ 50% discount! They can be worn under any clothes, the bust part drops down easily for nursing and has a built in shelf bra which provides good support.
Last time i checked, they are on its way to my door step. Hope this will be the only next best thing i need to make my NIP a pleasant& enjoyable one-for me and my baby ;)
Will keep you posted on how the tanks scores.
* For more NIP tips, please go
here
