How many feeding can you miss before you risk your milk supply?

[agWca]

I am a SAHM so I won't have to miss many feedings. But when you go out and won't be able to bf how many feedings can you miss before you risk your milk supply? For example today we went out and I missed 2 feedings although dd only took 1 bottle while we were out. I pumped as soon as we got home and I got 4 oz, which is about 1 1/2 feedings worth. I also could use any advice on bf in public. What is the best style shirt to wear? Where in public do you usually nurse? The bathroom, your car, anywhere? Or do you usually stick to bottles while your out? TIA! :)

[whitnessforhim]

For me the answer would depend on how old the baby is. If its a newborn I wouldn't want to miss any feedings at the breast unless I am pumping instead. For old babies one or two feedings every once in a while shouldn't hurt anything. I think you'll be fine.

I'm not the best person to answer the NIP question. I usually nursed in my car before we went into the store, restaurant or where ever and then nursed when I got back to the car. When I did really nurse in front of others (like at a ballgame) I just covered up with a blanket. Those nursing tanks also come in quite handy.

[amkari]

I nurse anywhere, anytime. lol If another mom would give a bottle where we are, I'm going to nurse dd.

I usually wear a comfy t shirt, kinda loose so it will drape over dd's nose while she nurses. I also like a tank and loose button up shirt or jacket.

I LOVE nursing shirts but haven't been able to invest in any this time around. I bought a few from motherwear.com when I was nursing ds.

I do try to nurse before we go in anywhere if I can simply because my F cups are kinda hard to utilize discreetly... but it keeps getting easier. ;-) Of course it helps that most of my former modesty went out the window after having ds... and a couple years later going on a weekend vacation to a nudist resort in Palm Springs. rofl

[agWca]

Thanks for the tips ladies!
I am finding it challenging to discretly nurse in public b/c I wear a 36I bra. It seems I will be in the car, good thing we already have tinted windows.
Anyone use a sling to nurse? I bought one the other day and have used it twice (not to nurse) and I'm just not sure how it would work for nursing. DD is only 5 weeks old, I imagine it will work when shes older and can hold her own head up.

[cindylar]

hi -- late reply on this, but i have a sling and nurse my daughter in it all the time. it takes a little figuring to get it down - if you want to do it in public, i suggest practicing at home. check the askdrsears.com website for suggestions on it. it's a whole new world when you figure it out!

[CandiceJones]

I'm replying late also. I feel your pain as I am a 34H. I use a Moby wrap and I absolutely love it. One great thing about being so large is that we really do have more manueverability when it comes to feeding! I just make sure and always layer my clothing, either one to pull up and one to keep my tummy covered, or make sure to wear shirts that can be pulled down. When I can pull them down, I just manuever the sling straps over the rest of me or throw a blanket over my shoulder. I have a 3 year old also, so I love using the sling at home as well so I can chase him or even do chores while she's eating! Good luck!

[StillSingingMom]

A nursing tank is good for me. I love to nurse in slings. All kinds of slings. A ring sling. A wrap, it's all good. I have tied a big beach wrap- a pareo- into a sling and nursed in that.

Baby doesn't have to be able to hold his head up to nurse in a sling. Maybe you are thinking of the Baby Bjorn style carriers? Those are better for a baby with some head control, but you can nurse a newborn in a ring or pouch sling.

Check out wearyourbaby.com for an intro to babywearing. Different slings, how to use them, what's appropriate for different ages of babies, even videos showing how to use them.