Yipppeeee... first step to in-public BFing confidence!

[Alipralli]

Hey Ash!

I completely understand what you are saying about the huge boobs! I went up to a H cup while feeding DD, and it is virtually impossible to keep that much flesh covered while feeding! But with a cloth, it made things a whole lot easier, and it gets better over time.

In regards to your feeding him at home, and your positioning, I found the football hold something that i could do only every so often (couldn't co-ordinate the pillows), and found that it was a lot easier to hold her in the "normal" position, and try to recline a bit myself. So I would have a pillow behind my butt, and then lie back onto the chair (it that makes any sense!). When out in public, i kind of tried to do the same thing, but obviously didn't have any pillows, so it was easier, and more comfortable, once she started feeding faster. I had already kind of been doing this, and then the CHN (another rather large breasted lady) recommended doing it in this position as well, as then bub is not lying on its back so much almost being suffocated by boob, but is in a more comfortable position, and your nipple is a lot higher too.

Also, when you are at home, have you tried lying on your side on the bed and having him lying next to you? Its a bit funny the first couple of times, until you get it right, and you might have to still leand back a bit on to a pillow, to bring your nipple up a bit, but it gives your arms a break!

Anyway, congratulations on your successful feeding of your beautiful boy in a public area! It might have been in a parents room, with a curtain pulled, and with a cloth on, but it is a great first step!

Try not to give up on your breast feeding with your son, it is possible, even with larger breasts, to maintain that great relationship between mummy and baby! But if you do decide to give it up, at least you know that you tried!

[Beach Mama]

Congratulations hun!!! That is fantastic and like MR said - who knows what will be next!!!

[Pretty Butterfly]

That is SOOOO awesome Ash!!! Good on ya!!! I learnt when feeding in public, a cheesecloth was my best friend... I would bunch the end under my bra strap, and drape the rest over bub. It was light and breathable, but offered some pricacy under there!!! So proud of you girl!!!

[Indadhanu]

I am so proud of you Ash!!!!!!!

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Awww thanks guys, you always know how to make me smile!

Ali - thanks for sharing all that, im a HH/I at the moment (not fair bras are like eighty five bucks!!!!!!!!!! ) so getting it from your perspective is all the more motivating!

I'll try what you suggested& see how i go, BUT i did feed him in bed this morning and it worked, my gosh comfy as and i could half go back to sleep - one qu though - do i hold him on his side? I assume its not the greatest for hiim to be just on his back?

ETA - Jodie i must have mummy brain, yesterday i had no idea how on earth to keep the cloth on my shoulder.... it all makes sense now... lol

[Ozziehoffy]

AWWW WAY TO GO!!! It's a great feeling though huh!!! I remember my first outside experience and I felt really like I could conquer the world after it...lol. So a HUGE applause to you and well done!!

[beckles]

you know you ARE a STAR by FAR, you go girl, what a fantastic mumma you are to overcome such anxiety and feelings of being uncomfortable and still move through all that and breastfeed your bubba and in a public place no less! i am absolutely in awe of you knowing the reservations you have faced. thanks for sharing your achievements, it gives hope to women who feel similarly but know that you have overcome it. well done and big ticks to you and your little one.
beckles

[Alipralli]

Happy to help! Glad that you found lying on the bed comfy. I vaguely remember not quite holding her, but more just supporting her on her side. It wasn't that long until she was able to hold herself in that position when she wanted to.

I totally agree with you about the cost of bras! It is utterly ridulous!

But again, Congratulations!

[Jennifer13]

Hi Ash - congrats on bfing in public when he's still so little! It took me a little while to be comfortable with the idea too, but now (as plenty of BB girls know) the whole world could be passing by and I wouldn't care. Just takes a bit to get to that point!

Re bfing lying down (which I agree is pure bliss and to this day I am most thankful to the midwife in hospital who showed me how - if only it were mandatory to teach it!). I bf my DD with both of us lying on our sides facing each other. Eventually you are able to twist yourself into all kinds of positions, for eg, now I can bf with both sides without turning over, but like anything it takes practice!

[melham74]

Way to Go Ash, your a brave woman

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Baby Step Number 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Since this original post i've had a couple of feeds in parents room but thats all until last night....

i had to feed Alex on a train on the way home from Melbourne! Woooohoooo.

It was pretty awkward & uncomfortable but Anthony helped me

Unfortunately it has further cemented my belief that really 'public' feeding will never occur, like at dinner and sorts, but i at least have some confidence to get out there when there is parents rooms around and stuff.

[MantaRay]

Well done Ashlea, that really is an amazing effort. Keep those baby steps coming, I think you are going to surprise yourself. Remember, it gets much easier to feed when they are a bit bigger and can attach by themselves and don't need to be supported so much.