Quite Possibly the Most Rewarding Job EVER!

Can you tell that I LOVE being a breastfeeding peer supporter?

I get to wear this really pink t-shirt and call myself a Breast Buddy, but who cares?  I get to help women reach their breastfeeding goals and see cute babies.

So breastfeeding peer support isn't really new to me.  When I started work as the Program Manager for a WIC Program in Maryland, US one of the first things I did was work out a way to start a breastfeeding peer counselor program for our low income Moms.  Peer support has been found to be the most influential form of breastfeeding support and if I find the reference from the study they carried out at Hopkins on the Maryland WIC program I'll post the link J Hum Lact 2009 Nov 25(4) 435-43 if you are close to a library or have access to the journal online.  The study looked at local WIC programs in Maryland with breastfeeding support and categorized them as having a peer support program, no program and only lactation consultant services.  The programs with peer support services had the best breastfeeding results.  The program I was in charge of was not included in the study because we had both peer support services and a lactation consultant whose soul purpose was supporting breastfeeding full time.  I am biased, we would have rocked that study, but sadly we were too good to be included (my opinion only).

We were really lucky to have funding to pay for our peer counselors in WIC, and in the year I left (2010) the federal government promised additional funding that could only be used for peer support programs to make sure that every program had them, so cool.  One of my last actions as program manager was to interview and then hire two new peer counselors to help spread the workload and spend the money.  We had a great program.  I hired a lactation consultant who worked full time with the peer counselors and program participants to provide services that they would otherwise not be able to afford.  We ran breastfeeding classes, support groups, breastfeeding focused baby showers and events as well as providing nursing bras and pumps free of charge. 

Where was I in all of this you may ask.  Apart from doing all the hiring and budgeting, I also trained alongside our first recruits and provided support and counseling services when others were out of the office.  My plan was to eventually train as an IBCLC (Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant), but work and my first baby delayed me somewhat. Second baby didn't help, but our circumstances have changed somewhat.

My family and I moved back to the UK in 2010 to be closer to family, my husbands work, and to have our second baby.  I didn't feel that I'd make the best hire at over 5 months pregnant but I still wanted to stay involved in the breastfeeding "World", so I went along to the local breastfeeding support group.  Yes, most of the women there had new babies but I knew that it was really important to know where to go for help if I had any problems breastfeeding my second baby.  Support groups had been a life saver in the early months with William, and it's so much easier to get to one if you know where they are and how to get there, everything is so much harder with a new baby, especially a first one.  Plus, I was still breastfeeding William so we practised being gawped at (he was almost 3 at the time and carried on nursing until he was almost 4).

I discovered at group that peer counselors (peer supporters in the UK) helped to run the local groups and that they would be training new volunteers in the near future.  I immediately signed up.  The position is a voluntary one requiring 16 hours of training if my brain remembers correctly.  The training took place over 8 weeks at a children's centre and the teachers were NHS paid, a lactation consultant and a breastfeeding counselor.  By this time Ellie had arrived, and she came to learn all about how to support breastfeeding too.  Having already taken the USDA training in the US, it was more of a refresher for me, but it was great to learn the English terms for all things breastfeeding.

Examples -

Football Hold - Rugby Hold
Weaning - ceasing breastfeeding in the US, introducing solids in the UK

There are lots of differences between the two peer support programs that I have been a part of which just shows that these programs really adapt to each inidividual circumstance.  The peer support program in the US targetted low income women of different races and cultures and the peer supporters that were recruited reflected this.  It was felt that women responded more positively when supported by a true peer, someone going through the same things in their lives who could speak to them in their own "language" (I use "" because I think there are many languages within each language, and although we may all be speaking English, we may not necesarily understand each other, a teenager may respond differently to another teen or a 30 year old or a 60 year old).

My fellow peer supporters in England are more homogenious.  My town is not very colourful (but I say that after living in Baltimore for 8 years), and many of the women I meet would not be income eligible for WIC for example, but the Town is ever changing, and mine is not the only accent in the room.  I do feel though that because the peer supporters are volunteers, it may be difficult to recruit and train women with lower incomes or younger women who don't drive.  Statistics do tell us that older more affluent women are more likely to choose to breastfeed, but I do come from a piblic health background and I'm constantly looking at things from the point of view of "How can a lower income family access this service?"

I digress.  Why do I love being a Peer Supporter?

• There is cake.
• I get to hold really adorable babies.
• I am welcomed into every single hospital room with open arms and a huge smile.
• I can spend as long as needed with Mums in the hospital room and answer all of their questions so that the midwives can get on with their other many duties.
• I could make a difference in people's lives for something that is so important for many new Mums.
• I talk about breastfeeding non-stop for hours without boring people.
• I work with some amazing breastfeeding professionals and learn so many new things every day.
• I share the good times and the bad times with new Mums and their babies and be there for them when they need it.
• I get to share that aha moment when it all fits into place and then they do it again on their own and get the cofidence to carry on without me.
• I receive thanks from women who I haven't even helped, I just watched as they tried again and succeeded.
• I share precious first experiences with new parents.
• I have the knowledge and the experience to answer those questions that new Mums feel silly about asking, it happened to me too.
• I help Mums to learn how to hand express and see that YES they do have milk.
• I get a vote on the baby's name if it hasn't been decided yet.

