Second son needs a new pair of prescription eyeglasses so a visit to his optometrist is a must. Our baby joins us as he might be needing me anytime. I stopped pumping two weeks ago because 1) the little boy suddenly does not want to drink breast milk from his feeding bottle anymore, and 2) my 10-year old breast pump decided to retire on its own.
After my boy’s eye check up and some eyeglasses fitting, I asked my 12-year old boy to check the bookstore as I visit a nail spa to have my ingrown removed. My right big toe has been hurting for weeks already.
As I dip my feet into the warm water, my baby then asks for milk. So while I am having my nails fixed, I nurse my little boy.
Breastfeeding in public has always been a hot issue. And though public breastfeeding is accepted in many places, still, there are a few people who oppose this practice. For them, breast is a very private part of a woman’s anatomy and exposing it in public is morally unacceptable. They even equate public breastfeeding to nudity. I, too, thought before that breastfeeding in public is inappropriate. But now that I have our Yael, I have come to realize that public breastfeeding is such a noble act that any mother should not be ashamed of. The baby needs milk and if not given, he might start to fuss and cry.
For a mom who still feels awkward unbuttoning her blouse in public and nurse her baby, a nice way to tame that public breastfeeding jitters is to put a nursing cover or blanket. Or she may opt for a poncho or a shawl that may cover her breasts and her baby while enjoying his milk.
So while I am having my nails done, my little boy enjoys his milk without him or this mother worrying about prying eyes. I have my nursing blanket to cover me and my baby.
There are a lot of breastfeeding shawls in the market
. I have two; my husband bought me a nice flowery poncho while I got the other one online at TINY TOTS.
TINY TOTS specializes in affordable yet chic baby items and nursing wear. It has fashionable nursing covers that both offer a great sense of style and discretion. I prefer to use my TINY TOTS cape than the one my husband bought (I do not intent to hurt your feelings, dear husband) as it creates a more homey cocoon for my baby. I could easily look down and have my own private view of my baby feeding. It is very light weight and has a silky feel as well.
So for moms out there who will be doing an errand with their babies in tow, always bring with you a nursing cape. This cape will give you the freedom to breastfeed or even pump (if the need arises) whenever and wherever.
Happy breastfeeding!
By the way, compiled here are some of our breastfeeding sessions outside the small house and I aptly titled it —
WHERE’S THE BABY?
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- car change oil
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- one of my rare malling
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- another rare malling days
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- while having my hair rebonded.
* My darling Yael is now nearing to nine months and I am still breastfeeding him. I bring him with me in almost anywhere I go and we always have with us our cape. When I feel he is hungry, I breastfeed him. Gone are the days when I feel nervous and ashamed about unbuttoning my blouse in public.
I had no issues with breast feeding in public back then when I was still nursing my kids and I also agree with the cape. It really diminishes the awkwardness for most. 🙂
Totally agree on the cape 🙂
I admire mommies who are able to continue breast feeding after past three months. I am working full time and had to report back to work around that time. My milk eventually dried up, as it was difficult to pump milk in between meetings.
Hahahaha I can relate this sis, my Zd also like this kahit nasa kalagitnaan kami ng grocery biglang manghihingi ng “Dede”. Nakaka miss din kasi di na sya masyadong dumede sakin.
Hahaha. I miss your Zd bear na rin.
Good job, Mommy! With my first-born, he didn’t mind getting covered while nursing in public. But now, with my daughter, she will not nurse with the cover so bahala na! Baby first diba! I can really say that breastfeeding does wonders. My son’s immune system is so tolerant of sickness that even if most of the people here at home is sick, he’s the only one not getting the virus! Galing, diba?! 🙂
Galing! Haha. My son too if he realizes nakacover sya inaalis nya. Ihihi.
Proud breastfeeding mom here too though I have yet to try a nursing cover/cape/poncho. I babywear my 7 month old baby din most of the time so either I use my saya to cover up when breastfeeding or use a lampin lang. 🙂
Nursing capes are a must for this mama on travels though sometimes the little boys doesnt like may takip kaya minsan i use lampin na lang to cover or his ssc’s hoodie. Ihihi.
May I ask what brand of ssc you have? I think I saw you use this on one of the events. 🙂 I’m contemplating of buying one since medyo hirap na ko isuot magisa si baby sa Saya. Medyo malikot na e hehe.
Im using a lillebaby, an all weather tokidoki one. Yup, always wear my baby if i attend events and if organizer is ok with it. Hahah, kids can be so o malikot talaga. You might enjoy the tokidoki. Dami nice features.
My breastfeeding cover was my best friend — until my son grew big enough to not want to be under it! But for novice breastfeeders, it’s a good investment.
I agree on the good investment. My son is now slowly hating the cape na. There are times he keeps on removing the cape so i always have with me our big lampin as alternate cover.
New page? 🙂 I used the cape before too but the young one eventually hated nursing with it on. I had to always bring a bottle for him because of that.
Yup, new. My little darling sometimes doesnt like to be inside the cape too. Ihihi. And sadly, he doesnt know how to drink from his bottle.
I was never able to breastfeed for a long time and so I never got around to actually using shawls. But I really plan on breastfeeding our upcoming new baby for a longer period this time around. Shawls are already on my “to buy” list. 🙂
I could give one to you if you like. I have three and I often use this one lang. The two others are kept inside the drawer. And they are almost new. Just pm me 🙂
The nursing cover is a lifesaver. But when my son grew older, he learned to tug at it. We had to think of creative ways to do our sessions now. Good thing there are bf rooms around most malls.
Yes, bf rooms are heaven sent. Sometimes my baby too doesn’t like to be all covered. Naiinitan siguro. Haha
I plan on breastfeeding as well once my little one comes out and although I plan to stay home to attend to my kid full time, I’m pretty sure something will come up that will entail me to go out. This is definitely a consideration. Thanks!
🙂 so happy for your pregnancy. Enjoy the big tummy and the baby inside.
It’s really a wonder for me how fashionable baby needs like these have become. In my day I would cover my chest part with a huge wash cloth now you have these beautiful capes!
Yes, they can even be fashion statements plus discreetly nurse in public. Sometimes though if the baby doesnt want the cape. I just cover myself with wash cloth too.
It is a good thing mums these days have loads of stylish options for breastfeeding items, such as this. I cannot wait to try them out when I get pregnant again! 😀
Should we pray for that pregnancy? But yes, i agree. Pregnant and breastfeeding moms nowadays have lots of options na.
Wow, I salute you for being a breastfeeding warrior. I only breastfed for about 2 months then got lazy and switched to using formula. And I think having a breastfeeding cape is really useful 🙂
It is indeed a great help. Without that cape, I might also switch to formula. Kaso mahal talaga formula, hahah.
I am also a breastfeeding momma few years back (my kids are bigger now), but to be honest, I don’t breastfeed in public. I hate the stares, those quizzical looks, and expressions as if I am doing something bad. Kaya I just go to the car nalang and breastfeed. Kudos to you momma 🙂
I was like that before but now I just put my cape and nurse my baby.