FAQS

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*The information contained here is not intended to substitute for the medical advice of your primary care physician, pediatrician, or certified lactation consultant.
**Please call a Nursing Mothers of Raleigh counselor or come to a meeting for more information.

Breastfeeding in Public
Is it legal for me to breastfeed my baby in public?
Yes! In North Carolina, women have the right to breastfeed in public anywhere she and her baby are otherwise allowed to be.

What are some tips for breastfeeding discreetly?
Practice nursing in front of a mirror at home to gain confidence about what is being exposed while nursing.  Wear a top which lifts easily or a button-down shirt.  You can simply lift your shirt or unbutton it enough to get the baby to your breast.  You may choose to drape a blanket or jacket over your shoulder and the baby.  Many mothers like to wear a nursing tank top (with a built-in nursing bra), a regular tank top, or other undershirt beneath their shirt, so that when the baby is nursing, the mother’s sides and tummy are covered by the tank. 
It is usually best to plan outings with your baby in mind.  Nurse just before leaving home, and you may not have to nurse again while out on short errands.  Request a booth at restaurants for more privacy, use store changing rooms, or find a quiet sitting area in other public places.  You may feel more comfortable nursing in your car in a parking lot at first, but you will soon realize that even very open places have comfortable spots for nursing; parks have quiet benches facing waterways and churches, libraries, and public buildings often have seats in the back or empty classrooms.  Most people assume you are holding a sleeping baby and have no idea you are nursing.  A nursing baby is much more socially acceptable (and draws far less attention) than a screaming, hungry baby.