It can be easy to get very involved in every case, and I think I manage my emotion very well when it comes to going home at the end of the shift/group.  I work in the moment and try to equip new Mums with the confidence to continue when I'm gone and the knowledge of where to go and who to call if they need it.  It's very easy to get emotional when a supplement has been given for the wrong reason, but you have to stay logical and work with what you have at THAT moment and work towards the Mums goals not yours.  You also have to know when you need to ask for help and who to ask.

I encourage you to volunteer in your local community, you can make a real difference and you might even enjoy it!

10 Things I Love About Slings

A Maya Ring Sling

1.  You can breastfeed in a sling hands-free.

2.  Babies love to sleep in a sling because they can hear your heart beat and feel all warm and snuggly while you get on with your day.

3.  You can hold the baby, calm the baby, sing to baby and get chores done all at the same time.

4.  Going for a hike is easy with a sling, obstacles are easily navigated because you have use of all four limbs.

A Mai Tei Asian style Carrier

5.  The baby feels included as part of the conversation and has a birds eye view of the world.

6.  Slings are great in crowds, you can't lose baby in the crowd and you don't have to maneuver a buggy through the throngs.

7.  Slings are great for getting through tight places.  Much easier when out in the woods, going shopping, walking around National Trust houses with lots of stairs, and shopping centres where lifts are few and far between.  You can leave the buggy at home.

8.  Slings are great when you have older kids because you have two hands free to push a swing, push a buggy, hold a hand and catch then before they run across the road.

 Hotmilk Nursing Camisole

9.  Slings are great when you are out with a friend because two buggy's don't always fit side by side on the pavement so you can walk together instead of in single file.

10.  Slings enable you to hold your baby for longer without hurting your arms or back.  The weight is spread, and you don't have to stand funny with your hip out.

What do you like best about using a sling?

Mother's Day and the Sussex Baby & Toddler Show

 

I did a really small Baby Show last year which was very poorly attended, and it turned into a bit of a blood bath at the end between the organizer and a disgruntled stall holder (not me).  It was an opportunity for me to see how I could handle doing nursing bra fittings at an event.  Out of the twenty people who came through the door, five were fitted and bought nursing bras.  It showed me yet again that there is a real market for well fitting nursing bras, and also that I really needed a second person to help me out so that I could focus on the fittings and not worry about missing people as they sail past.


The Sussex Baby & Toddler show was held in Hastings at the Hastings Centre (near Conquest Hospital) on Saturday March 10th from 10-4pm.  Over 1000 women and their families attended and it was a lot of fun.  It was extremely hard work.  I drove down to Hastings the day before to set up.  I had an amazing space as you can see, I even had a very professional looking fitting room with spotlights and some great display racks which hung from the walls and provided tonnes of hanging space without cluttering the floor.  I also had the priveledge of sponsoring the breastfeeding room which I wish I had taken a photo of.  It had comfy chairs, flowers and water provided by the organizer (Teresa) which I was allowed to add to.  After asking the kind readers of The Lactivist and Dispelling Breastfeeding Myths I decided to take along some foot stools, pillows, toys for the lids, breastfeeding info, magazines and some decorations.  The magazines were kindly donated by JUNO, and the artwork on show were large canvases of little Ellie nursing in public.

The day went by really fast.  The stall was right at the entrance, so we met loads of really great pregnant and breastfeeding Mums as they entered and shopped and left the event.  There were loads of activities for the kids to do while parents shopped, a bouncy castle, messy play, face painting....... and bacon rolls for anyone who was hungry (yummy).

I'm so glad that we went.  I spoke to lots and lots of women who have already had not so great experiences with nursing bras, and it was nice to be able to share my experience with them.  You don't have to spend a fortune on nursing bras to be comfortable throughout your pregnancy and breastfeeding journey, prices start at just £10.  You don't need to be fitted and but new bras every 4-6 weeks as many women are being told on the High Street, there are many bras out there that can accomodate changes in breast and band size.

So, I did overstock the shop as you can probably tell from the picture.  My first big show and I didn't want to run out of anything.  So, I am now sitting at the computer surrounded by nursing bras and nursing vests that need to go so I can see the floor again.  Please pop over to my website to take advantage of my Mother's Day Sale going on NOW.

Take advantage of this great deal and shipping is of course FREE when you spend £50!  Treat yourself to a new Deluxe Emma-Jane 830 Nursing Vest which has a much higher cotton content and feels incredible to wear.  The Show attendees LOVED them.

If you missed out on the Baby Show you missed out on meeting GEORGE!! and here he is with my Mum.

Have a fabulous first Mother's Day.  I remember my first Mother's Day.  I was walking across the street towards the supermarket in Maryland, USA.  Dodging traffic with William in a sling because the footpaths aren't really seen as a necessity, everyone else drives to the supermarket.  As a huge SUV passed us on the street the passenger leaned out of her window and yelled "Happy Mother's Day!".

Breastfeeding Rooms - Why Do We Need Them?

