If you are comfortable breastfeeding your baby in public or at home without a blanket, then do it by all means. However, if you're looking for some privacy while feeding your child, or maybe a little warmth on a crisp spring or fall day, a nursing blanket can provide just that.
You should feel empowered to care for your baby on your own terms. While the bulk of your baby supplies shopping could be items for your little one, there are a few products that you may find useful. One of them is nursing covers or poncho-like garments that are designed to drape over you while you breastfeed your baby.
Nursing difficulties
Sometimes nursing your baby can be difficult.
You may have developed small cuts or cracks on your nipples that are causing pain while breastfeeding. These cuts could be caused by using improper latching techniques, or if you have a newborn who is not drinking well enough to keep up with your milk production.
Talk to your doctor about the cause of the cut, and find out what you can do to fix it so that you can continue feeding your child with ease.
Another problem that may arise during nursing is having inverted nipples. If this is the case for you, then purchasing one of these covers may be helpful in allowing you to nurse without too much concealment or discomfort. Once again, there are products like Niplette cups available to cure this problem.
If you are having trouble nursing your baby, it may be reasonable to consider using these items.
What is a nursing cover?
Nursing covers are designed so that they lie over your shoulders and offer enough space in them so that your baby can snuggle up and feed comfortably. They usually have some sort of opening that makes it easier for your baby to put it on, easily change the breastfeeding position, and of course, have sweet, loving glances at your sweetheart.
If you are looking for a stylish, functional, and comfortable nursing cover, you are in luck. There are lots of breastfeeding cover styles mothers love right now.
Why you may want a nursing cover
Although you love breastfeeding your baby, the thought of doing it publicly may not excite you. No matter how confident you are, the thought of pulling your chest out in front of strangers can be a lot. You may even feel worried or afraid to feed!
Not only can anxiety hinder milk emptying and production, but can also set the tone for a difficult task feeding session. If you're already nervous about grooming in public, the last thing you want is a fussy baby while feeding!
A nursing cover can give you the privacy and security you need to feed easier.
No matter what your stage of motherhood is, using a nursing cover has its benefits. It's important for new moms to keep in mind that breastfeeding your baby anywhere is okay - no matter where it is!
Convenience combined with security
You may find yourself in some surprising places while feeding your baby (a friend's house, on an airplane, during dinner at a restaurant) and some environments are not necessarily private or comfortable. When you're out and about, having something like this can save your nerves.
Although there are lots of ways to breastfeed discreetly without anything extra, sometimes you just want the ease of having an easy-to-carry blanket that you can throw over your shoulder.
Nursing covers are the perfect tool for moms who feel uneasy about breastfeeding in various situations.
When you feel this way, you know that you are not alone and that there is a solution. Nursing blankets have made many people feel safe in public. The only question that remains is which one is perfect for you.
Types of nursing covers
There are many different types of nursing blankets, but some of the large groupings are:
Apron style. Like an apron that you would wear around your waist with the string in the kitchen, these nursing covers slide over your head and cover your chest area. These are usually pulled to the side so they do not interfere with the feeding.
Poncho style. This is just like it sounds, a nursing blanket that drapes over you and your chest area.
Pocket option. These cover styles have lots of storage space for your cell phone, keys, wallet, or even baby toys. Many moms love having something where they can store these items while they feed their children or eat together as a family.
Wearable covers. Fashion that makes sense! These nursing covers also serve as a piece of clothing. A scarf or poncho that you can wear and then use to cover up when it's time to breastfeed.
Convertible covers. Usually shaped like a large loop of fabric, these can be used as blankets or as covers for car seats, high chairs, and shopping trolleys when not used as a nursing blanket.
The options are endless when it comes to nursing covers, but there is one you will like. Don't forget that the choice is dependent upon your individual needs and tastes!
Scarf as a nursing cover?
Many breastfeeding cover styles are made from soft infant-friendly fabrics, but there is one style that you have probably seen a lot of mothers wearing - a scarf!
It can be difficult to find a good scarf to use as a baby blanket because it needs to be thick and warm enough for your little one. You also want something that won't slip around or hurt your baby's head.
Some moms have found the perfect solution with their favorite scarves! So long as they are thick enough and large enough, they make an excellent nursing cover choice with lots of benefits:
- Can be dressed up or down depending on your preference. Scarves come in different fabrics with various patterns, making them ideal for any outfit you choose to wear.
- Can be used as a nursing cover or swaddling blanket depending on the time of year. If you want to, you can simply tie your scarf around your shoulder once breastfeeding begins.
- Perfectly sized. A good scarf is large enough to drape over both the mom and baby without feeling loose or dragging on the floor! You probably have several scarves that would work well - just try it out!
Which style is best?
Very versatile during pregnancy and postpartum. Between experiencing morning sickness, cravings, watching what you eat, breast changes, weight gain, aches, and pains, etc., having more than one nursing cover option is tempting for new mothers who are still unfamiliar with their changing bodies throughout pregnancy and after childbirth.
Nursing covers can definitely be a convenient addition to your wardrobe. Most moms love having different nursing cover options, especially when they feel self-conscious about breastfeeding in public.
It's hard to say which type of nursing cover is best since not all moms have the same preference. The truth about this situation would be to say that each style has its place in the world of breastfeeding - some work better than others depending on your personal taste.
There are no wrong choices here, so don't stress over the decision-making process too much! It pays to get familiar with what's out there before you go shopping for something specific though.
Styling tips for breastfeeding with a cover
One thing to remember when using a breastfeeding cover is that each one may have different instructions on how to use it. Make sure you read the instructions before attempting to put one on.
The following tips are general, but they will help with almost any type of cover:
- Make sure both you and your baby are comfortable with the nursing cover before using it. It's not about what is best for anyone else - it's about doing what works for you!
- Consider water safety when making a purchase. If you plan on using yours near the pool or tub, make sure that the fabric is safe in the water. Most covers are machine washable though!
- Don't be shy about breastfeeding in public. You are an active member of society - show confidence when feeding your baby anywhere!
- Experiment with different positions when breastfeeding a cover - try sitting, standing, leaning back, you'll be surprised at how many ways there are to do it!
Keeping you warm
Breastfeeding is much easier when you're comfortable, which means not freezing! If it's chilly where you are, having something to drape over your shoulders will make it easier to feed longer without getting cold. The best part is nursing shawls are available in lots of beautiful fabrics and colors, so you'll be cozy wherever you are!
Holiday gifts mom will love
If you're looking for a gift for a new mom, look no further than the gift of safety and ease with feeding her baby. It's practical and she can use it any time she needs to. She'll love the present and you for thinking of her baby!
Final thoughts
While we recommend the best way to use breastfeeding or nursing covers, you absolutely don't need to feel like you need one. Breastfeeding is natural and there is no need to hide. However, if a nursing cover is something you want, that's perfectly fine, too.
Whether you choose to breastfeed in public or at home, know that there is no wrong way! Your child is getting the important nutrients they need and is happy.