Tips for Breastfeeding at the Pool or Beach

Nursing in public at the pool or beach can provide unexpected challenges for breastfeeding mothers. Even for mothers who are quite used to and comfortable with nursing in public, it can be an unusual experience. Here are some tips for integrating breastfeeding into your summer fun.

Choosing a Bathing Suit

If you haven't checked your pre-baby bathing suits before planning your trip to the beach or pool, be sure to do so with some days to spare. Even if you are one of the lucky ones who is not carrying around a unwanted post-partum tummy or sporting stretch marks that have already sent you to the bathing suit racks at the store (or even if you don't care about such things!), it's important to remember that your breasts have grown!!. Now I'll breastfeeding in public just about anywhere, but ironically, I feel really uncomfortable with my breasts hanging half out of a formerly well-fitted bathing suit, which is what I encountered the first time I tried on my old suits after having my first daughter!

In addition to fit, it's important to consider access. Even if you can squeeze your breasts into a suit, be sure that you can take them out to nurse in a way that allows for the baby to be positioned relatively normally and the breast not to be compressed on one section by the suit. Sometimes slipping down an strap to allow some slack is all that is required, or suits with more plunging necklines might be able to be pulled to the side. But be sure to check for this if trying on old suits or shopping for new ones.

Privacy and Modesty

Anyone who has read my writing before knows that I believe that women have an unqualified right to nurse their babies anywhere they happen to be. That of course, includes the pool or beach. But nursing mothers may be surprised to feel an unaccustomed sense of modesty when nursing in a bathing suit. There's something that's hard to explain that is just different about moving aside a bathing suit when you feel already partly naked! And bathing suits do not provide the same sort of coverage once the baby is latched as other types of clothing that may settle back over much or all of the breast.

Using a towel as a cover up is a great, easy solution for women who are uncomfortable in this situation. Even babies or toddlers that would never tolerate a traditional nursing cover or blanket, love to cuddle up with mommy under an oversized towel wrapped around her back and shoulders and cocooned all around them both. So bringing a huge, oversized beach towel is a great tool for nursing in a suit.

Right to Nurse in Public

Be sure to know the rights afforded by your state when nursing in public, even if this has never been an issue for you before. Many women who have nursed extensively in public are hassled at pools and beaches for the first time. There may be several reasons for this. Some may not appreciated being reminded of breasts' true purpose in a highly sexualized bathing suit environment. Pool attendants may not understand that breastfeeding does not constitute public nudity, which is something they are expected to control. Other mothers have been told that "food is not allowed on the pool deck" which is of course, a ridiculous notion.

It's worth noting that many people seem to be troubled by women nursing in the pool (creeped out, I think by the largely illogical notion that they will get your breastmilk *on* them). While this may be a legal right, mothers should consider if they want to be hassled or if it is just easier to take a quick break outside the water.

Drink Water and Be Sun Safe!

Lastly, be sure to stay aware of your own hydration when hanging out at the pool or beach, especially on cooler days when sweating may not be apparent. Stay aware of thirst (which can be challenging when keeping track of one or more kids!) and drink at least a few ounces every half-hour as dehydration can come on quickly at which point you are already past feelings of thirst. Also, in the craziness of making sure children have sunscreen, don't forget your own sun safety.

Breastfeeding at the pool or beach is certainly a much more convenient option than having to mix formula or refrigerate bottles! But being aware in advance of the potential wardrobe challenges, unexpected feelings or modesty and reactions of others can help ensure a great experience for nursing mothers.

An oversized beach/pool towel can provide a great refuge for breastfeeding mothers and babies:



Stay sun safe with a quality non-toxic sunscreen for yourself and your nursling (see my article on safe sunscreen in related links below for more info, but here's my favorite):