I will be sponsoring the Breastfeeding Room at the Sussex Baby & Toddler Show in Hastings on March 10th at The Hastings Centre.  This will be the first time I have sponsored a breastfeeding room and so I have asked around to find out what has been lacking and what people feel should be available in a breastfeeding room. 

As with the majority of breastfeeding questions, there have been an assortment of responses. There are some women that feel there is no place for a breastfeeding room because we should proudly breastfeed in public.

While I agree that women breastfeeding in public protected by law, and I am very happy to breastfeed ANYWHERE!  I do understand the need for women to be able to remove themselves from a public place to feed their child if they so wish.  There are many reasons a woman might want to feed in private and I'm sure we can all relate to many of these reasons -

1.  Maybe you just want to relax.

I visited the London Baby Show this weekend with Ellie in a sling.  We spent about an hour walking around the exhibits taking it all in, but after the train, the tube, the DLR and walking around the exhibit I just really wanted to sit down.  Ellie wanted to stretch her crawling legs too, and the most quiet, comfortable place to sit in the entire show was the breastfeeding room.  Look at these chairs, even the stools rocked.  I must admit, it wasn't the easiest place the find.  I think Tommee Tippee was sponsoring the "feeding area" and forgot to sign post the breastfeeding room.  It was hidden at the back behind the microwaves and bottle warmers.  I agree that they could have spent some time sprucing the place up.  But honestly, what else do you need?  I just fed Ellie and kicked back to listen to Annabel on stage probably standing close to her body guard (I didn't actually see her at this show, but did see her at Earls Court last year with what could only have been her body guard standing close by, serious expression, he didn't answer questions).  It was quite busy in the breastfeeding room, and Ellie was entertained for ages making new friends.

2.  Babies can be easily distracted as they get older.

We've all been there.  Baby gets to what? 3,4 months old and suddenly decides that they want to be involved with everything and everyone.  When baby starts pulling off the breast at the drop of a pin, this can be both a sore time for Mum and an embarrassing time for Mum.  Of course I have felt no embarrassment since the birth of my son in a room full of ten strangers, but I can definitely see how having your entire breast showing in public might be embarrassing especially if baby didn't tell you about it.  Yes, I'm thinking of you @Diaryofafirstchild in that lawyers office.  It happens to us all.  Sometimes during this very normal phase of development babies will feed a whole lot better when they are in a quiet, dimly lit room without distraction.  The feed is quicker, the exposure is reduced, and Mum stays sane.

3.  Maybe you just want to check out the breastfeeding facilities.

Yes, Mummies can be nosey too.  Just as I had to see the breastfeeding room at the London Baby Show, so I like to check out other such facilities in stores and shows.  Worst might have been a well known baby superstore in the US.  The store could be seen from my house, but when your 1 month old baby is hungry, you do not have time to waste.  I usually fed on the rockers at the back of the store, but the feeding room is at the front and I happened to be at the front.  The room was seperate from the toilets thankfully (they also have the worst toilet facilities in the modern world), but the room was a little grubby.  The room was dimly lit, but I think this was only because the bulbs had blown, and this awful music was being piped into the room.  I think it was the stench coming from the trash can next to the changing mat and the accompanying flies that topped it off though.  I will never understand why food and toilets need to go together when babies are involved URGH! 

The best facilities have to be Nordstrom (a department store), and maybe stores provide something similar in the UK.  Nordstrom usually provide a women's lounge in their stores.  It is not necessarily provided for feeding, but it makes an excellent feeding room.  It is a room that you go through to get to the toilets which is filled with comfy chairs, tables and mirrors.  Women can feed there, apply make-up, take a breather etc.  Some of these lounges even have a little alcove with a chair for those who want a little privacy and a seperate room for changing the baby.  I just loved that I could meet other Mothers feeding in the lounge, and also spread the word of breastfeeding just by feeding in a place where many women would see it.

4.  It's your  First Time nursing in public.

I've written before about my first time nursing in public, and it was at the international arrivals gate of BWINursing in Public post.  Practice at home, take a friend, and if you are still unsure find somewhere more private like a changing room or breastfeeding room.  Breastfeeding Suport Groups are THE best places to practice because you can get a look at all the other Mums and see how they do it, and ask people where the best places to go with babies are.

5.  The way that you feed can be awkward.

Every baby is different and every Mum is different.  Breastfeeding doesn't always run smoothly and you may not want the whole world to see you at possibly not your best.  Again, this is a good time to go to a Support Group just to get out of the house and meet other Mums who will be sympathetic.  There are many reasons that breastfeeding is just not simple yet -

• Your right breast is a gusher.
• Your left breast is a gusher.
• Larger breasts may be harder to conceal with a baby's head.
• You're using nipple shields.
• You're using a Supplemental Nurser System.
• You need to use a huge pillow.

All of these reasons are temporary speed bumps that can be overcome.  Your baby will grow and learn to deal with your gusher, and you will both learn to breastfeed easily and even quickly.  Hopefully you'll find the support that you need at a Support Group and be able to feed wherever, however, and whenever you want to.

