In our monthly Video Vignette series, we review the use of the internet to empower moms to meet their breastfeeding goals. This month, let’s utilize YouTube to assist moms in getting out of the house and finding the confidence to breastfeed in public.
As we all know, today’s new mothers are excited to reconnect with the outside world. Breastfeeding mothers can take advantage of the simplicity of breastfeeding outside of the home once they get some helpful tips. During consultations and hospital rounds, suggestions for breastfeeding in public can be provided; a handout or follow-up email listing videos to watch at home can supplement your ‘breastfeeding in public’ message.
Breastfeeding in Public Tips: Encourage mothers to practice breastfeeding at home until they can put their baby to the breast without fumbling. Suggest nursing in new places around their own home and while doing new activities (talking on the phone or working at the computer). Move on to nursing at a friend’s house or in a changing room at a shopping mall or local clothing store. Once the private locations are mastered and breastfeeding confidence is established, recommend breastfeeding on a park bench, in the shopping mall, or at a quiet restaurant.
Clothing should provide easy access to breasts. Loose tops with layered buttoning shirts or sweaters provide great cover and will give the mother plenty of ability to maneuver. Unbuttoning from the bottom up will allow for discrete coverage of the mother’s sides and will keep her shoulders covered and warm. For additional privacy, a shawl or baby blanket draped across mother’s shoulder can form a tent over baby as she nurses.
Nursing in a sling, carrier, or wrap is also a great recommendation for breastfeeding in pubic.
Lactation Consultants can also mention that nursing openly and proudly reminds people that breasts are for feeding babies. Nursing in public helps our society become a more welcoming place for mothers and babies. Encourage the mother to smile proudly as she nurses – she is doing the best for her baby.
As follow-up to verbal tips and advice, we have selected three videos to encourage breastfeeding in public through the use of the internet.
The Australians have it right with this short video. Mothers will laugh and gain confidence as they see how ridiculous breastfeeding in some setting can be.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnReJeQrK0k]
Baby Gooroo presents an empowering video including dads discussing their fears about breastfeeding in public and exposure. Simple, short and multi-cultural.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HceoMoftTx0]
Lastly, this simple woman-to-woman video presents the legal perspective to breastfeeding in public. Mothers are encouraged to check out their state laws and provided with tips for confronting individuals who may challenge the woman’s right to breastfeed.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQorsEwB53E]
Remember, YouTube is the perfect classroom for the breastfeeding mother. She can watch at her leisure, in the privacy of her own home, pause, review and watch some more.
These videos are only a beginning – we encourage you to search for additional video
Wendy Wright, MBA, IBCLC, Guess Blogger
Utilizing the web to reach our breastfeeding target market Co-owner Lactation Navigation – Workplace Lactation Consultants, LLC
Love these clips
Love this post! The only thing is I wish the baby gooroo video had showed how a mom can breastfeed discretely in public, rather than only showing a mom breastfeeding in her home with her shirt open and bra showing. Many women are worried about exposing themselves in public and don’t realize that it can be done without baring all.