Earlier this week I posted a reader’s review of the lila bean nursing cover. In that review, the breastfeeding mother concluded with the statement:
There’s also the whole argument that nursing covers call more attention to the whole process, but that’s probably a story for another posting.
Well, let’s talk about that! How do you all feel about nursing covers? Love ‘em, hate ‘em, think they put pressure on other mothers to cover up in public? Please vote in the poll and feel free to leave a comment as well!
{democracy:31}
why should we hide something so normal and natural? i just dont get it!!
i think its beautiful to see other women bf in public easily and comfortably and find it sad when others dont go out as they feel shy or just cant do it public.
let it all hang out i say! enjoy your baby where ever you are. there are plenty other things to be worrying about than what other people think of feeding your baby!
I respectfully disagree, Linee Yeo. If you yourself feel you need one, then that’s fine, but I didn’t need one whether I was wearing nursing tops or not. (In fact, the LC at my breastfeeding support group often asked me to demonstrate to other new moms how most regular tops can work just as well as nursing tops when it came to discretion and ease!)
And handily enough, wind speed was never a factor in my nursing behavior.
I think you definitely need a nursing cover if you are not wearing a nursing shirt. I love my Bebe Au Lait nursing cover but it gets kinda tricky nursing outdoors when the wind is strong.
Love it! Thanks for sharing that story Natalie!
I voted for covers just drawing unneeded attention, and here’s why: My husband and I went to dinner at a nice restaurant with my in-laws when baby was a month old, so I was still getting the hang of NIP. I nursed him twice during dinner, and because I was nervous about being in a fancy restaurant, I covered him with a blanket the first time. He was annoyed and squirmy, and it seemed like a hassle, so the second time I didn’t bother with the cover (I was wearing a good nursing shirt). After dinner, my husband said, “I have to admit I was kind of glad you covered up when you were nursing during dinner.” I said, “But I didn’t cover up the second time.” And he said, “What second time?”
Great to hear from you Sarah and Ali. Sarah, I’m glad you’ve found a way to make nursing in public work for you (and your husband!) Ali – I’m often surprised about how many people don’t realize I’m nursing. Often people think my daughter is sleeping and they comment on how sweet she looks!
If it works for mom, and it means the difference between breastfeeding and not breastfeeding, them I’m all for it.
Personally, I think it draws more attention. I never used a cover, and most people never realized I was nursing – can’t tell you how often folks would come up to me in the mall or park to get a closer look at the cute little baby, only to realize we were breastfeeding. (Which, by the way, was a great opportunity for me to normalize it by being totally relaxed and continuing the conversation!)
I own a handmade version of a hooter hider and I really love it. I have no problem with people nursing with no cover at all. However, for me, I feel much better about NIP with one. Fumbling with bra straps, my bf pad, and a hungry and/or screaming baby leaves too long an exposure to my nipple and I just don’t like it. Kudos to all those moms who can NIP without, I’m just not that graceful!
I also must add, that my husband would probably not like it if I nursed in public without one. He’s a little shy and if it makes him happy and supportive of bf, then I don’t have a problem with his wishes.
I added a couple more choices and the option to add your own answer, just in case more people feel the way you do, Shannon!
wish I could select several of the choices here…