Hello,

I was wondering - partner is taking me and Owen away for a night next weekend! My issue is that I really, really hate BF'ing in public... Today I was in town and we tried 6 places before finding one that wasn't mobbed so I could feed him.... I just get stressed about it. I have been expressing for the last couple of weeks but I don't get alot and have managed to freeze about 15oz.

Ideally I wanted to express each morning so DP can feed him at night. Anyway, my question is what are my options with BF'ing while away? I could have taken my hand pump, a tub and some milton but I hate that it leaves a taste and smell? But mainly because I can't seem to express alot I wouldn't have enough to get in teh bottle to feed him during teh day and night. I am guessing the milk I have in the freezer will be a no go as we would be leaving Saturday morning....

If I wanted to try him on formula, do I just drop a feed?

I even bought a nice dress and then had to take it back as I was silly and can't wear it as if Owen needs fed I would have to take it off! :-(

Any advice appreciated!
Carol xx

Are you staying in the UK? If so try googling places to BF in the town you're staying in. Look for places that usually have BFing rooms and baby changing facilities such as Mothercare and Boots. I always hated BFing in public so I can sympathise.

When I've been really stuck I've gone to a shop changing room (M&S on one occasion) and asked the shop assistant if they minded me feeding my baby in their changing rooms - they were fine about it.

Other than that have you thought about buying a poncho. I used to carry one around with me in case I ever had to feed in public.

I would take your pump anyway as when we travel I find it messes with DD feeds and I usually end up engorged.

Can't really advise on other question re EBM/FF but I'm sure someone will be along soon, J x

Thanks!
Yes, just in the UK. Good idea! I can always send DP off to have a pint while he waits for me. Or he can sit with me I guess. I never thought about asking to use a changing room in an emergency, thats a really good idea.

I have breastfed in public, but I just really don't like doing it. If its somewhere quiet or I can sit with my back to people I will do it, but I am sick of feeling really stressed and uncomfortable about it... I tried to feed Owen before with a muslin covering things, but he got a bit upset being covered, so a poncho is not an option.

I think I will take the pump with me and a tub to sterilise in. I guess I can just rinse the bottles and pump to get rid of most of the milton taste!

If I do express, say 8am in the morning, how long can I keep the milk for? I keep reading conflicting information... I got one of those insulated bags with my changing bag, but not sure if thats for hot or cold milk.

Sorry for asking silly questions - we have only given Owen a bottle once (defrosting EBM in warm water), so I am not sure. I am so worried about not cleaning things properly or giving him spoilt milk...

If I take frozen milk in a cool bag, does anyone know roughly how long it would take to defrost, and how long I had before I had to bin it once defrosted?

Thanks so much for advice blue orchid! :-)

xxx

Hi

I was never a fan of public bfing, though i have done it when necessary (I've clocked up 4 years of bfing over 3 children, so you can feel like this and feed for a long time, LOL!). If you want to use a changing room, take some clothes and go in, LOL - I wouldn't ask myself!

I also would go back to my car if I wanted to, I've had 2 really fussy feeders, so sometimes it was preferable to me in the early months, when latching on took quite some skill! But I found I could pop the radio on and get comfy.

If you express at 8.00am, given you have an insulated bag and some ice blocks, and that it is winter here. I would be happy to use that milk for up to 6 hours after (so up to 2.00pm in the afternoon), I have used milk I have kept that long in the same sort of bag with my own babies.

Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

BW

Fran