One of the biggest worries regarding breastfeeding that I hear from new moms is the fear that it will tie them down and inconvenience them. Well, I certainly have not confined myself to the house. One of the greatest advantages of breastfeeding IS it's convenience, isn't it? A breastfeeding mother does not need to worry about carting around a big bag and making sure that there are enough bottles, milk powder and warm water. Mommy's milk is available fresh and at the right temperature all the time. No one has to convince us that breastfeeding is good for our children, and that breastfeeding is beautiful. But in public? It does sound a little daunting, especially for mothers breastfeeding for the first time. Even the most liberal among us might feel uncomfortable about "baring" our breasts in public, even though this act of breastfeeding should be the most natural thing to do. A new mother thus faces this dilemma: wanting to breastfeed, and wanting to continue a previously active life out of the house, but how to do both without leaving baby at home? I have personally breastfed my child everywhere locally and when on numerous trips out of town trips with the help of comfy nursing wear and a baby sling carrier. You can do it too! With some planning and practice, you will be able to breastfeed easily and comfortably wherever you are. To help you breastfeed in public, here are some ideas and tips: Dress Appropriately Wear clothes that allow easy access for nursing. With the right clothes, you can nurse without feeling like you are disrobing in public. Include several styles of nursing wear in your wardrobe. You can buy nursing wear that is specially designed for all types of breastfeeding mothers. Wearing separates work well too. Wear Baby in a Baby Sling Carrier You can also use a baby sling carrier to nurse baby. A baby sling carrier makes it very easy to position a baby to nurse discretely. Once you have baby latched on, you can continue on with your activities. And if you have an older child to care for, this allows you to keep up with him while still nursing the baby. I have walked around places such as Disney World and Times Square while discreetly nursing my baby in a baby sling carrier. Coupled with nursing wear, the baby sling acrrier provides for 100% discreet nursing. I also go out for dinner frequently and he nurses in the baby sling carrier each time. Do people look at us strangely? Very rarely. And, to be honest, you will not care after awhile anyway. I promise. Hey, I even get a hi-five now and then from breastfeeding supporters and, surprisingly, from male friends who believe that breast is best for babies! That is a great feeling. Nursing Bras Wearing a nursing bra is a "MUST". Get the style of nursing bra that can be easily fastened and unfastened with one hand and that fits well under your nursing wear. You need to position the baby with the other hand, afterall! Timing Pay attention to your baby's signals. Find a spot to nurse at the first hint of her discomfort, so fussing does not turn into screaming. Loud, crying babies attract far more attention than a baby who is quietly nursing away. For some babies, it might be better to take frequent breastfeeding breaks. Plan your time such that you breastfeed BEFORE going into the supermarket or into the bank. I have found this step to be an essential for a peaceful car journey with my newborn. Observe & learn your baby's rhythms. This will help you plan your outings so that you are in a convenient place when he or she is hungry. Location Find a place where you will be comfortable - a bench in a shopping centre, at a restaurant table, or a quiet corner in your favourite bookstore. If you are driving, you could also nurse baby in the car before setting off on your shopping spree or to run your errands. If you need more privacy, you could also look for a Mother/Baby/Nursing room in some shopping centres. Once you get the hang of breastfeeding, and are using nursing wear and a baby sling carrier, you will be able to nurse anywhere, anytime without having to search for a quiet, discreet place. Body Language Relax! The feeding will go easier if you do. Looking around nervously will just draw attention to yourself. If you do not act self-conscious while breastfeeding, people will probably not notice. In all likelihood, they might think you are just cuddling a sleeping baby! Babies are cute, so they often draw smiles from curious passers-by. Smile back, or create your own privacy by reading a magazine or engaging in conversation with a friend. Practice nursing discreetly at home before your first big outing with baby. Nurse in front of a mirror until you are confident that nothing shows. Practice positioning your nursing wear and your baby sling carrier so that baby is at breast level and the breast is not exposed. You could also meet with friends and nurse in front of them first to help you become comfortable enough to breastfeed in public. If you have no breastfeeding friends, look up groups like our local Support Group and go for their meetings and workshops. Internet newsgroups & mailing lists are also a good source of breastfeeding information and support. Rest assured that breastfeeding in public comes easier with practice. Once you become more comfortable using your nursing wear and baby sling carrier, in conjunction for optimum discretion, the process will become a breeze.It is a learned skill. Do not fear, you will eventually become an expert at this!