Breastfeeding in public is a powerful and natural act–let’s get that fact out in the open from the start. It allows you to nourish your baby whenever and wherever they need it. Because of this, no mom should ever feel that other people’s comfort should trump their baby’s need to eat. However, it’s also important to not judge each other as breastfeeding mothers. While you may not think twice about breastfeeding in a crowded restaurant, a first-time mom who is the first of her friends or family to breastfeed may not share your confidence
That confidence often comes with practice and early in the journey having the right tools can make a big difference. This blog covers the products meant to help create comfort, discretion, and convenience, empowering any mom to breastfeed anywhere.
Essential Apparel for Public Nursing
Choosing the right clothing can simplify public breastfeeding immensely.
Nursing Bras: A good nursing bra offers easy, one-handed access. Look for options with simple clasps or pull-aside designs. They provide necessary support while making feeding quick and discreet. Many brands offer comfortable, wire-free styles perfect for everyday wear.
What to choose? Check out this list of best nursing bras in 2025 from BabyList.
Nursing Tops: These tops feature hidden openings, lift-up panels, or crossover designs. They allow you to nurse without exposing your midsection or needing to lift your entire shirt. Pairing a nursing top with a cardigan or jacket can add another layer of discretion.
What to choose? Here’s a list of 30 of the best nursing tops in 2025 from MomLovesBest.
Layered Clothing: This simple strategy is often the most effective. Wear a loose top over a tank top. When it’s time to feed, lift the outer shirt and pull down the tank top. This creates a natural cover around your midsection while keeping you comfortable.
What to choose? Try these nursing tanks recommended by Mom Junction.
Covers and Privacy Tools
While not every mom chooses to use one, nursing covers can offer extra privacy. Some baby’s even come to prefer the cover!
Traditional Nursing Covers: These are often apron-style or poncho-style fabrics that drape over you and your baby. They come in various patterns and materials. Some have a rigid neckline that allows you to maintain eye contact with your baby.
Check it out: The Kids N’ Such Nursing Cover with a built in burp cloth.
Multi-Use Covers: Many popular covers double as car seat covers, shopping cart covers, or even scarves. This versatility makes them a smart investment for busy moms. They are lightweight and easy to pack.
Check it out: These top picks are extremely versatile and well loved.
Light Blankets or Swaddles: A simple, lightweight blanket or muslin swaddle can serve as an impromptu nursing cover. They are breathable and typically something you already carry for your baby.
Check it out: The Aden+Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets are a long-time favorite.
Beyond the Products: Confidence and Rights
Remember, you have the legal right to breastfeed in public in all 50 U.S. states. The best product for public breastfeeding is often your own confidence. The tools listed in this blog simply offer practical ways to feel more comfortable and empowered as you nourish your baby, no matter where you are.
Use this guide to be well versed in your state’s public breastfeeding laws and how your rights are protected.
Pumping in Public
You also have every right to pump in public. The Hygeia Express is dependable for quick, quiet pumping when you need to relieve engorgement or express any amount of milk. With it’s collection cups the Hygeia Express even functions as a hands-free pump. By fitting inside your bra, it allows for completely hands-free and discreet milk expression. Weighing less than a pound, it is ideal for multitasking or pumping on the go without drawing attention due to it’s whisper quiet technology.
At Hygeia Health, we champion every breastfeeding mom. We understand the importance of reliable tools that integrate into your active life. We believe access to a quality pump is a right, not a privilege. Did you know that many insurance plans cover the cost of a breast pump? Hygeia Health specializes in helping moms navigate this process to get a 100% insurance-covered breast pump.
Ready to enhance your breastfeeding confidence with a high-quality pump designed for your active life? Apply today to see if you qualify for a free Hygeia Health breast pump.
Feeling like you’re living on the couch, with a baby constantly at your breast? Take a deep breath: it’s probably cluster feeding, a perfectly normal (though intense) part of newborn life. Understanding this phase is key to managing this phase and making life much easier. Let’s explore cluster feeding and how a breast pump can offer support.
What is Cluster Feeding?
Cluster feeding is when a baby nurses very frequently over a short period, typically in the evenings. They might nurse every 30 minutes to an hour for several hours straight. This can feel like constant feeding, and it’s perfectly normal. It’s not a sign of low milk supply. Instead, it’s a natural behavior and is known to assist in several key areas of parenting a newborn including:
Increase Milk Supply: Frequent nursing signals your body to produce more milk, especially during the crucial early weeks.
Settle Baby for Sleep: Cluster feeding can help your baby feel full and content, leading to longer stretches of sleep.
Comfort and Bonding: Nursing provides comfort and strengthens the bond between you and your baby.
Why Does Cluster Feeding Happen?
Babies will cluster feed for various reasons, but trust that your body and trust the your baby’s instincts. Some reasons for cluster feeding include:
Newborn Growth Spurts: Babies experience rapid growth in the early weeks. Cluster feeding helps them get the extra calories they need.
