How To Pump In Public With No Shame

It’s unimaginable that in the 21st century the natural occurrence of breastfeeding and pumping milk in public has not been normalized at all. Working parents deserve the right to feel comfortable with themselves and the normal processes of childbirth and what comes after. Feeling ashamed of having to produce food for your child is wrong in every way. 

While you should not have to feel shame when needing to do this in public, understandably, you’ll look for a way to make the whole experience more comfortable. 

There are plenty of ways to make your parenthood and breastfeeding ride much smoother, here are just a few.

Invest in a Good Breast Pump 

Investing in a reliable breast pump will make the process quicker and easier if you’re someone who doesn’t want to spend a huge amount of time having to pump in public. Breast Pumps like the Spectra S1 vs S2, in the long run, are worth the investment because not only are they lightweight and portable, but the rechargeable battery makes sure you’ll be covered so long as you near an outlet. 

Other features include different levels of suction strength and a very quiet motor to make things even more inconspicuous.

Nursing Shirt & Nursing Bras 

Wearing a nursing shirt and bra in public will allow you to have easy access to your breasts but also cover you up almost completely when the need for pumping arises in public. Investing in breast pumps that don’t need to be held can also make the process easier. Especially if you’re pumping at work. You can continue to type away at the computer in your office while pumping making you the ultimate multitasker. 

Nursing Cover 

If a nursing shirt and bra aren’t giving you the full coverage you desire you can also invest in a nursing cover. These nursing covers are usually secured around your baby while they are feeding but can be used just the same if you’re opting for a pumping session again. These are perfect for women who might not have the option to wear nursing clothing at their job. 

Look For Designated Spaces 

While there’s nothing wrong with finding a comfortable bench to feed your baby in public, many facilities offer designated space to give parents a little more privacy when they need to pump and feed on the go. Sometimes these locations are attached to the washrooms in places like malls or office buildings. 

Put Together A Nursing Bag 

Whether you’re with the baby or not putting together a nursing bag is essential. A well-organized bag containing all the equipment you need will make the pumping process way less stressful, not to mention efficient. If you’re pumping without your baby with you you’ll also need a place to store the milk until you get home. Investing in a bag that doubles as a cooler will solve this issue pretty quickly. 

It’s also important to bring an extra shirt or bra in the bag just in case things get a little messier than expected! 

No matter what options you chose, remember that breastfeeding should be a shame-free experience.