My final picture is that of a breastfeeding room at a recent baby show that I attended.  The baby show was heaving and there were no seats left anywhere to sit down.  I happily sit on the floor to nurse, but the buggies would have probably run me over.  We checked our map and discovered that the breastfeeding room was at the other end of the building which took us over 20 minutes to get to.  By this time Ellie wasn't particularly happy.  The room was also next to the stage and very loud.  It wasn't well signposted and random people kept walking in looking to buy something and quickly turned to leave.  The door to the outside was left open a little and the room was very cold.  As you'll see from the picture it was a nice room with comfy chairs, water was provided and there was a display of information about breastfeeding.  A local breastfeeding counselor was also on hand to provide any support or tips you might need which was great!

As I sat nursing my daughter a lady came up to me and asked me to hurry up and leave because some performers needed to use the room to get changed and they were waiting outside.  Yes, I was asked to stop breastfeeding in a breastfeeding room!  My Mum threw a fit.  The breastfeeding counselor was right behind her.  I sat and fed Ellie, took a breather, burped her a little and put her to the other breast (she's a one breast kinds girl every other day).  We then packed up our stuff and left the show.  Here is the picture -

 One final word about baby shows today

USE A SLING!!!!!

So, I finish with this.  Breastfeeding in public is the best, I love it and do it and hope that others will do so too, but at the end of the day some women just don't want to or can't and breastfeeding rooms are amazingly useful for tonnes of different reasons.

I do draw the line at the public toilet, so please don't do as recommended on the TV show Loose Women.  I almost cried while watching a recording of the show where women that are looked up to by many people in the UK were told that breastfeeding in public is shameful and should be hidden.

BoobieMilk will be fitting and selling nursing bras at an upcoming baby show in Sussex.  BoobieMilk is also sponsoring the breastfeeding room.  Please pop along to the show and say hello, I'm offering 15% off all pre-booked appointments.

Sussex Baby & Toddler Show

Saturday March 10th, 10-4pm

The Hastings Centre

The Ridge

Hastings

TN34

Go to my nursing bra fitting page to send me a message or leave a comment here

Why Every Mum should own some HOTmilk

From now until Valentines Day I am running a sale on Hotmilk Lingerie which includes their nursing bras, matching bikini briefs and nursing camisoles.  All Hotmilk styles at BoobieMilk will be an extra 15% off regular prices.

You won't need to enter a code or do anything different, the prices are as marked.

I wanted to take this time to tell you more about Hotmilk and their products, and why I love them so much.

Hotmilk Lingerie came into being after company co-founder Lisa Ebbing became pregnant and couldn't find any lingerie that compared to the lingerie she was used to wearing, so with co-founder Ange Crosbie Hotmilk was born in New Zealand.  In very few years the company has grown and Hotmilk Materity Lingerie is now available all over the globe.  Pregnant and breastfeeding women everywhere have embraced lingerie that makes them feel confident, comfortable yet still sexy. 

As you know, I only stock nursing bras and products that I personally use, so let me tell you why I have chosen to stock Hotmilk and why every pregnant and breastfeeding woman should own their own Hotmilk Lingerie.

Hotmilk is GREAT for pregnancy!

Hotmilk Blaze Nursing Bra & Bikini (30-38 B-F) - £25.50* set

Who wouldn't want to look like this when pregnant?  But really, for the majority of us pregnancy is a time when we are forced to wear clothes that don't fit that well and don't look that good.  I spent my whole pregnancy pulling up trousers that refused to remain in place and ended up around my knees whenever I had my hands full.  Enter Hotmilk and their stunning lingerie.  Wearing this jet black bikini with diamante embelishment you wouldn't even care that your trousers are round your ankles, it covers everything you want it to and looks amazing.  The design fits under your pregnant belly and still looks great once you've lost that baby weight after all that breastfeeding.

The Hotmilk nursing bras are ideal for pregnancy and breastfeeding and with a little bit of luck and expert fitting you can get good wear out of them.  The nursing bras are designed with 6 lots of hooks and eye fittings in the band which are there to allow for changes in rib cage size over your pregnancy.  Typically, the baby pushes up into your rib cage during your pregnancy.  Being able to loosen the band a number of hooks means that you get more wear out of it, and you also have the option to tighten the band once the baby is born.  

Hotmilk is GREAT for breastfeeding!

Hotmilk Radiance Nursing Bra & Bikini (32-42 B-H S-XXL) - £21.25* set

Hotmilk lingerie is great for breastfeeding because of the easy one-handed clips that open for easy access to the breast for feeding.  It is so much more though.  The 100% cotton lining feels amazing against delicate skin, and the straps haven't been forgotten.  The straps on the Hotmilk Radiance nursing bra are slightly cushioned and also lined with 100% cotton for a great, comfortable feel.  The full cup style is really great for keeping your breasts in check during the day and night by providing excellent coverage and support.  The last thing you want is for your boobs to fall out (the 4 boob look is not great for breastfeeding), and the full cup and the correct size keep this to a minimum.

Hotmilk makes you feel AMAZING!

