So thanks to some tips from fellow HBers and the help of a LC, DD2 (12 days old) is back to exclusive breastfeeding! I am very hesitant to give her even one bottle after our recent struggle so I need some tips on nursing in public. I'm not that concerned about the actual logistics of it EXCEPT that she tends to drench both of us in milk when she eats. I tuck a prefold diaper into my shirt at home but often I still get a big wet spot. Any tips on avoiding this mess when out and about?
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I usually used a burp cloth and would put it right under my nipple so any escaping milk would hopefully be caught by it.
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I usually just position my nursing pad underneath, or her bib usually catches it.
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Is she drenching both of you because your milk lets down or flows fast? If that is the case look at nursing slightly reclined, gravity will help slow the flow a little
Give it a try in the car the first couple of times.
Practically speaking I would suggest maybe packing an extra shirt for you in the diaper bag and maybe pull your shirt up when you nurse as opposed to down so that the milk is less likely to get on you.
Congrats on getting her back to nursing! -
I had a really intense/strong letdown so we would both be covered in milk at almost every nursing session for the first 4ish weeks. I did tuck a burp cloth directly under my breast, one slightly between us, and one on top of DD to try to catch as much as possible though. I just tried to wear dark colors when out and always had an extra shirt (or 2) in the diaper bag for me. With time it got better!
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Burp cloths, prefold diapers, and the reusable super-absorbent hemp nursing pads were all helpful for me in soaking up the spray.
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I use a swaddle as a nursing cover when I'm it. I tuck one of the tails into my bra in the other side to absorb let down; it also helps to keep the cover in place
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@catgirl: This sounds so similar to our situation. I do have a strong letdown, combined with using a nipple shield and DD2 keeps falling asleep at the breast due to jaundice so I know it should get better. More burp cloths/prefolds is probably the best answer (better than soaked clothing) even if it's awkward. The only place I've nursed out and about lately is the OB office but I guess I just need to get over it and try
@Littlebit7: I've been planning to use a swaddle for cover so this is a good idea - thanks!
@mrswin: Reclining has been useful at home for sure - I'm hoping she grows out of it as she gets bigger/more awake.
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@peachykeen: If it's not crazy hot where you are, it might also be helpful to wear a cardigan/jacket/vest, and then remove it while you nurse. That way if she does end up soaking your clothes, you have something to cover up with.
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Sounds like a haaka silicone pump would be awesome at your for at home, though.
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Definitely a burp cloth under your boob. I would always pull my bra down and tuck the cloth into my bra so it would fold over and drape down under my boob. Does that make sense? I would also do one right under her cheek as well. Oh and one in the other boob because it would leak everywhere too!
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@peachykeen: I'm also a nipple shield mama and most of the issue is when W unmatched and takes the shield off that is filled with milk! I had to switch from the prefolds to a homemade burp cloth (1 side terry cloth, 1 side flannel) that I tuck into my bra. The prefolds just didn't catch enough milk and ended up soaking my bra.
Another thing that helped was pulling my shirt up rather than down and finding a normal bra (I use sports bras) that I can also easily pull up rather than down. This makes it so my belly gets wet but is easily wipeable.
Give it a try in the car the first couple of times.Reply
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