Many women feel comfortable nursing their baby wherever they happen to be. It's every breastfeeding pair's right, and never a cause for shame. Still, some women are understandably uncomfortable with the idea of exposing their breasts in public for any reason. We've been raised in a society that promotes the sexuality of breasts over their functionality, but no one should have to feel embarrassed about feeding her child the way nature intended.

There's really not much to see anyway, but many women use a baby blanket or other material to drape over both baby and breast while baby eats. This can be effective, but it can also draw attention to the whole process, not to mention it blocks eye contact with your child. The best way to begin a public nursing session is to simply turn away from view and allow your baby to latch onto the breast. Older nurslings are so adept at the process that you can get them to your breast without much worry about exposing your nipple, even if you don't turn away from public view.

If you're shy at first, your mate can help by acting as a barrier, shielding you from view as baby latches on. A father's support of public nursing can be a real blessing for a shy mother. Not only does a woman need her partner's support in general, but people are much less inclined to look at a breastfeeding pair when Dad's around.

Once your baby has latched onto the breast, his head will conceal it from view, allowing you to feed him comfortably without concern. However, if your baby likes to release the breast every once in a while and look around, be ready for a little exposure.

Some older babies like to explore their mother's body while they nurse, their busy little hands pulling at clothing and skin alike. If this describes your child, it's a good idea to keep his hands occupied, so he doesn't pull up your shirt and expose your other breast. Hold his hands while he nurses, or give him a blanket to cuddle.