Out to Lunch
People eat in public all the time. They eat in restaurants, they eat in parks, and they eat walking down the street.
Breastfeeding babies are people, and therefore they should be able to eat in public too. There is absolutely no reason why they shouldn't. People won't stare — if they do, they, not you, need an attitude adjustment. You'll probably get more compliments than criticisms.
Mothers have a right to breastfeed wherever they have the right to be with their baby, whether or not there is specific legislation in a state. However, many states have passed legislation explicitly clarifying this right, and, in some cases, have set fines for people who try to interfere.
Think about it. Which would you prefer to sit next to at a restaurant: a quietly breastfeeding baby or a screaming, hysterical baby?
When nursing in public, you will set the tone for the reaction of others. If you fumble with your clothes and worry more about flashing a bit of skin than about getting your baby fed, the people around you will feel as awkward as you do. But if you matter-of-factly help your baby latch on, adjust your shirt, then continue your conversation, you shouldn't receive any negative attention.
You can also reduce the amount of attention you attract by being proactive. Don't wait until your baby is crying with hunger. Rather, pick your place and time before your baby is starving. If you are shy, drape a lightweight baby blanket over your infant so you can have privacy while you get him latched on to your breast.
Slings are great for public breastfeeding. Hitch the sling a little shorter so your baby's head is at your breast, turn the baby toward you, supporting him with one arm, and, after he has latched on, adjust the extra fabric to hide him from view. You can even breastfeed with many styles of front-packs. Simply lower the frontpack to get the baby's head in the right place, and then keep walking.
