1. Feeding on the Go
When my daughter was a newborn I would always change her and feed her before we left the house so that she would be content on our outing. I can’t tell you how many times I did that only for her to tell me in no uncertain terms that she is starving by the time we got to the bus stop. I didn’t want to turn around and go home again, so nursing in the sling was the ideal compromise. She got food when she wanted it and I could continue on my errands.
2. Feeding in Public
Many new moms aren’t comfortable nursing in public. I remember being pregnant with my first and wondering where/when moms breastfeed. Once I started looking out for it I saw them everywhere – on the tram, in line at IKEA, on a playground bench…Basically wherever and whenever baby is hungry. I hadn’t noticed them until I started looking out for it.
For moms who are still a bit uncertain about whipping out a boob whenever their baby is hungry, feeding in the carrier or wrap provides a great way of nursing discreetly. I’ve gone on walks with my mom and husband right next to me and neither noticed I was nursing. I also had a lady sit next to me on the bus and strike up a conversation while I was nursing my daughter in the ring sling and she never noticed.
3. Nursing with older kids around
For your first baby you typically find a nice quiet relaxing spot for you to sit while nursing. You have your book or phone close by or just gaze lovingly at your new baby. For subsequent kids you have to keep an eye on older kids as well. Just as Murphy’s Law predicts that your baby will be hungry just as you sit down to a hot meal, it also dictates that your toddler will need their bum wiped just as your newborn has latched on for a feed. Or you’ve settled in and baby is just drifting off to sleep while nursing when you notice it’s been too quiet and you have to go investigate who is drawing on the walls, all with a baby hanging from your boob. I love this cartoon by Hedger Humor, I think it’s spot on.
If you can find a carrier or wrap that you’re comfortable nursing in you can have a hand free for older kids, whether that’s wiping a bum or holding their hand on the balance beam at the playground.
4. Baby’s Digestion
Feeding in an upright position can help with reflux and in carriers and wraps it is easiest to just lower baby down and nurse in an upright position anyway. When the baby is properly supported in a carrier or wrap they can also relax their muscles. That, along with the movement as mom or dad walks around, helps with the baby’s digestion.
Okay, but how do I do that, exactly?
For helpful tips, check out my other post: How to Nurse in a Wrap/Carrier!
