In my classes and when I have support groups I find this is ALWAYS a
concern of the mom who has not had her baby yet...and so I do address it not
only with the law, but also with "tips" on how to breastfeed discretely.  It
doesn't help that most of our videos are VERY "indescrete" for good reason -
so I point out that there are many different pieces of clothing and clothing
tips (such as wearing similar colors to the baby, putting a bonnet on the
baby or using a shawl, carrier, etc.).  I do discourage the "big, yellow
blanket thrown over the shoulder as it usually SCREAMS - "look at me, I'm
BREASTFEEDING!"

I also mention that if they plan to breastfeed under a blanket/cover, they
need to do this some times at home, also - or the baby will soon learn to
pull it off!  (I don't want them to always be covering up, as it reduces the
mother-infant eye contact and interaction that is also an important part of
breastfeeding.)

However, I also mention in my classes that even though I have taught this to
many moms, just as many come back later to our support group saying "the
problem is not in my breast but in the other person's head"...and they
refuse to let it stop them from feeding their baby.   In this way I can
affirm and show respect to their concerns and worries while at the same time
giving them a different perspective.

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PHN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA

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