Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for both babies and mothers. Babies who are not breastfed have a higher risk for many ailments, including respiratory disease, influenza, ear infections, gastrointestinal distress, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and childhood leukaemia.

And women who do not breastfeed have higher incidences of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers, osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes.

The American Academy of Paediatrics and health care professionals in Bermuda recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding, along with complementary foods, for at least the first year of life and beyond, for as long as mutually desired by mother and baby. Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing infants with the nutrients and infection-fighting immunities they need for healthy growth and development.

Some mothers may encounter barriers to breastfeeding that prevent them from following these guidelines. While one obstacle may be the idea of nursing in public, there is no reason for a mother to stay at home just because she has a breastfed baby.

Although it may be rare in Bermuda to see a mother breastfeeding her baby in public, this does not mean it is an unacceptable practice.

A mother may need to remind herself that regardless of what people think, or how they react, the legitimacy of her decision to breastfeed and the value of breast milk for her child does not change. If a mother is concerned about nursing discreetly, she can practice inconspicuous nursing at home first, in front of a mirror or with her husband or good friend offering assistance, so she will feel more relaxed when she goes out.

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Ideas on What to Wear

A breastfeeding mother's clothing should provide easy accessibility to the breast.

Two-piece outfits with loosefitting shirts are usually the most convenient. You can lift the shirt from the waist and the rest of the fabric will drape around the baby to cover exposed skin.

If you are wearing a button-down shirt, unbutton it from the bottom up instead of the top down.

A loose jacket or sweater can also provide extra coverage for your middle section, as can a lightweight blanket or a towel while you're on the beach.

Some maternity shops and online stores may offer specialty breastfeeding tops with concealed openings for breastfeeding.

A baby sling can be a real advantage for inconspicuous nursing, as the baby can be tucked in behind the fabric of the sling while you sit or even stroll around.

Select nursing bras that are easy for you to unfasten with one hand (refastening may still require both hands).

Darker colours or patterns and looser fitting styles will help camouflage any leaking breast milk.

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How to Get Baby Latched-On and Other Tips

Be alert to your baby's hunger cues (licking/smacking lips, sucking on fingers/fists, rooting around, etc) and begin nursing well before she is frantic.

Don't nurse as a last resort when all attempts to distract your baby have failed. A hungry, crying baby can be more difficult to latch-on and at the same time bring you unwanted attention. Remember a breastfed baby will need to nurse every couple hours (or more frequently), especially in the early months.

Your breast may be exposed for a brief time when your baby latches on. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, you can turn your back to the room while you get her started, or latch her on in a separate room and return when you have arranged your clothing / blanket as you want.

A sling allows you to pull the fabric around your baby as you latch her on.

Don't forget proper positioning when you are nursing in public. You don't want to come home with sore nipples or a cramped back. If you have to sit on a bench or chair without arms, try to use a diaper bag, folded coat or something in your lap to bring the baby up to your breast.

Some older babies have a habit of popping off the breast and smiling at you, or becoming easily distracted and going on and off the breast to check out what's going on around them. If this bothers you, watch your baby carefully and be prepared to cover up, if necessary.

Teach your baby acceptable nursing manners at home. Doing gymnastics on your lap at home may be OK, but consider if you want this to happen while you're at a restaurant or a family reunion.

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Although some mothers may not feel immediately at ease with nursing "anywhere and everywhere", they can try starting with small steps.

A brief shopping trip, snack at a café or a visit to close friends might be a good start. Bringing along a friend, ideally a more experienced nursing mother, can give a new mother confidence.

By listening to her baby and her own mothering instincts, a mother can decide her own level of comfort for breastfeeding in public.

There is a freedom in just taking a couple diapers and heading out the door. Breastfeeding is convenient and the normal way to nourish your baby. If it were commonplace to see nursing infants, then no mother would have to feel stressed or embarrassed about her choices.

With proper information, encouragement and support from family members, health care professionals and the community, mothers can successfully breastfeed their babies.

If you need assistance with breastfeeding or want more information, contact LA LECHE LEAGUE at 236-1120.