You're Welcome!

So now you have a baby - those deliveries of handmade lasagne will cease sometime, and you are going to have to leave the house with Junior in tow. You can guarantee he will want a feed!

Remember, you don't have to go sit in a cafe and pay for a drink unless you really want to! There are alternatives.

The dreaded Mother & Baby room in bigger shops (often rather smelly & unpleasant).
Park benches,
bus stop benches (for the brave),
friend's houses,
libraries (especially the junior section, of course!),
and pharmacies (they all now have to have a little cubicle & they'll generally be happy for you to put it to good use BUT YOU MUST ASK FIRST!!! They sometimes have a PC or patient records in there so you'll be barred for that reason.)

Can you think of any more? All you really need is a chair & perhaps protection from the elements!
Why not ask other Breastfeeding Mums where they've fed in your area?




Here are some links to articles/pages about breastfeeding in public places, in Flintshire.

The Welsh Government site about the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme.

Wrexham, July 2008

National NHS/breastfeeding page

Anglesey Sea Zoo, yes - I know it's a long way to go!

Chester - Costa coffee in Tesco's, Frodsham St. {Thanks, LJ!}

Mold -
The Library (Junior Section has comfy seating), the King St. clinic,
Truly Scrumptious, Maria's Cafe, and Spavens on King St.,
Brew on Earl Rd, and Meat 'n' Eat on New St.
Boots and other pharmacies (ask if you can use their cubicles), excepting the one on High St next to Party Shop due to patient records stored in the room.

{What about somewhere in your town? Look for the 'Breastfeeding Welcome' sign in the windows. Let us know by posting a comment, click on the comments button at the base of this note}


Some basic advice (and links here and here for more) about taking the plunge:

• Smile! Don't look shifty, don't try & hide. Probably best not to ask 'Is it OK if I feed here?'. Remember breastfeeding is the normal way to feed children. Also remember most people will be simply delighted that you got the baby to be quiet all of a sudden!
• Prepare yourself for people's comments. Many will want to tell you what a good job you're doing and swap memories of feeding their own children. It's lovely!!
• Okay, Yes - some worry about less positive comments. Have a simple polite answer ready, such as "I think I am feeding him perfectly discreetly here", or "This is best for him to grow big & strong, and become quiet for a while." I never needed to fob off any unpleasantness, by the way - even when feeding a toddler. Ask around - you'll find it is very uncommon to meet with unpleasant reactions. Dianne Weissinger has some ready answers for you here. Recent quote:
  

  Public breastfeeding is becoming more accepted, said Speed, but she still laughs at the time she was asked in church to stop.
  "I'm sure Jesus was breastfed."

• Practise at home, using a mirror to show yourself how discreet you can be.
• Try not to become dependant on using pillows...few cafes are equipped with chairs like this one (designed by a student), and it really shouldn't be necessary to purchase one of these portable pillows. Some find a sling is a helpful way to support your back & baby during a feed, but front baby carriers don't really help there.
  
• If it's going to help you, use a piece of cloth to cover up (over the shoulder, maybe with a clip?) - but many throw that away after the first time. As with most things, it's all up to you. There was a recent furore in America when a woman feeding on a plane found herself in trouble because she refused to hide under a blanket, and the backlash rumbles on. Some airlines now provide a free Breastfeeding Shield for Mums. (See this post on Breastfeeding without Blankets, and for contrast this ridiculous American product, hopefully you'll laugh!! I've just noticed a rather telling point, it only comes in size 0-3 months! Also others here, or here - what a palaver. Personally I think it's sad that so many people feel the need for these shields. But if it means someone feeds rather than uses a bottle, then I'm all for it - hence the links!)
• Some are more concerned about showing off their tummy than their breasts. Why not investigate the vast range of nursing tops/vests/tummy bands which are available out there? Goggle search for Breastfeeding Wear, or visit clevermummy.co.uk
• Enjoy the smaller nappy bag that you'll take out with you - no apparatus for the milk, at least!
• If you are very self-conscious, don't sit right at the window!
• Don't allow others to chivvy you off into a toilet cubicle (would they want to eat their lunch there?) click here for a discussion on mother & baby rooms.
  
• Bring a friendly face with you. While pregnant, try & identify a person for this job - someone you will be relaxed & comfortable with.
• A meeting with a Peer Supporter could be your first trip out to a local cafe?
• Enjoy your chance to have a sit down in peace! Remember, all those bottle-feeders out there are sadly having to let their coffee go cold 'cos they don't have a spare hand.
• Remember breastfeeding is the normal way to feed children. (Sometimes it is worth saying twice!)
  

Hope that helps!