How to breastfeed in public without the stress and our pick of the best nursing tops on the highstreet

Most breastfeeding mums have a story to tell when it comes to nursing a baby in public.

Some opt to hide away in baby rooms when feeding their child, while others have reported accidentally flashing that little bit too much when nursing their child in a cafe.

However, with celebrity advocates including Pink, Miranda Kerr and Gwen Stefani championing breastfeeding in public, the stigma surrounding this is thankfully fading.

According to Emma Downie, owner and director of gorge breastfeeding and maternity fashion brand Milk & Mummy, following a few simple tips will ensure breastfeeding your baby anywhere you are isn't stressful.

"Get yourself fitted for some good quality nursing bras, if possible a few weeks before your due date, as you will get bigger closer to the birth," Emma advises.

"They will give you good shape and be comfortable too. Bear in mind you will probably have to wash them frequently so buy them in materials that wash and dry quickly."

Emma also recommends that nursing mums think about how they are going to feed in their clothes before leaving the house, regardless or not of whether they are nursing garments.

"This might sound obvious but I know a few mums who got caught short out and about and had to find a changing room to feed in as they had to remove their entire dress to get to their baby to feed," she said.

With this point in mind, Emma recommends that nursing mums consider investing in a few breastfeeding clothes to make life simpler.

"It doesn't have to be many items; just one fabulous everyday dress and a couple of flattering tops can make a huge difference," she said.

"They might seem expensive at first, but when you consider how intensively you will wear them when you are breastfeeding, the cost per wear is actually quite reasonable."

To help you we've put together a gallery of breast feeding tops from the budget to the more pricey that will suit any breastfeeding mum.

Valerie navy/cream stripe top, £45, Milk & Mummy

 

Blooming Marvellous Stripe Nursing Top, £24, Mothercare

Tie Front Breastfeeding Top, £29, Jojo Maman Bebe

MAMA 2-pack nursing tops £19.99, H&M

Waterfall top, £99, Peaks of London

Peaks of London Autumn/Winter 2012 breastfeeding fashion collection

Breast feeding in public has in the past been a contentious issue.

But with a range of government initiatives and new laws enabling this natural process to take place in almost any public area, the days of having to hide away in toilets or rushing off home to feed your baby, are long gone.

However, that now leaves another problem and that's of course breastfeeding fashion.

Thankfully this trend has moved on from the traditional hoisted T-shirt or an artfully draped pashmina, with a range of companies introducing stylish must-have pieces.

Peaks of London is just one of the many, and has recently launched its highly anticipated AW12 collection, which lets you breastfeed without compromising on style.

The collection is injected with jades, warm tomato reds and crisp blacks, whilst vibrant feather prints give a Japanese edge to feminine silks. Cotton sateens and soft knit stretch fabrics are also key to creating a soft silhouette.

And there's a choice for any occasion, from a top paired with jeans for a relaxed day at the park, or a divine dress for a special occasion.

The Drape dress, a favourite with Sienna Miller, can now be found in a luxe silk, and in our opinion can be worn long after breastfeeding stops.

See the below for a few of our faves from the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection.