How to Use a Nursing Cover
Learning how to use a nursing cover (also called a breastfeeding shawl) correctly can go a long way in helping you to overcome any qualms you may have about breastfeeding in public.
Rest assured, it's actually very easy to use a feeding shawl, and once you get the hang of it, you will never fear one again! While the following instructions are intended for use with a nursing cover that has boning in the neckline (a flexible strip that holds the neckline outward to allow easy viewing of your baby), these instructions will still guide you in the essential steps of using any basic breastfeeding shawl.
Practice Ideally, you should begin by practicing a few times in the privacy of your own home until you are completely comfortable using your cover.
You may even want to practice in front of a mirror.
Practice until using your shawl comes naturally.
Put It On When it is about time for your baby to nurse, unroll or unfold your shawl and slip it on over your head (fabric pattern facing out).
If your cover has boning, the curve of the boning will curve out and away from your upper chest.
This boning creates a viewing window through which you will be able to see your baby and assist him or her in latching on.
It also provides welcome ventilation on warm days! Strap Adjustment Before picking up your baby, adjust the strap of your breastfeeding cover so that the boning (or the top of your shawl) is at a comfortable height for you: neither too high so that your neck is covered, nor too low so that you feel too much of yourself is revealed.
Baby Time! Now it is time to pick up your baby.
Bring him or her under the breastfeeding cover.
Position the fabric so that it drapes freely over you and your baby.
Then use one hand to support your baby and one to open your shirt and your nursing bra.
Feeding Time! Bring your baby to your breast while watching through the opening of your shawl to ensure a good latch.
If yours has no boning opening, you will need to open the top of it with one hand so you can see your baby.
You may need to detach your baby from the breast and re-position a few times before getting the latch just right.
Don't get discouraged.
Once your baby has latched on correctly, sit back, relax, and enjoy nursing your baby in private, wherever you may be!
Rest assured, it's actually very easy to use a feeding shawl, and once you get the hang of it, you will never fear one again! While the following instructions are intended for use with a nursing cover that has boning in the neckline (a flexible strip that holds the neckline outward to allow easy viewing of your baby), these instructions will still guide you in the essential steps of using any basic breastfeeding shawl.
Practice Ideally, you should begin by practicing a few times in the privacy of your own home until you are completely comfortable using your cover.
You may even want to practice in front of a mirror.
Practice until using your shawl comes naturally.
Put It On When it is about time for your baby to nurse, unroll or unfold your shawl and slip it on over your head (fabric pattern facing out).
If your cover has boning, the curve of the boning will curve out and away from your upper chest.
This boning creates a viewing window through which you will be able to see your baby and assist him or her in latching on.
It also provides welcome ventilation on warm days! Strap Adjustment Before picking up your baby, adjust the strap of your breastfeeding cover so that the boning (or the top of your shawl) is at a comfortable height for you: neither too high so that your neck is covered, nor too low so that you feel too much of yourself is revealed.
Baby Time! Now it is time to pick up your baby.
Bring him or her under the breastfeeding cover.
Position the fabric so that it drapes freely over you and your baby.
Then use one hand to support your baby and one to open your shirt and your nursing bra.
Feeding Time! Bring your baby to your breast while watching through the opening of your shawl to ensure a good latch.
If yours has no boning opening, you will need to open the top of it with one hand so you can see your baby.
You may need to detach your baby from the breast and re-position a few times before getting the latch just right.
Don't get discouraged.
Once your baby has latched on correctly, sit back, relax, and enjoy nursing your baby in private, wherever you may be!