For many mothers in the Middle East, breastfeeding in public is an issue because of modesty. In my post on breastfeeding in hijab, I mentioned Muslim women who use nursing covers. In this post I’ll explain what a cover does and how to choose one that is functional, comfortable and “green.”
Usually no one gives a second glance to a nursing mother except to admire the baby, but it takes a while for some mothers to get used to nursing publicly. A mother may decide to cover up to accommodate others, like at a family function. Then there are mothers who don’t want to risk baring skin, and find it easier to cover the baby and their upper body when they are out. Whatever the reason, breastfeeding covers are getting more popular. Breastfeeding covers also help mothers who don’t have a private place to pump their milk when separated from their babies.
Anything that makes a breastfeeding mother more comfortable, and helps her nurse longer, is good for the baby, the mother, and the planet. Breastfeeding uses a minimum of natural resources. With a little extra food and water for mom, and some optional equipment, the baby is good for two years or more, with the addition of table food at about six months. No bottles, formula, or additional water are required.
There are two types of products for discreet nursing: Clothing designed for easy access while preserving modesty, like this nursing abaya with a front zip, and covers that can be worn on top of regular clothing.
Whether you cover up for religious reasons or because it make you less self-conscious, here are some things to look for in a breastfeeding cover.
- Comfort for Baby. Does the baby have eye contact with mom? Are his arms and legs free? Is the fabric soft?
- Ease of use. Is the cover easy to take on or off? Can I reach easily under my shirt while wearing the cover? Does it have snaps or ties that need to be adjusted?
- Modesty. Will it cover the midriff when a shirt is lifted up? Could the baby expose you by pulling off the cover when she gets older?
- Fabric. For the summer, natural, lightweight and light-colored, breathable fabrics are best.
- Pattern. Do you want something neutral and unobtrusive, or a cheerful baby fabric?
- Cost. Simple covers are easy to sew and don’t have to cost a lot, but there is a wide range of prices depending on fabric and style.
- “Green”-ness. Is the cover made locally? Is the fabric recycled, or from a renewable resource? Covers can be bought used, or easily made using fabric on hand.
More green posts by Hannah Katsman:
Ten Common Misconceptions about Breastfeeding Your Baby
Why Baby’s First Gift Shouldn’t Be Formula from the Hospital
Feeding Babies Frugally (and Greenly)
Author: Hannah Katsman
Hannah learned environmentalism from her mother, a conservationist before it was in style. Once a burglar tried to enter their home in Cincinnati after noticing the darkened windows (covered with blankets for insulation) and the snow-covered car in the driveway. Mom always set the thermostat for 62 degrees Fahrenheit (17 Celsius) — 3 degrees lower than recommended by President Nixon — because “the thermostat is in the dining room, but the stove’s pilot light keeps the kitchen warmer.” Her mother would still have preferred today’s gas-saving pilotless stoves. Hannah studied English in college and education in graduate school, and arrived in Petach Tikva in 1990 with her husband and oldest child. Her mother died suddenly six weeks after Hannah arrived and six weeks before the first Gulf War, and Hannah stayed anyway. She has taught English but her passion is parental education and support, especially breastfeeding. She recently began a new blog about energy- and time-efficient meal preparation called CookingManager.Com. You can find her thoughts on parenting, breastfeeding, Israeli living and women in Judaism at A Mother in Israel. Hannah can be reached at hannahk (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
Thanks for the interesting read 🙂