If you haven’t yet heard of the 2 shirt method for breastfeeding, keep reading because it’s a game changer! It makes it extremely easy to confidently and discreetly breastfeed your baby in public places. So you can leave the nursing cover at home! Let’s go over exactly what the two-shirt method is and how to do it!
What is the 2 Shirt Method for Breastfeeding?
The 2-shirt method for breastfeeding includes wearing a nursing tank with a regular shirt on top. Or a stretchy tank top you can easily pull down and a good nursing bra. This prevents the need for a special nursing shirt or a nursing cover. Just pull the top shirt up and unclip your nursing tank or nursing bra.
This method allows the top of your shirt to conceal the top of your breast. And your belly is covered with the tank top. So the only truly exposed skin would be your nipple, which will be covered by your baby’s head. This makes it really easy to discreetly breastfeed. As a breastfeeding mom, I used this method all of the time!
Benefits of Using the 2 Shirt Method
No Need for Special Nursing Clothes
If you prefer not to wear a special nursing top and want to continue using your regular clothes, then the two-shirt method is perfect for you! It also helps you to SAVE money! No extra cost in purchasing all of the breastfeeding-friendly tops with easy access. Just wear all of your clothes in your own wardrobe.
Some women prefer not to wear nursing bras or nursing tanks and choose to wear their regular bra. This can be an even more cost effective option. They just pull the bra cup down to nurse their baby. However, I find this wears down regular bras over time and isn’t as comfortable.
(Also be cautious using regular bras with underwire as they can sometimes cause clogged ducts. Ouch!)
No Need to Use a Nursing Cover
Don’t get me wrong, I do like using my nursing cover for certain occasions. However, sometimes I just don’t feel like using one. Especially when it’s hot outside!
Easy to Breastfeed Discreetly in Public
I’ll bet you there’s been a few times a breastfeeding mother has been nursing her baby and you didn’t even notice. I recently saw a woman walking around at Disney World carrying her baby in a cradle hold and nursing (super mom!). It looked like she was just walking around holding her sleeping baby.
The two-shirt method doesn’t draw much attention because not many people even know what you’re doing. Whereas if you’re wearing a nursing cover, people obviously know you’re breastfeeding your baby.
Easier to Latch Your Baby
New moms are just getting the hang of latching their baby, then add a nursing cover on top and it can get a bit difficult. I remember trying to latch my first baby as a newborn in the doctor’s office under the nursing cover and it was so hard. I needed a family member to hold the cover out for me so I could see her and my breast to figure out what we were doing.
As a first-time mom, it’s much easier to be able to visually see what you’re doing to make sure you get that latch right!
Recommendations for the 2 Shirt Method
I personally prefer to use a nursing tank with a built in bra because it’s fewer layers. I live in Florida where it’s hot pretty much year-round. However, if you have a good nursing bra that you love you can definitely wear that under your tank top with your regular shirt on top.
Nursing Tank Options
This nursing tank by Kindred Bravely includes a built in bra with removable padding. The fabric is soft and seamless. And offers stretchy support.
This nursing tank by Bravado Designs is really similar, but includes a built-in shelf bra. It offers more of a sports bra type feeling if you prefer that. The fabric is also really soft and stretchy.
This set of nursing tanks is a really affordable option on Amazon. They have thousands of 5-star reviews. And they also include a built-in bra.
If you’re looking for a tank top option that doesn’t include a built-in bra, this set of camisoles on Amazon is perfect. The fabric is stretchy enough to pull down to unclip your nursing bra. They’re lightweight and very affordable!
The only time I don’t recommend using this method during your breastfeeding journey is when wearing your baby in a baby carrier. If you plan to breastfeed in the baby carrier, it would be difficult trying to pull your outer shirt up while wearing your baby.
And if anyone ever makes a big deal, it is your legal right in most public places to nurse your baby. Check with your specific state or contact a lactation consultant in your area to learn more.
I hope you find this 2 shirt method for breastfeeding helpful. And that no matter how you choose to nurse your baby in public spaces, you find a method that you feel most comfortable with!
