Nursing in Public: Why I Use a Nursing Cover

I am a breastfeeding mother and I choose to use a cover while nursing in public.

Nursing in public is a fact of life around here. I’m a breastfeeding mother and proud of it! Because I’ve chosen to breastfeed, nursing in public is something that I do often. I have no choice. My daughter gets hungry and I feed her. Any time. Any place. It’s as simple as that.

So what’s the big deal? I absolutely, positively cannot bring myself to NIP (nurse in public) without a nursing cover. Believe me, I’ve tried. I couldn’t do it. I became paralyzed with anxiety and fear. You know, I love breastfeeding but the reality is I’m just not comfortable enough to nurse in public sans cover no matter how discreet it may actually appear to be.

The thing is, as far as me and my breasts go, we just haven’t had a very good relationship. They’ve been a source of pain, anxiety, fear, ridicule and embarrassment. Over 20 years ago, they were the target of an immature boy’s teasing. Today they provide nourishment for my baby. At the age of 19, they were harboring a potentially cancerous lump. Today they work hard to produce life-sustaining milk. When I was a teenager in high school, they were groped by a trusted adult. Man-handled and violated no more, the disgusting hands that once hurt me have been replaced by my daughter’s gentle touch.

nursing cover, breastfeeding, nursing in public, nursing in public with a nursing cover

Nursing while getting my makeup done for a wedding I was in this past summer. Notice my brightly-colored nursing cover?

Now some of you may say that nursing in public sans cover could be a liberating experience, a great way to win back what I lost over the years. It would be a victory over all the things that have held them down, so to speak. The reality is, I’ve already won. Despite everything “the girls” have been through, I’ve embraced them as the amazing life-sustaining miracles they are. I can still honor them and their awesomeness by nursing my daughter while covering up.

Yes, I realize that my nursing cover screams “look at me!” and I don’t care. It gives me a sense of security. It’s my safety blanket, my protection. Look all you want. You won’t see a thing. But know this… under my brightly colored nursing cover are a pair of breasts working hard to nourish my child. Nothing can take that away. Not some silly boy, a breast lump or a disgusting old man.

I’m a breastfeeding mother and I choose to use a cover while nursing in public.

Let’s talk! Breastfeeding Mamas, do you cover up while nursing in public? Why or why not?

*To read more about my love of breastfeeding and what I’ve learned along the way, visit my Breastfeeding Page.

Tags: Motherhood

14 Responses to “Nursing in Public: Why I Use a Nursing Cover”

Luschka (18 comments) twitter: @lvano

Nothing wrong with that, I don’t think! I nurse wherever I need to. If I’m around other moms or in my own home, I go without a cover regardless of who’s there. If I’m in public I might use a muslin, or just my jersey – I don’t show nipple. But if a bit of flesh sticks out for a split second, I’m not too fussed. If my husband is around and we’re in public, I always wear the cover as he is uncomfortable if I dont. It’s personal choice, and so long as you’re feeding your baby, I see no problem with that!
.-= Luschka´s last blog ..365-20 The Day I Found My Feet =-.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

@Luschka,
Thanks for your comment. Congratulations for choosing to breastfeed and doing so in a manner that’s comfortable for you.

Maya (139 comments) twitter: @MarfMom

You HAVE won! It’s kinda like green eggs and ham. They eat it any which way they want, and you nurse the way you want. Covered or uncovered, home or in public, it’s the selfless act of breastfeeding that’s beautiful, not how it’s done.

Way to go!
.-= Maya´s last blog ..A Thoughtful Thursday =-.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

@Maya,
I love how you likened Green Eggs and Ham to breastfeeding. That’s awesomely hilarious!

Joanna (2 comments)

I think it’s wonderful that you cover. My daughter wasn’t willing to breastfeed, but I am hoping that when my son is born I will have the patience to stick to it until he gets the hang of it, and I plan on keeping covered. In my personal opinion, the only people who should see my breasts are my husband, feeding child, and my doctor. People are naturally curious creatures, and are going to look at other people. I’d rather have them think “I wonder where she got that pretty cover?” than “I wonder where she bought that purple bra” (or worse). Stopping by from SITS, by the way!
.-= Joanna´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Hi @Joanna,
First of all, congratulations on the upcoming birth of your son. How exciting! I think it’s awesome that you’re planning on breastfeeding him. Now is a great time to do research and just get yourself in the positive mindset that you can do it! Surround yourself with lots of positive support and be sure to get your partner on board! As for covering up, it’s your own personal choice. Do whatever feels right for you and baby. Congratulations again. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.

Kristi

Anita Sullivan (1 comments)

I think the point behind those (including myself) who don’t use a cover, is that we shouldn’t have to, it’s normal and natural and when not showing much flesh shouldn’t have to be covered. But I don’t think that means anything is wrong if you do cover! You’re feeding your baby the best way possible, that’s all that matters.

Congrats to those breasts for overcoming!

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

@Anita Sullivan,
You hit it right on the head Anita. No one should be forced to cover up. Women have the right to nurse comfortably anywhere they choose! If covering up is what a woman is most comfortable with, that’s okay too. Covering up does not hinder me from feeding my baby the way nature intended. Thanks so much for your comment!

Jackie (15 comments)

I realize this is an ages old post, but since it’s new to me…& a topic that’s important to me I thought I’d comment. (And really, who doesn’t love comments!)

First, congrats on BFing your daughter. It’s hard work & quite a commitment to your child. I am currently BFing my second daughter and love it. NIP was really difficult for me the first time around & I kept locked up in my house b/c little miss would scream bloody murder if covered. This time around I said screw the cover & both little miss #2 & I are happier for it.

Cover or not, BF or not women need to make the choices that are right for them. And, we as mommas, need to shut the heck up with our own biases & support each other. Motherhood’s a tough gig as it is, without the heckling of others.
Jackie´s last blog post – kids & technology these days.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Jackie, first let me tell you…I ENJOY COMMENTS so comment your little heart out! lol Congratulations on breastfeeding your daughter too! I think it’s awesome that you’re brave enough to nurse sans cover out in public. I still don’t feel comfortable with it, but I’m still nursing her out in public and she’s still receiving the numerous benefits that breastfeeding provides. I so agree with your comment that as mamas we need to support each other with our choices. Motherhood is definitely a tough enough gig without the heckling of others. Thanks for commenting on my breastfeeding post. It’s something I’m very passionate about and it’s certainly nice to meet another blogger that feels the same way.

Dagmar ~ Dagmar's momsense (146 comments) twitter: @DagmarBleasdale

I think the important thing is to nurse in public because we don’t see that enough — any way you are most comfortable. I tried using a cover in the very beginning and was frustrated by it and L was like “Hey, mom, I don’t like that” so I stopped using it. I also never bought nursing tops, so when he was hungry, my shirt would go up But with a little discretion there really isn’t anything to see, my breasts aren’t big and they are covered by his head.

I’m so proud of you for sticking up for what you want to do Great article.

Dagmar
Dagmar ~ Dagmar’s momsense´s last blog post – Facebook Deletes Leaky Boob Support Group for Breastfeeding Moms

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thanks Dagmar! I don’t do a whole lot of breastfeeding in public anymore – with or without a cover – but only because Alana’s nursing sessions happen right before bedtime and sometimes when she wakes up or right before a nap. I’ve continued to let her set the pace and decide how often she wants to nurse. However, I’m thrilled anytime I see a mother nursing in public. I think it’s an important step in helping to normalize what many in society think is an offensive or outlandish act. It’s not. It’s natural and it’s what women have been doing since the beginning of time.