Top Tips for Safe and Comfortable Breastfeeding in Public

You and your baby are probably used to breastfeeding from the comfort of your home. But breastfeeding moms and their babies don’t have to stay indoors all the time.

If you’re worried that breastfeeding will be a hassle when you go out, don’t worry. First of all, you’re not alone if you’re stressed about how to breastfeed in public.

We have some helpful tips to help you feel more comfortable and confident while breastfeeding in public.

mother Lynn, wearing Ellie Cruz Nursing Camisole taking care of her little boy.

1. Know that it’s perfectly okay to breastfeed in public.

Breastfeeding is a very natural process of feeding a baby. A baby only eats when hungry. Also, the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singapore confirmed that there is no law against breastfeeding in public. It is not subject to indecent exposure or nudity and is not an offence.

Also, mothers in Singapore say that people are generally accepting or neutral about their breastfeeding in public. However, if you get uncomfortable glances from strangers every now and then, don’t worry, mommy. Keep your head up and know that you are only doing what is best for your baby. Above all, smile!

2. Wear nursing clothes when going out.

Wearing comfortable nursing access clothing can make you feel more comfortable while nursing in public. A maternity nursing dress has careful access for nursing. They can have zippers, buttons, flaps, or layers to make breastfeeding easy.

Also, invest in a good one nursing bra. Nursing bras complement your nursing clothing to make nursing access quick and easy. This way, your hungry baby won’t have to wait too long to latch on and eat.

Mummy Stephanie and Shermaine, comfortably looking after their children, together Lovemère Buttery Nursing Cover.

3. Cover up, if you want.

You might consider wearing a loose jacket or cardigan over your dress or use a nursing cover which will give you some privacy.

4. Find a place where you feel comfortable.

It is important that you feel comfortable during breastfeeding. So, choose a place with comfortable seating. Ideally, you should have good support for your back. If people staring bother you, or if too much noise distracts your baby from feeding, choose a quiet place to nurse.

If you don’t want to feed discreetly, choose a quiet corner and turn away from the crowd with your back to them. If you are traveling on public transport, choose a window seat so you have the least exposure.

5. Be a little more careful with the initial latch.

All mummies who have breastfed their babies know that these little ones can be fussy during the first latch. This is especially true when the baby is young and has not yet mastered the technique of latching into any position.

During that initial latch, you’ll need to expose your breast a bit and help your baby learn the latch. If this bothers you, a nursing cover can be used. Or, you can ask the person you are traveling with to help you cover a baby blanket oa nursing cover until the baby begins to suckle comfortably.

6. Check if you have access to a nursing room.

Singapore has some nice nursing rooms with diaper changing tables and sometimes a waiting area for other family members such as Jewel @ Changi Airport and Takashimaya Shopping Centre. If you are planning to go out, you may want to check if there are nearby nursing rooms that you can use.

Here are those Top 8 Nursing Rooms in Singapore that you might consider exploring.

If you are traveling on SMRT Trains, you can breastfeed on the train or at the stations whenever you need to. For mothers who prefer more privacy, nursing rooms are present at some interchanges. You can contact the staff at the Passenger Service Center for help.