Evening Fussiness: Many babies are naturally fussier in the evenings. The frequent feeding can soothe them.
Milk Supply Regulation: Your body is still learning how much milk to produce. Cluster feeding helps fine-tune the process.
How to Manage Cluster Feeding:
Prepare for Long Sessions: Clear your schedule and create a comfortable space. Have snacks, drinks, and entertainment within reach.
Embrace the Cuddles: This is a great opportunity for bonding. Enjoy the close contact with your baby.
Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask your partner, family, or friends for help with household chores or other tasks.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drink plenty of water and eat healthy meals. This will help you maintain your energy.
Rest When You Can: Sleep when your baby sleeps. You’ll hear this phrase often, and it’s easy to feel the need to do everything but sleep during baby’s napping windows. Even if it’s just for short naps, your rest is vital, so don’t pass it up completely.
Use a Breast Pump for Relief: If your breasts become overly full or sore, a breast pump can offer relief. It can also allow your partner to give a bottle of expressed milk, giving you a break.
When to Seek Help:
While cluster feeding is normal, there are times when you should seek professional help:
Severe Nipple Pain: If you experience intense nipple pain, consult a lactation consultant.
Signs of Dehydration: If your baby shows signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, lethargy), contact your pediatrician.
Persistent Fussiness: If your baby is consistently fussy and not gaining weight, consult your pediatrician.
How a Breast Pump Can Help:
A breast pump can be a valuable tool during cluster feeding.
Relief from Engorgement: Pumping can relieve discomfort from overly full breasts.
Building a Stash: Pumping can help you build a stash of expressed milk for when you need a break.
Partner Support: Your partner can help with feedings using pumped milk, giving you time to rest.
At Hygeia Health, we understand the challenges of new motherhood. We’re committed to supporting breastfeeding moms by providing them with reliable breast pumps. Moms can get a 100% insurance-covered breast pump and Hygeia can help. See if you qualify!
Cluster feeding is a temporary phase. Remember that it’s a normal part of newborn development and a crucial step in establishing your milk supply. Be patient, take care of yourself, and enjoy this special time with your baby.
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful way to nourish your baby. However, the idea of breastfeeding in public can feel daunting for many new moms. It’s understandable to feel nervous about potential judgment or discomfort. This post will offer practical tips to help you gain confidence and breastfeed comfortably wherever you are.
Start Small and Practice
Begin at Home: Practice breastfeeding in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. This can help you find comfortable positions and build your confidence.
Choose Familiar Places: Start by breastfeeding in places where you feel comfortable, like a friend’s house or a quiet coffee shop. Gradually expand to more public settings.
Practice Latching: Ensure your baby has a good latch. This minimizes discomfort and allows for efficient feeding, as well as efficient transitions between nursing and holding your baby.
Plan Ahead and Be Prepared
Dress for Success: Wear clothing that allows easy access for breastfeeding. Nursing tops, wrap dresses, and button-down shirts are great options.
Bring a Cover: A nursing cover can provide privacy if you prefer. However, don’t feel obligated to use one if you’re comfortable without it. Some babies even have a preference of having a cover or not.
Scout Locations: When going out, look for places with comfortable seating. If you prefer privacy, search out locations that have family restrooms or designated nursing areas.
Pack Essentials: Bring nursing pads, a burp cloth, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Manage Potential Concerns
Focus on Your Baby: Remember that breastfeeding is a natural and essential act. Your priority is feeding your baby.
Ignore Unwanted Attention: If you encounter negative comments or stares, try to ignore them. You have the right to feed your baby wherever you are.
Find Support: Connect with other breastfeeding moms online or in person. Sharing experiences and tips can boost your confidence.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your state’s laws regarding breastfeeding in public. In most places, you have the right to breastfeed wherever you are legally allowed to be.
How a Breast Pump Can Help
If you’re struggling to grow comfortable with breastfeeding in public, a breast pump can be a valuable tool for building confidence. Pumping allows you to express milk and have it available for your baby if you find yourself in situation where you are not comfortable to breastfeed. Perhaps it’s because your baby is fussy, there is no comfortable seating, or the crowd is too large for your liking. Whatever the reason, having pumped milk for bottle feeding may bring relief in certain public situations.
Hygeia Health is committed to supporting the breastfeeding journey, which often requires feeding in public and on-the-go and utilizing pumped milk. A reliable breast pump can make a huge difference in your breastfeeding experience. But did you know you can get a 100% insurance-covered breast pump? Hygeia can help. See if you qualify!
Building confidence in public breastfeeding takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself, and remember that you’re doing a great job. You have the right to feed your baby wherever you are.
BREASTFEEDING
7 Raw Breastfeeding Photos Uncover A Rarely-Talked About Side
As a breast pump company, obviously breastfeeding and pumping go hand-in-hand in our thought-process. The same cannot be said for much of the population. People thinking “nursing mother” and they think special tucked away moments between mother and child in a cozy chair, rocking baby. It is likely they never think of a mom hidden in a corner hooked up to a machine while in work attire and expressing milk just so she can bag it up and get back to her job.
