7 Tips For Breastfeeding While Walking

"It is important to have the baby in a good front carrier that is flexible. You want to be able to access your breast," Leigh Anne O'Connor, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, tells Romper. There are several baby carriers on the market (as you've probably seen), but choosing one that is flexible and comfortable will be key. Another option is a sling or wrap, as the material tends to be pretty stretchy and can even cover your breast while you're breastfeeding (if you're concerned about it). If you pull your shirt up from the top, Today's Parent suggested that you wear a tank top underneath to cover your stomach (if you care about it being exposed. If not you can skip the tank.)

As O'Connor says, nursing while walking is a learned skill." La Leche League International noted that preparation is key when breastfeeding in public, and one can assume that the same school of thought applies to breastfeeding and walking. You'll want to make sure you and your baby have set up a solid latch and have practiced good habits before you try to breastfeed and walk, breastfeed and pump, or whatever breastfeeding multi-tasking activities you want to try.

You will probably want to think about the best undergarments and clothes to wear that will provide easy access for your baby before you plan to simultaneously walk and breastfeed.

"A bra that easily unhooks or no bra at all, a top that has buttons, a zipper or is easily lifted works best," O'Conner suggests.

"Planning your outfit ahead of time can make nursing while walking simple and convenient; this includes proper, non-slip footwear," Jennifer Jordan, director of mom and baby at breast pump distributor at Aeroflow, says in an interview Romper.

No one is saying you can't breastfeed and walk in your heels or wedges. If you can breastfeed in five inch pumps, rock on. But for the less-skilled-in-heels-set moms (present company included) it's advised that you consider footwear in a safer category.

"Rather than carrying around a bulky shoulder bag, find a backpack that can hold your breast pump, diapers, accessories, and anything else you might need on hand," Jordan suggests. "A backpack allows you to carry your necessities without any of the bulkiness of a shoulder bag."

Jordan says the Sarah Wells "Kelly" breast pump bag, is a good option for a backpack, but there are many on the market. The backpack style you choose will depend on your comfort and whether or not you need to also carry around a breast pump.

Sometimes seeing is believing. If you type "breastfeeding and walking" or "breastfeeding while walking" into your internet search engine you'll be able to pull up videos of women doing it. You'll see some women breastfeeding and walking not using a carrier and others using a carrier. You can study their techniques and positions and try them out for yourself. I learned how to fix my clogged sink via YouTube, so anything is possible with a little instruction.

This might sound hokey, but practice helps basically everything. Breastfeeding while walking might feel really awkward at first. You might be tempted to give up all together if you can't seem to get it right. Rest assured, it's totally normal for it to be a little wonky for a while, but it's possible to master this skill.

Simultaneously walking and breastfeeding can really help busy moms on the go. The skill helps you keep up with life, possibly your other kids, work, and whatever else you have going on. With time, confidence, and a little tweaking here and there, multi-tasking mamas will find that learning how to walk and breastfeed at the same time is totally worth the hard work.