Nursing Blankets Breastfeeding Fashion Accessories Of The 20th Century

Breastfeeding public used to be considered a social taboo. Once upon a time, nursing mothers and their infants remained at home, or confined to bed as it was termed, until the babies were weaned from...

Breastfeeding public used to be considered a social taboo. Once upon a time, nursing mothers and their infants remained at home, or confined to bed as it was termed, until the babies were weaned from the breast and drinking from a bottle or cup. As time progressed and breastfeeding advocates convinced women to venture out of doors but at the same time continue breastfeeding their infants at least until 12 months of age, the entire experience of nursing became a mix of embarrassment and frustration. It was not a surprising sight to find a nursing mother and her infant sitting in a restroom.

Not only was this borderline insulting, but it was also not exactly the hygienic means of getting breastfeeding accomplished. Eventually breastfeeding moms left the bathrooms behind and breastfed right where they sat, covering up with nursing blankets to shield child and breast from the curious stares of the surprised public.

Nowadays the sight of a mother nursing her infant in public is not nearly as sensational as it used to be. Nonetheless, nursing blankets, the thin covering that a woman may drape over her shoulder to cover up her exposed breast and the happily suckling nursing infant, have become the breastfeeding fashion accessory of the 20th century. They are now a commons sight in back of the synagogue, at the restaurant, at the movies, on the train, and also at sporting events where moms go to cheer on their other kids.

It is not surprising that breastfeeding moms find these nursing blankets to be quite useful. Since they are thin, they fold up nicely and can fit into the smaller compartments of the diaper bag. Since they are lightweight, they do not add heat and warmth on an already warm July noon. Since they are convenient, they permit for breastfeeding as soon as the infant becomes a bit restless.

The majority of breastfeeding nursing blankets are made from lightweight cotton. This makes them perfect for winter and summer months alike. Even nursing blanket patterns and colors have changed. In the past, nursing blankets were usually of a neutral color and made to blend in rather than stand out. This provided moms with the unobtrusive way of nursing their babies without calling attention to themselves in public venues. Moms are no longer so worried about preserving an unnoticed nursing privacy. Instead, they are asking for bold colors, intriguing patterns, and even the occasional wisecrack that might have onlookers chuckling before looking away.

It is not surprising to read such messages as “Eating at Mom’s” printed in bold letters on a breastfeeding nursing blanket. On the flipside, no matter how bold and free breastfeeding moms feel nowadays, they still enjoy the propriety that comes from using nursing blankets as they are feeding their infants. Natural behavior or not, there is something that simply makes women feel uncomfortable when it comes to being partially exposed in public. The blankets offer that little bit of privacy that makes this concern go by the wayside and therefore encourages more moms to continue breastfeeding for longer periods of time.

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