However, not only is it your right whether you want to nurse or not it is also your right to be able to do so in public.
To help make it easier on those who are feeling a little uncomfortable, we asked our mums to share their tips on how to make it more enjoyable, and this is what they said:
1. Lorna McDonagh: "I felt more comfortable when I wore a vest under my top. I'd pull the top up and the vest down and most of the time people wouldn't even know I was feeding. [However] the best bit of advice I would give is to get to a local breastfeeding group and meet other mums. Once I started feeding with others my confidence shot up, and I felt much more comfortable about doing it when out and about."
2. Maria Mia Dixon: "I practised in front of the mirror which gave me confidence [to do so outside]. I also used clothing that was made specifically for nursing so you don't have to bear your whole breast."
3. Sarah Masterson Cooney: "I found a nursing apron brilliant - I was always afraid a blanket would fall or slip! The apron has a strap round your neck and a bit at the top so it stands away from you. This means you can see Baby as they feed. Best buy!"
4. Louise Fritchley: "Have someone with you at first to give you support and make it more comfortable (parents and best friends are perfect). Also, go to your local breast feeding groups so you know you're not alone. And remember, it's the most natural thing in the world so be proud to be a BF mummy!"
5. Jodie McGolpin: "I used to always choose a corner so I had my back to the wall whilst I breastfed. I felt more comfortable having a bit of privacy from behind while still being in public. The tops from H&M (vests and nursing tops) were great value. I also used nursing vests underneath a normal top that I could pull up. We had some great breastfeeding groups in our children's centres which were so helpful."
6. Zara Bala: "I used to carry a scarf with me and cover my boobs when I was feeding. I used to sit somewhere away from too many people, if possible, or just turn my back to the public. It helped me a lot."
7. Sara Lawlor: "Two tops and my baby carrier were awesome because it had a high back so it covered everything."
8. Lorna Alexander: "I wore a large scarf and draped it over, no one even noticed."
9. Shelley Roberts: "The two top trick has always made me more confident. Nobody needs to see my stretch marked mummy tummy!"
And finally,
10. Audrey O'Brien-Buttner: "Congratulations, you have delivered your most precious gift to the world, and now they are hungry and thirsty. Nothing and no one else in the world matters. Simply gaze into those beautiful, adoring eyes and enjoy every precious moment."