Hotmilk Luminous Nursing Bra & Bikini (32-42 B-H S-XXL) - £31.88* set

I know from my own experience that being pregnant and having a baby can change the way you feel about your self image.  It can take a knock if you put on a few extra pounds (that you need to) during pregnancy, and when you are trying to lose that weight after the baby arrives (which can take time).  You also have a new baby to take care of and may not have as much time to spend on yourself.  You'll also find that your body changes and it may take time to be able to wear your "before baby" clothes.  You'll also have to think about nursing in your clothes, so you'll find yourself wearing the same clothes week after week because they are comfortable and accessible.  A beautiful set of lingerie that is comfortable to wear and functional for nursing is a great gift for a new Mum.  It can give that ego a boost and make you feel "you" again.

Hotmilk is Comfortable to Wear!

Hotmilk Shine Nursing Camisole in Beaujolais (S-XXL) - £25.00* each

The materials used to make Hotmilk Lingerie and Clothing are specifically chosen to provide the utmost in comfort.  As I mentioned previously, the nursing bras are all lined in 100% cotton to make them as comfortable as possible.  Pregnancy and breastfeeding can result in sensitive breast tissue and nipples.  The last thing you want to wear is a nursing bra that makes this sensitivity worse.  The cotton modal used for the Hotmilk Shine nursing camisole is super soft against the skin, and the beaujolais is a really pretty colour for any pregnant or breastfeeding woman.  The straps widen as the sizes and cups increase to provide more gentle support on the shoulders.  Please read a review here.

Hotmilk is SEXY!

Hotmilk Radiance Nursing Bra (32-42 B-H) - £17.00* each

Hotmilk is SEXY!  Yes, you can feel and look sexy when you are pregnant or breastfeeding (or both).  The satin, lace and microfibre fabrics give great quality and finish to the lingerie, the diamante accents add just that little bit of bling, and you can even add a sexy nightie to the mix.

Hotmilk make Fabulous Matching Undies!

Hotmilk Luminous Nursing Bra (32-42 B-H) - £28.05* each

Something I missed when I had my first child was matching lingerie.  You just feel more put together when you have a matching bra and knicker set, and wear them on the same day of course.  I remember back to the first time I wore my Hotmilk matching lingerie and it was a revelation to me.  After having children you can let a go a little and stop worrying about what you are wearing because you have a baby to take care of, spit up and poop to clean up.  Even if you decide to wear this lingerie under your loungewear you will feel amazing, and it will bring back a twinkle to your eye.  You partner will LOVE it.

Hotmilk is not your usual breastfeeding lingerie!

Hotmilk is definitely like no breastfeeding lingerie you have ever worn before.

• It has matching knickers
• It is comfortable day and night
• Your husband will be glad to see you in it
• You won't ever be embarassed to be seen wearing it
• It is great quality
• It has bling
• It'll make you feel a million dollars
• It fits around your pregnancy bump

Basically...... There is no reason not to wear Hotmilk.

*prices are correct 31/01/12-14/02/12

Breastfeeding In Public - Your Questions Answered

Nursing in Public has been a hot topic recently with lots of media attention in the UK, Canada and the US.  It is something that can make the difference between someone being successful at breastfeeding or stopping breastfeeding earlier than they had planned.  A mother who is too scared or embarassed to leave the house with a new baby because they may get hungry while out can leave a Mum feeling isolated and alone at a time when they need support the most.

I have breastfed my children for a total of four years and counting.  I have breastfed in the airport, on the bus, in the Federal building in Baltimore, at the zoo, at nursery, at the cinema...........  I am in no way an expert on the subject, but I have spent a lot of time talking about different ways to do it with lots of pregnant and nursing mothers.

During a recent Twitter competition I asked fellow Tweeters to tell me the funniest places they had nursed and received the following responses:

"@BoobieMilk notre dame cathedral, top of the eiffel tower, a beach in croatia, just to name a few!"

"@boobiemilk At the top of the Eiffel Tower,my baby was so hungry,I had no chance. I fed her in the Ergo noone noticed ;)"

"@BoobieMilk walking around London Zoo feeding Bubby D while the Wee Man kept up a running commentary to the monkeys"

"@BoobieMilk Whilst walking 5km at @riddlesdparkrun #parkrun … :D"

"@BoobieMilk On t loo,tube,walking round Tesco w her in a sling,in my wedding dress outside the church...Where hvnt I wld get shrter answer!"

"@boobiemilk Not sure if it qualifies as "interesting" but "dentist's chair" is definitely the weirdest place I have nursed!"

"@BoobieMilk I went to a funeral last Thursday. And breastfed in the hearse. Poor funeral director took it in his stride.lol"

"@boobiemilk most interesting place ive nursed is the lotus f1 team (now caterham) factory :) x"

"@BoobieMilk funniest place was in lawyer's office - only funny though cause i forgot to put boob away after!"

"@BoobieMilk on the waterbus (engine powered open top boat) at @ChesterZoo_No1 in the rain going past the giraffes and capuchins #boobiemilk"

"@boobiemilk in terms of awkward places I think that's on a par with the visitor room at Wormwood Scrubs where I had to feed once"

"@BoobieMilk at my daughter's nativity concert ..... Rosie started crying when they sang 'Away in a manger' , so off we went!"

"@BoobieMilk erm! The funniest place was perched on top of a small child's rocking horse! Does that count as the weirdest as well?!"

"@boobiemilk it's got to have been a grotty tyre garage! The baby was hungry! ;-) x"

"in lift at James St train station in LiverPool. Spud in sling and guzzling v.loudly :D  @BoobieMilk"

"@BoobieMilk my husbands work boardroom I hope there wasnt CCTV !!!"

Nev of A Lime Less Ordinary agreed to photograph myself and little Ellie last weekend at Tonbridge Park so that I can show you some of the many ways that you can nurse in public.

If you are nervous about nursing in public for the first time here are a few tips to get you started:

1.  Practise at home before you leave the house.  You may want to practise in front of a mirror or another person who can assure you that you are not showing anything that you don't want to.  In the early days it can be more difficult for baby to latch on quickly and quietly, so practise makes perfect.

2.  You may want to choose a breastfeeding support group as your first outing.  Everyone else will be breastfeeding there, you won't look out of place, and you may pick up some great tips from the other Mothers there.  Local Sure Start Children's Centres, La Leche League, Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, Baby Cafes, and the NCT may have these groups, usually run by volunteers or local breastfeeding health professionals.

3.  Going out with a friend or family member can be really great for morale and help you take your mind off of the people around you.  If you are nursing and having a conversation at the same time you will not be looking around nervously, wondering if anyone is staring at you.  In all honesty, people rarely even realise what you are doing, but your mind plays tricks on you sometimes.

4.  Be aware of the time.  You may decide to feed baby a little early so that baby doesn't cry to be fed.

5.  Plan your first few trips so that you know where you might feed the baby.  There are lots of coffee shops and pubs with nice comfy chairs, a park bench is also a great place to sit on warmer days.  If you prefer more privacy you can aim for a department store or mall that has a feeding room or a favourite shop with a nice changing room which always have a seat.  Furniture shops are also full of lovely comfy places to feed the baby, and once the first salesman comes up to you and realises what you are doing, they usually spread the word and you get a nice peaceful rest with no interruptions.  When you become more confident, you will find that anywhere with a seat is good enough, I'm pretty happy on the floor also if not too dirty or in the way.

Now, here are the photos.  Please keep in mind that it was a cold, windy day in January, but the park was very busy that day with what looked like five football matches going on and lots of kids playing in the playground.  I wasn't sure that Ellie would even be interested in nursing for the entire shoot, but she was a trooper and then slept all the way home.

Nursing using a loose top (my usual pose)

The lose fitting top (this one is from the Monsoon sale) covers your shoulder while nursing but allows you to lift it up from the bottom to get at the breast.  You can use the neck line to look under the top to check that baby is latching on correctly.  As you can see there is very little skin exposed, and once baby is latched you can drop the top back down to cover as much of your breast as you want to.  As the baby grows she will also cover any of your stomach on show as well as any boob.  I put my leg up like this in place of a pillow.  It gives me somewhere to rest my arm while nursing and helps bring Ellie up to the right height.  Sorry about the serious face.  Monsoon is one of the only places I have shopped since being back in the UK because I received a gift card for Christmas.  I have found a good selection of loose fitting tops and also tops that button down at the front.  I also have a great dress I found at TKMAXX with a crossover at the front which gives me just enough give to get a boob out at a formal occasion.  If you look hard enough, you'll find lots of clothes that can easily be worn while breastfeeding.

A strategically placed hand helps cover any skin on show, and if baby is distracted for any reason, the loose fitting top will probably drop on its own to cover your breast, but your hand can do the same job.

Wearing a nursing vest under a loose fitting top

If you find that the loose fitting top does not provide enough coverage for you under the breast and you have lots of stretch marks (like me), you may feel more comfortable wearing a nursing vest instead of a nursing bra under your top.  The nursing vest will also keep you warm when your top is lifted to feed.  Nursing vests usually have a built in nursing bra or support shelf, so can be worn without an additional nursing bra.

Again, there is very little on show, and on a cold day (as it was) my belly remained nice and toasty.

A Nursing Vest on it's own

A nursing vest is a versatile piece of wardrobe.  It's great for layering, wearing on it's own and I love to wear mine in bed.  I decided to brave the cold to show nursing with a nursing vest alone.  There are two main styles of nursing vest available as with nursing bras, and they are a side-sling and an a-frame.  The nursing vest shown here is by Hotmilk and has an a-frame.  When the cup is opened for nursing the breast is still surrounded by material and the breast comes through a circle cut in the fabric.  A side sling exposes the entire breast with a piece or material attaching the strap to the top running down the outer side of the breast only.  You may feel more exposed using a side sling, but you do get more skin to skin contact with the baby, and some may find it more easy to latch on with a larger surface area of breast to work with.

OK, here we go.......

So I chickened out, it was really cold and I had to throw a coat over my shoulders.  As you can see there is a lot more skin exposed with the vest only.  But this does show that you can use something to cover your shoulders to provide a little bit more privacy and coverage while nursing.  If I was on a train for instance next to the window, just the jacket over the shoulder would prevent the person seated next to me from seeing much.  I have nursed many times on the train in to London.  I am not normally this discreet, but you do generally find that people would rather see you nursing a baby than listen to a baby crying.

What else can I throw over my shoulder?

There are many different variations along the same theme.  You could wear a nursing vest under a button down shirt or blouse for a more formal look, or use a cardigan to get the same effect.  A blanket or a muslin are also pretty handy and I find that if you tuck it into your nursing vest strap or nursing bra strap then they are less likely to fall off.  A scarf of some kind would work similarly and would look more natural if it goes with your outfit.

So, here we are modelling a lovely pink blanket tucked into my nursing vest strap, which was useful because as I mentioned previously it was really windy that day.  The first time I nursed in public with my first baby was like this.  I was sitting at BWI airport (Baltimore & Washington International) waiting for my brother to arrive.  I was sitting directly in front of the arrivals exit of the international terminal.  I was the first person everyone saw when they exited baggage claim and customs.  We had been waiting quite a while and William became a little bored and hungry.  Of course everyone around me began to tell me that he was hungry and I should feed him (as they do).  The blanket lasted for exactly 3 seconds before William decided he didn't want to be covered up and would rather be able to see what was going on.  I believe it was also the first time that my brother had seen any part of my breasts!

I just love this picture, it's such a magical experience when you can nurse and look into your baby's eyes, and the first time she smiles back at you will be a moment you will never forget.

I completely see a place for a nursing cover.  If you continue to breastfeed successfully and reach your breastfeeding goals, and would not have done it without the use of a breastfeeding cover, then they have a place.  I don't personally like nursing covers, and have never used one, and don't own one.  Because of this I did not have one to use for this article, so we improvised.  

As you can see, Ellie likes to have a good look around when nursing.  My main reasons for not liking nursing covers is that they are expensive, lots of babies do not like being covered up, they attract attention, and when someone gets one out of their bag to use at a support group, the other Mothers tend to think they need to cover up too which saddens me.  There are some really lovely nursing covers available, some with hideous names, but there are also lots of covers that look hideous.  I've seen two companies selling covers in the last year that would not have looked out of place at a hair salon or dentists office.  In fact, at a popular baby show just last year my Mother and I were walking past one such cover and when my Mother was approached by the salesperson and shown the nursing cover my Mother couldn't help but say very loudly "but it's so ugly!".  My Mother speaks the truth, it was ugly, but I kept on walking in fits of giggles.

Nursing in a sling

I have owned a few slings in the last few years, but I keep coming back to two of my favourites.  I love the Maya wrap which is a ring sling for a newborn.  It keeps baby upright and snuggles close to Mummy, and is really versatile for older kids, nursing.........

The hardest part about breastfeeding in a sling is getting the boob and the head at the same height.  It just takes practise, and if you use a sling everyday you'll soon get the hang of it.  Nursing in a sling has so many advantages.  I have done many a weekly shop at the supermarket with Ellie feeding in the sling.  It leaves me at least one hand to push the trolley and pick up food.  With practise you can have both hands free to grab small toddlers with when they decide to run away to look at the toys and pack your shopping with.  I have also found a sling great for growth spurts and cluster feeding when I need to do things other than sit on the couch or lie in bed.  I can read my 4 year old a story and get dinner ready.

The Maya wrap is extremely versatile for positioning and you can pick different lengths of fabric and use the tail to keep baby warm or cover up if needed.

I get loads of compliments on this sling, I think mainly because it's the first time that many people have seen a baby in a sling and not a buggy.

The tail piece of fabric has a pocket for a nappy and your keys, so mind out when you cover baby with it because keys can be sharp! (LOL)  I use the tail as a cover when Ellie falls asleep.

You can also use the tail like this so that baby can still see the World and you while nursing.

I love to wear my Mei Tai, which is my sling of choice right now.  It's so easy to use and it gives me two free hands to do shopping or push a pushchair, or travel through London.  I don't usually nurse in this sling but it is totally possible.

A Mei Tai may suit you better if you like a specific way of carrying.  The Maya Wrap is more abstract in how you wear the baby and never feels the same way twice.  The Mei Tai has a square piece of fabric with 4 straps, which can be easier to get your head around.  When my son got older I wore him on my back in the Mei Tai for hikes and general days out.  Again, the hardest part is getting the head and boob at the same level.  I usually wear Ellie a little higher, and that's probably why I don't nurse in this sling very much.  You can't help but get lots of cuddles in a sling, but if I had moved my hand away, there is no way she would be going anywhere, it's very very safe when done correctly.

As with the Maya Wrap there is not a lot on show while nursing.  The loose fitting top I was wearing had a little tie at the top which allowed me to bring my boob out over the neckline.  If that is not possible then you can lift up your top from the bottom also.  If the sling does not cover your belly then you can wear a nursing vest, or if you are still wearing your maternity trousers with a wide band then that will do the same job.  In the Maya wrap I have also used the tail to cover my belly, it is so versatile.

Had to put this one in because it is just such a gorgeous photo of Ellie.

I hope I have given you a few suggestions and that you are now armed with the knowledge and skills to venture out into the World and nurse in public.  Remember, you have every right to breastfeed your baby in any public place you choose and you cannot be descriminated against because you are breastfeeding.  You can take as much or as little from this article to use as you wish.  I have tried to show you how nursing in different clothing and in different positions can be done and which provide the most breast coverage.  However, if like me you lost the ability to be embarassed after giving birth in a hospital room filled with 10 people staring at your "lady bits", maybe you'll just have got a laugh out of seeing a picture of me nursing my baby under an apron in Tonbridge park after magically changing from wearing a top and bra to a nursing vest all without the use of the public toilets or a changing room.  I do not believe that you have to be discrete, but I respect that all women have different levels of modesty.  I hope that this article can help just one person feel they have the courage to nurse in public rather than have to express, sterilize and heat her milk when she goes out, or indeed not go out at all.