Photographer Leah DeVun has a wonderfully moving photo project she titled In The Age Of Mechanical Reproduciton that features images of women using breast pumps. [See more here.]
Images: Leah DeVun
PREGNANCY
What Makes Pregnancy Labor Progress?
They say every month has about 30 days, except the final month of pregnancy which has 3,053 days! Once you hit the point of full term, most moms are totally ready for labor to start and have their water break on the kitchen floor. (Spoiler: most moms do not experience a Hollywood style water break and instead the doctor breaks it for them while in the hospital!) If you are ready to get the show on the road, there are no natural guarantees, but some of these recommendations have helped others. [Read more here.]
Test Your Baby Name
Having trouble deciding on your baby name? Or maybe you have one, but you are still hesitant to commit? We understand. In some ways it feels like you are defining your child’s future. (Even though that is ridiculous!) But there are things to consider. This list has a lot of the top questions to ask yourself about a name before committing. Saying the name out loud for hypothetical situations is beneficials as well. (How will it sound being shouted in your ‘you are in big trouble’ voice?) [Read more here.]
MOTHERHOOD
A Book’s Content Matters More To Kids’ Learning Than Whether It’s Digital Or Print, Study Finds
Read. To. Your. Kids. I am sure you have been told that it is kind of important. It definitely is; so much so, that new studies are saying how the kids consume reading is not as important as the reading itself. Parents who give their children tablets or phones are sometimes scolded or looked down on because of “too much screen time,” but maybe the child is still benefitting.
“While many studies over the years have vacillated on whether digital books are good for youngsters (or any reader, really) a recent study found that when it comes to reading comprehension, the format might not be the most important thing. A book’s content matters more to kids’ learning than whether it’s digital or print — at least for preschoolers.” [Read more here.]
6 Common Parenting Habits That Are Hurting Your Health
As a parent, it is easy to be so focused on taking care of the kids that you forget to also take care of yourself. But keep in mind, you cannot take care of your kids if you get sick!
“[U]nlike biting your nails or chewing with your mouth open, there are actually quite a few common parenting habits you don’t realize are killing you. I’m not talking about turning into a meth manufacturer to save your family from debt, a la Walter White. I’m talking about everyday habits that are harmful mentally and physically.”
Take a read and see which of these habits are a part of your daily routine and figure out how you can remedy them sooner rather than later. Your kids need you healthy, mama! [Read more here.]
INFANTS
17 Questions You’ll Ask Yourself the First Time Your Baby Sleeps Through the Night
What’s that noise? Wait, nothing? Not your baby? The first night your baby sleeps through the night, in theory, is a dream come true. What more could you want after nights of up and down, intermittent sleep? More than likely, though, you won’t sleep through the night despite how at peace your babe may be. You will wonder and worry. We are doing our best to help you in advance. Read through these questions and know, every parent runs through question after question on the first occasion of baby’s sweet slumber-filled night. [Read more here.]
New moms: which stroller is right for you and your baby?
As a new mom, figuring out what baby products to list on your registry can be really overwhelming. It is especially hard to decide on some of the more costly products. Which pacifiers to buy? Who knows… Buy several kinds to see what works. The same cannot be said for a stroller. (Unless maybe you are a Kardashian and can afford one in every brand and color.) For the rest of us, we need some guidance for the one perfect fit. (Or at least best fit.) Use this post to learn more about these five strollers that were used by a mom like you. [See stroller reviews here.]
TODDLERS
6 Ways to Encourage Toddlers to Actually Sit Still and Eat Already
How do you find the balance of not having half-filled plates of food sitting out from meal to meal, but not being cruel and snatching away your kid’s food before they’ve eating a sufficient amount? Toddlers are the worst at not simply sitting and completing a meal. Even when they like the food you put in front of them, they easily become distracted and can have trouble sitting still and focusing on finishing their plate.
“Toddlers are busy little people,” says Natalia Stasenko MS, RD, CDN, of Tribeca Nutrition. “Plus, their growth slows after 12 months, so they do not need as many calories. So sitting down for meals is not their priority.”
The good news is, there are ways to reign in your child’s all-over-the-place eating habits and this article includes advice from professionals. [Read more here.]
Pics That Will Make You Feel Better About Your Current Situation
There is a season of life all parents endure through it’s ups and downs: toddlerhood. While dealing with meltdowns, weirdness at home can drive you close to the edge, you can always change up the vibe and escape the house. Experiencing the extreme situations of being the parent of a toddler in public is another story. You feel all of the heads turning and watching. You even feel the ones actively making a point not to stare. But the Instagram account Kids Are The Worst does a great job of bringing parents together in their moments of “glory” (or lack thereof). Misery loves company, right? Check out a compilation of classic moments shared from this Instagram account here.
IMAGE VIA INSTAGRAM/ KIDS ARE THE WORST
