Preparation and practice are key. A lactation expert with Today's Parent, suggests trying different positions, clothes and accessories at home first. The baby market is filled with all types of clothing, gear, wraps, blankets, and slings. Your baby may not like a certain blanket touching it's face, or the feeling of a certain wrap, so it's a good idea to try some stuff out at home before you get out in public.

It's also helpful to start identifying feeding patterns. Le Leche League International (LLLI) noted that breastfeeding moms who become familiar with their child's feeding cues will be likely able to anticipate their baby's needs whether they're at home, at a social gathering with a group of people or out running errands.

Some public establishments have designated nursing areas. Which is great, but breastfeeding mothers are not required to use them. LLLI suggested moms who feel more comfortable using designated nursing areas, to scout them out ahead of time. That way, if your baby gets hungry and fussy you'll know right where to go.

If moms who prefer privacy are going to a place like a restaurant, local park, or beach, where a designated area doesn't exist, LLLI suggests they scope out a spot that's removed upon arrival. That might mean sitting in a low traffic area in a restaurant. Or, if outside, choosing a shady spot. Again, that way if your baby gets hungry, you'll already have a spot in mind that's private and you'll be able to get there quickly instead of scrambling.

Accessibility and comfort are going to be helpful. Certain fabrics, cuts of garments and even button placements can really aid in breastfeeding. Knowing which clothes work best for you and your baby, will help make the experience more comfortable. The Dr. Sears website suggests if you're a mom that prefers to show less skin, you can look for tops that have openings or buttons starting at the waist, rather than the other way around. Additionally, there are clothes with concealed openings for breastfeeding.

It's all about that bra. When I had my first baby, no one told me all of my old bras weren't going to fit anymore. Thankfully, I discovered the world of nursing bras. They were bigger to fit my much larger postpartum cup size, and they had clips that allowed my baby easy access. You could even use an old sports bra if it still fits, as they tend to be more stretchy.

Slings, wraps, and baby carriers are great for nursing on the go. Some carriers provide excellent coverage (if you care about coverage), and with practice, you might be able to breastfeed your baby standing up.

There is no judgement if a mom feels more comfortable using a cover up or nursing blanket. At the end of the day, it's the mom who has to feel calm and at ease, so she can successfully feed her baby. Breastfeeding is a normal and natural process, but that doesn't mean there's one way to do it. The fact remains that some breastfeeding mothers are more comfortable being discreet by using a nursing cover (like this Bebe Au Lait nursing scarf.) And that's OK.

In the United States, moms who breastfeed in public are protected by law, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. No one should ask you to cover up. No one should tell you to you be more discreet. And no one should tell you to move to another area.

However and wherever you choose to breastfeed your baby in public is your business. Does criticism exist? Absolutely. But it doesn't mean you have to stop. Simply flash a big 'ol smile and goofy wave to the people criticizing you.