Breastfeeding in Public

Since I'm exclusively breastfeeding Tristan, there are times when I have to breastfeed in public. I have no problem with this. Except... I'm not sure how the public feels about me breastfeeding. So the few times I have been out in a very public place, I've tried to be discrete. And it ends up being more noticeable and less productive than the times I've been less discrete. Let me explain.

When I'm being less discrete, I hike up one side of my t-shirt, open my nursing bra, and let Tristan eat. Both of us have mastered this way of doing things. He latches right on, eats, and is done in a few minutes. No fuss, no muss. But, it's not very discrete. If someone were to look over, they might notice that I'm breastfeeding. They might see a bit of boob. Unless they're observant like E. But I jest.

When I'm being discrete, I take one of the swaddle blankets, and wrap it around Tristan and I. It makes it hard to see Tristan. And he has a hard time latching on. And I get aggravated trying to keep the blanket in place and nurse him at the same time. And EVERYBODY figures out I'm breastfeeding, and 'stays away' until I'm done. Which takes more time than the aforementioned less discrete method. And since everybody knows what I'm doing, I'm wondering about the 'discrete' aspect of this method.

So, you may ask, why do I try to hide behind the blanket and be discrete? Because I don't like confrontation. And I figure, if someone is uncomfortable with seeing me breastfeed, they'll be less uncomfortable knowing I'm doing it under the blanket. But then again, maybe not. In the words of Richard Feynman, what do I care what other people think? Apparently, I care just enough to be 'discrete' even though it's a hassle. For now. I may be convincing myself being 'less discrete' is better. We'll see. Maybe I should take to heart what one of my friends said: If you're uncomfortable with me breastfeeding, YOU put a blanket over YOUR head!

Any thoughts on the matter, oh friends of mine that read this? I'd be interested to learn what you think. Feel free to send me a private message if you'd like, or comment here.