I love this! This will definitely help and I hope my friends who read this take heed of the very last two lines of the article, that I highlighted.
Note: for Hong Kong nursing Rooms, I have a compiled list of updated nursing rooms in HKG that you can find
here.
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Breastfeeding out and about in Hong Kong: The ‘6 P’s’ to ensure success when nursing in public
Article from Sassy Mama HK dated 11 September 2013
Written by Conchita Amende
So, you’re at home with your newborn, and you have chosen to breastfeed exclusively –
congratulations! The
feeding is going well at home, with nobody to please but yourselves…
but there comes a time when go out you must, for your sanity, if nothing
else! At this point breastfeeding in public can seem like a daunting
task.
It doesn’t have to be scary. Remember that at this early stage, your baby is at their most portable, and as long as
you
are there, they will be happy. Breastfeeding whilst out of the home is
far more convenient than having to tote bottle-feeding paraphernalia
around with you. Yet it is something that many new mothers dread, and
ultimately avoid. A few tips can make it bearable… even enjoyable!
- Plan. Make sure your little one is fed and happy when you
leave home, and try to plan your trip around the time you know they are
most settled. Plan to be near “civilization” when you know they will
need the next feed. A hungry, screaming baby in the middle of the
supermarket is not much fun for anyone.
- Prepare. Know your surroundings, and do a little asking
around about the best places to stop and feed. There are many pleasant
feeding rooms in Hong Kong (check out Sassy Mama’s Guide to Hong Kong’s best feeding and changing rooms here!),
and you are never too far from a coffee shop, which can offer a comfy
chair and a welcome break. Of course, breastfeeding is positively
encouraged at Annerley
and mums are always welcome to pop in for a feed! If all else fails, a
clothing store changing room can offer a quiet corner for a quick pit
stop.
- Privacy. We all know breast is best, but in a city like Hong Kong it is inevitable that feeding in public is going to get you some looks.
Everyone has heard stories of breastfeeding mums being asked to leave a
café, mall or museum, but there are many women who have happily fed all
over Hong Kong with no problem at all. Feeling anxious can hinder your
ability to nurse, so do what you need to when it comes to feeling
comfortable about feeding your baby. There are some wonderful nursing
covers on the market, or a light sarong, shawl or muslin square is often
enough to provide a little privacy. There are also some very clever
nursing tops out there too. Be kind to yourself, and wear clothing that
is easy to pull up or down without the extra stress of exposing yourself
in public.
- Protection. Even if you have never needed breast pads before,
it is a good idea to have some handy the first few times you venture
beyond your comfort zone. Delays, stress, and unfamiliar environments
can sometimes lead to leakage!
- Practice. Have a mock outing whilst at home. Practice feeding
without your favourite pillow or cushion, sitting up on a hard-backed
chair. Hong Kong’s streets being as they are, baby slings or carriers
are very popular here, and it is entirely possible to feed baby within
the carrier – the trick is to release the straps whilst sitting down so
baby can be repositioned. Try it a few times and you’ll soon get the
hang of it!
- Persevere. Your first experience may not be a wonderful one,
but keep going – it will get easier the more you do it. Look confident,
because looking confident will make you feel it. Before you know it,
you’ll be feeding standing up! You are doing the very best thing for
your little one and never let anyone push you into feeding in a toilet.
Be polite, considerate, respectful but firm. Feeding your baby is a
human right.
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Conchita Amende, Annerley Helper & Parent Academy Principal,
qualified as a State Registered Nurse in England in 1982 and has
continued to work and study for the past 28 years in different areas of
health and education such as ante and post natal care, special care baby
units, health education, and as an assessor and external verifier. She
has been working in the community with families (with children under 5)
for the last 9 years as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse
(Health Visitor UK), and also lectures at universities. As well as her
nursing qualifications, she has practiced as a registered midwife in the
UK, has a post-graduate diploma in health promotion, has training
certifications and is currently working towards her certification as a
Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Conchita has 3 grown-up children,
speaks a little French and loves to have a chance to practice! She
loves living in Hong Kong and having the opportunity to explore Asia and
meet new people.
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