- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
Breastfeeding FAQs: Out and About
Some new moms might feel a little nervous about nursing in public. But with some practice, you can feel confident about breastfeeding when you’re out and about.
How can I be discreet when nursing in public?
To keep things private:
- Drape a small blanket or shawl over your shoulder and breast.
- Pull up your shirt or sweater, then cover your baby's head with a blanket.
- Use a baby sling, in the cradle position, to nurse.
When trying one of these, make sure that your baby's mouth and nose aren't blocked and that there’s room to breathe.
When dining in restaurants, you can ask for an isolated booth for a little more privacy. Try to face away from other patrons. If you're shopping at a store or mall, ask if there’s a lactation room. Some other places to nurse when you’re out include a changing room or your car.
What clothes are best for "easy access"?
Nursing bras: A variety of nursing bras are available — with snaps, clasps, and flaps that open and attach either in the middle (between the breasts) or on the bra straps. Which kind of bra you use is up to you and what you find most comfortable.
If you buy your bras before you deliver, just remember that your breast size will likely increase as your breasts fill with milk, and then change again as your body adjusts to breastfeeding.
Tops: You can buy special nursing wear or just wear shirts that open in the front. Or try a comfortable shirt or sweater that you can easily pull down or pull up to allow your baby to feed.
Whatever type of clothes you wear, they'll probably need to be slightly larger than your pre-pregnancy size because your breasts are likely to be bigger than usual while you're nursing..
Is it normal to leak?
Absolutely! Leaking can happen when you see a baby, hear a baby cry, see a picture of your own baby, or even think about your baby! That’s your maternal instinct to feed your child kicking in.
One breast also may leak while you're nursing on the other. In that case, it may help to put a towel, burp cloth, or cotton diaper over the other one.
You can buy disposable or washable cotton nursing pads to wear in your bra to help deal with leaks and protect your wardrobe. Some women wear pads all the time while nursing; others wear them only when out in public. You also could use clean folded handkerchief squares inside your bra.
Avoid using plastic-lined pads, which can make it hard for your nipples to get enough air.
If you're leaking and aren't wearing or carrying any nursing pads, try discreetly crossing your arms over your chest and applying a little pressure. Wearing patterned tops also can help make a sudden leak less noticeable.
- Breastfeeding FAQs: Pain and Discomfort
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding? Nutrients You Need
- Bonding With Your Baby
- Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding
- Nursing Positions
- Burping Your Baby
- Breastfeeding FAQs: Supply and Demand
- Breastfeeding FAQs: Some Common Concerns
- Breastfeeding FAQs: Getting Started
- Breastfeeding FAQs: How Much and How Often
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.
Humana Healthy Horizons in Ohio
- Humana Healthy Horizons
- Humana Healthy Horizons Extras
- Member Support
- Care management
- Caregiver resources
- Child well-being
- Disease management
- Documents and forms
- Enrollment
- Grievances and appeals
- Health and wellness
- KidsHealth
- Member Handbook
- New Member Resources
- News and alerts
- OhioRISE Plan
- Pregnancy outcomes
- Tobacco cessation
- Why Humana
- Your primary care provider
- For Providers
- Contact us
- Accessibility
- Humana Healthy Horizons
- Humana Healthy Horizons Extras
- Member Support
- Care management
- Caregiver resources
- Child well-being
- Disease management
- Documents and forms
- Enrollment
- Grievances and appeals
- Health and wellness
- KidsHealth
- Member Handbook
- New Member Resources
- News and alerts
- OhioRISE Plan
- Pregnancy outcomes
- Tobacco cessation
- Why Humana
- Your primary care provider
- For Providers
- Contact us
- Accessibility