Many thanks to Nev for taking these amazing pictures and to Ellie for being so patient.

You can find nursing bras and nursing camisoles to buy on my website from Hotmilk, Emma-Jane and Carriwell.  You can also find more information on local breastfeeding resources in West Kent on my resources page.

Hotmilk - Luminous Nursing Bra Review

The Hotmilk Luminous nursing bra is possibly the most supportive bra that I have ever owned (sports bras not included).

The Luminous nursing bra is a champagne coloured full cup nursing bra with A-frame support.  This bra is made from microfibre and lace with diamante accents.  The lining is 100% cotton and super comfy against the skin, and as usual there are 6 sets of eyes so that you have a lot of flexibility in the band size.  The nursing bra and bikini are designed to be worn throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.  The band can accomodate increases in size during pregnancy, decreases in size after delivery and then still has room for tightening after the fabric stretches over time.  The bikini sits low enough to go under the bump during pregnancy and then wears well after delivery.  The bikini also gives great coverage of the buttocks, and a french knicker is available if that is a preferred style.

The Luminous nursing bra is part of the Hotmilk Essential range and is available during all seasons. The nursing bra is available is sizes 32-42 and cups B-H.  The bikini is available in sizes S-XXL.

I love love love this nursing bra.  It is amazingly beautiful, the lace and diamante accent make it the prettiest nursing bra that I own, although the Seemingly Unaware comes a close second (the same style in a deep pink).  There are a number of features that make this nursing bra so great to wear and functional to use. 

The full cup keeps everything in its place.  I'm a pretty active Mum, I don't stand up straight all day, I get the occasional nap.  The full cup keeps my breasts where I want them.  The full coverage means that no matter what I am doing there is no breast tissue leaking out the side or front of the bra.  Having two boobs can be hard enough, but having four is inexcusable, and not great for the milk ducts either.

The A-frame can be something you really like or really hate.  I haven't been able to narrow down the reason for the hatred in some Mothers, but I love it.  I'm happy to wear a side sling, but I can see lots of advantages to the A-frame too.  The A-frame for those that have not heard of it before is where a hole is revealed once the cup is opened to nurse.  A side sling has a piece of material from the strap down the side of the breast to the band which holds the bra together and supports the breast when the cup is open.  An A-frame provides more coverage of the breast when the cup is open, so can provide additional coverage for those that feel too exposed when nursing in public with a side sling nursing bra.  The cup doesn't open fully with  this A-frame in the case of the Luminous nursing bra, so you may want to get a bit of practise in before you start wearing it out with the baby, but I have never had any problems myself.

You may look at this nursing bra and think that it would be uncomfortable, and that you would only use it on a night out which may not even be on your radar right after having a baby.  It's true, this nursing bra is fantastic to wear out on a date because it really does boost your confidence and help you feel like yourself again after wearing maternity clothes for 9+ months.  I wear this nursing bra to feel amazing.  I wear this nursing bra to remind my husband that I am still his wife and not just the mother of his children.  I can also wear this nursing bra, and indeed I do wear this nursing bra all day and all night without any discomfort at all.  The fit is amazing and the 100% cotton lining makes it amazingly comfortable even during a growth spurt when you think that your nipples will never see daylight again.

Hotmilk bras are easy to look after.  I throw mine in a cold wash with like colours and a little detergent and then hang them in the airing cupboard to dry.  I've washed and hung all of my clothes in this way since having a shrinkage issue with heat in the US.

If you are looking for something beautiful during your pregnancy for a special event, a special anniversary or or even to wear under a suit for your office job, Hotmilk is perfect.  If you want to feel normal after all of the hormone fluctuations of pregnancy, wearing something that doesn't feel like a maternity bra, but without the wires that are not recommended by midwives and other health care professionals then Hotmilk is a brand you want to take a look at. 

If bought at the beginning of pregnancy make sure that you have room for your ribcage to expand at least one inch.  If you buy at the end of the pregnancy make sure that you have room to tighten the band after the baby is delivered, and make sure you have a little room in the cups for when your milk volume increases during the first five days after delivery.  You may find that you are not able to wear your Hotmilk nursing bra during the first four weeks of breastfeding because your breasts fluctuate in size between feeds and over the day.  But, with luck on your side you may be able to wear them after your milk supply is established and settles down.  Of course it can never be guaranteed because every woman is different and you may go up 1 cup size or 4 cup sizes, so to make sure that you can wear your Hotmilk nursing bra while nursing as long as possible you may want to be fitted at around 4-6 weeks postnatally.

If you would like to purchase a Hotmilk luminous nursing bra and matching bikini take a look at my online nursing bra shop where you can also contact me is you have any questions or to schedule an in-home nursing bra fitting in the comfort of your own home if you live in West Kent.