Too embarrased to breastfeed!

Mummy-31 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-05-10, 20:40

I'm due my 2nd baby in June and I'm worried that I'll have difficulty BFing again. One of the major problems I think with my first was that I just didn't want to do it in front of anyone except my OH. So when the inevitable rush of visitors occurs I feel like I have to disappear into a bedroom to BF then I'm stressing out that they're here to see the baby and I'm hiding out in another room for upto an hour at a time. Also when we went to my MILs for lunch after I'd had my 1st I'd go upstairs to BF and sit all alone in my OHs old room feeding.

I really want to BF but it's not like I can ban visitors for the first 6 weeks.....I'd love that lol! So I'm all stocked up with bottles and formula and a steriliser and feel like I'll just cave in at the first sign of awkwardness.

Does anyone else feel like this?

ladybug · #2 (**permalink**) 02-05-10, 21:28

Why don't you ban visitors for the first couple of days? No harm in that!

Get some stretchy vest tops. That way, your main top goes up, your nursing bra clips down, the top of the vest top goes down too, but keeps your stomach covered. It means nothing is exposed while baby is latched on.

I think people feel like this because feeding in public isn't a common sight these days. I suppose the more of us who brave it, the more people will come to accept it, thus encouraging other new mums to feed. TBH, many mothers feed so subtly that folk often don't notice at all.

Makes sense though, to be prepared with the bottles etc.

Hope you do whatever it is that you feel most comfotable doing!

isabellasmum · #3 (**permalink**) 02-05-10, 21:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladybug

Get some stretchy vest tops. That way, your main top goes up, your nursing bra clips down, the top of the vest top goes down too, but keeps your stomach covered. It means nothing is exposed while baby is latched on.

I did this, I was more concious of my tummy than my boobs though. i would pop a cushion in front of Isabella when feeding her if I wanted a bit of privacy or just ask people to give me a minute to feed (meaning bugger off out of my living room and make me a cup of tea!)

Good luck xx

mrsharvey · #4 (**permalink**) 02-05-10, 21:59

I only BF my first one for a week but with Sophie we are still going strong, I was definitely more relaxed 2nd time round.

I wore vest tops too, was so hot last June when Sophie was born and I used a muslin, if we had male visitors they would disappear off to the kitchen or garden lol!!

good luck and do what feels comfortable for you xxx

Mummy-31 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-05-10, 22:29

Thanks for the support

I've just looked up vest tops on M&S website and they do tummy control vest tops so I'll get a couple of them....they better be industrial strength, given the state my tummy will be in post birth lol!

I feel better just knowing that I'm not the only one who finds it embarrassing. I really struggled the last time and never seemed to have enough milk for my hungry daughter but maybe my let down wasn't working because I felt so tense about it all. I'd really love to have a better experience this time round.

rachaelmae · #6 (**permalink**) 02-05-10, 22:59

Bfing was alot easier for me second time round, so you never know

Never feel bad about asking visitors to leave/give you 15min to feed baby, they will get over it.

Goodluckxx

cole · #7 (**permalink**) 02-05-10, 23:09

hugs hun xx

I use to just say to male visitors look the other way whilst I put Theo on or they use to go outside. I use to cover up with a sheet or blanket. xxx

Mummy5 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-05-10, 23:25

Agree with everyone else. Make visitors leave - don't take yourself off and hide. Good Luck x

lilmuppetlou · #9 (**permalink**) 02-05-10, 23:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mummy5

Agree with everyone else. Make visitors leave - don't take yourself off and hide. Good Luck x

This is what I'm planning on doing this time around........I always hated having to go to another room in my own house to breastfeed........I wasn't bothered about it in other people's houses as it was their house, but having to hide in another room in my own house felt horrible. Good luck mummy-31 xxx

LittleMissMe · #10 (**permalink**) 03-05-10, 10:54

With my first I used to have to disappear to the nursery to feed her so's not to cause embarrasment to anyone. 2nd time round I couldn't care less, I thought its their problem if they don't like it, leave if they find it that uncomfortable! My babys hungry so I don't give a stuff what they thought!

I was always very discreet though so didn't see the problem, most of the time folk would be talking to me for a few minutes before realising what I was doing! the look of realisation on their faces is quality!!!