One of the more serious concerns that women (and even their partners) have about breastfeeding is nursing in public. Really shy and conservative women naturally balk at the idea of baring their breasts . Husbands and boyfriends may also be concerned that other men may start staring. It’s also been reported in my breastfeeding support group that moms are actually more concerned about hitching up one’s shirt to reveal unshapely tummies for everyone to see.

So, what can one do to minimize exposure concerns?

Go to breastfeeding stations.

Malls and other big establishments have breastfeeding nooks and stations where women can nurse in peace. Consult local directories where such is available or suggest one to be made available, preferably while you’re still pregnant, in high-traffic areas like parks and shopping centers.

Don breastfeeding covers

Be resourceful with shawls and baby blankets or invest in one or two nursing covers. Many are already being sold in funky colors and designs, with choices of snaps and breathable fabric to cover you and your baby as you nurse in public. Breastfeeding covers also allow you to use old clothes and bras (if they still fit) without having to worry about exposing your tummy.

Invest in Nursing Wear

Nursing wear allows you to breastfeed discreetly wherever you are and is not limited anymore to nursing bras and camisoles. Mompreneurs everywhere have totally reinvented it and elevated it to high fashion. You can now attend formal gatherings in fabulous gowns without having to leave your baby behind or escape to the car when it is breastfeeding time. Those who can already use their old clothes can use transition tubes and belly bands instead to cover stretch marked bellies.

Use slings

A great advantage of slings over carriers is they can double as breastfeeding cover for you while your child reaps the benefits of babywearing. Choose from ring slings, pouches and different wraps and cover your breastaurants with just a pull here and there at the same cloth that is holding your baby and distributing his weight evenly around your back. Then, feel free to continue going about your business.

Practice in front of the mirror

Nurse your baby while facing a mirror to see that your baby’s head actually covers your breast. Realize too that it takes less than a second to latch, once you’ve gotten the hang of it, and it is thus less than a second of total exposure for your breasts. Make sure also to practice using your breastfeeding accessory before going out with it to avoid getting stumped while preparing to breastfeed in public. You don’t want to be figuring out snaps and hooks while your breast is already exposed and your baby is already bawling… in public, no less.

Get a better attitude

Breastfeeding is a wonderful gift you can only give your child for a short time. Its benefits are many and long-term, both for your baby and you. Don’t let your fears stop you from doing something you think is beautiful and right. Most people won’t ogle anyway and you may be surprised to see smiling, knowing faces from other people who are just as much into breastfeeding as you.

Make pumping your friend

If all of the above still don’t work for you, but you also still believe in breastfeeding and its rewards, then just invest in a good breast pump or master the art of hand expression and go out in public with expressed breast milk (EBM) in a bottle. Of course, doing so means you don’t get to enjoy a lighter diaper bag and miss an opportunity to shop (for the breastfeeding accessories).

I nursed my son in a sling while shopping for groceries. I have also breastfed him in at least three different beaches, a Christmas bazaar, public transportation, several parties and at different places at the mall. At first, I was real conscious about it which made unclasping brassiere clips harder but eventually I started not to care. And I never saw anyone staring (or maybe I just never checked if anyone was looking). I just convinced myself that nursing in public helps drive the awareness home to society which will help more moms in getting the breastfeeding support they need.

And yes, I loved the sexy, fab nursing wear I got to wear!