Question about a hooter hider/cover-up

[ShannonGH]

My mom and I are going to try our hand at making something similar to this
http://www.bebeaulait.com/gallery/5.jpg

My mom tried to tell me that she didn't think that the boning at the top would be necessary (the part that makes the fabric stick out) but I'm thinking it would be because 1) I don't like to breath with fabric right next to my face so I wouldn't want my baby to have to either and 2) I can look down and see her without having to move the "hider"

For those that use something similar, do you think the boning is necessary?

[Delta]

Congratulations!

Now, this is going to be such a predictable answer from me, but I had to tell you my opinion on those things, simply because I can't restrain myself on the subject.

I wouldn't waste your time or your money on that because you will draw much, much, much more attention to what you are doing when you use that contraption. It screams, "GUESS WHAT IS GOING ON UNDER HERE?! THAT'S RIGHT, I'M NURSING!! LOOKY!!" :p

Believe me. I think the majority of NIPpers here would agree. When I NIPped, I simply lifted my shirt, let baby latch and then let my shirt drape over my boob and everything else. Everything was hidden with my shirt and the baby's head and body. Some people use a blanket, which is a perfectly acceptable alternative, though again, sometimes can be even more indescreet than simply lifting and draping. It takes some practice, but it is so much easier to do it this way than haul yet more baby gear around. I think I practiced in front of the mirror, actually.

Also, I can imagine it would be somewhat difficult to get baby latched when you have extra material like that to deal with. Plus, it looks pretty stuffy for the kid too.

Just FYI. I wanted you to have that perspective before you went down this road. :) :o

[KelMel]

I agree with Delta...100%. :)

[Natrat80]

I totally agree with delta. I made something similar to a hooter hider and used it in a restaurant one day. Let me tell you that once I got the contraption hooked around my neck and got DD under there everyone knew what I was doing! :rolleyes: But, I have NIP without a blanket successfully lots of times. Most people don't have a clue what I'm doing and I'm not drawing attention to myself by trying to get DD underneath a blanket. I would dare to guess most babies don't really like nursing underneath a blanket, but I could be wrong.

Back to your original question. You wouldn't have to have the boning. If you want to look at DC then you can just lift the top of the fabric a bit. When I made mine I wanted the boning but couldn't figure out how to do it.....still worked okay.

[ce_Kathleen]

Just wanted to say that I agreee with Delta!

Many times when I was first getting used to NIP I would position myself with my stroller in front of me and DH next to me so I wouldn't worry about "flashing" someone but once you get the hang of it, its no big deal really!

[LexyLou]

I have a hooter hider and I love it. Most people have no idea that I'm nursing, they think I just have a blanket covering up DD and it makes me feel more comfortable to cover up, especially on a cold day.

I think the boning is important or else it's just like a regular blanket. What I like is that I can see her without having to move anything out of the way.

HTH

[2002BeachBride]

I also have a hooter hider and love it (seems people either love it or hate it;) ). I love the boning the because it allows me to see DD and vice versa. I don't find it draws extra attention and really allows both of us to be comfortable NIP:D but then everybody's different - see if parhaps you can borrow one to try to see how you feel about it...

[phart]

Never had one but I bet you could use webbing (I think that's what it's called...I use it in my diaper bag straps) instead if the boning is hard to work with.

[Renrel]

I had some kind of shawl designed for that purpose and for us the big problem was DS was interesting in the design as the light shined through the fabric and it distracted him so he did not nurse. That is beyond the drawing attentin factor, the baby not liking to be covered and it getting warm under there. I also find it easier adn less attention grabbing to just lift my shirt and nurse.

[Marisa]

I never used one either (and I tend to agree with Delta) but if you decide you must have one ;) -- I think the boning would be an important component.

Along the lines of what Renrel said too, I find that pattern completely distracting. Not only does it scream "Look at me" to all the passers-by, but it's also got to be incredibly busy for the baby to see inside there. I'd make mine in muted colors, low or no pattern. (It's supposed to be a 'relax-and-eat' time, not a 'look-around-brain-development' time, kwim?)

[catmom]

I made one myself which I used for a while. If you do decide to make one, you really do have to have the boning... having the fabric stick out helps you to see the baby, and it gives the baby some more air. Otherwise, it's no better than a baby blanket. I think I made mine for about $5 out of an old blouse of my mother's. I found it very useful in the beginning because I really needed to see what I was doing, and there was no way to do that without flashing the room unless I had a cover-up.

[ShannonGH]

Thanks for all the input ladies!

[BeachBum]

A blanket doesn't work for me because DS doesn't like it so he tries to pull it away, plus when he pops off I have trouble with the blanket getting him back on.
I like to have something as a cover up because he will pop of with no notice and I feel very exposed. I totally agree that once he is on and eating, no one can tell what you are doing. But the rest of the time I feel exposed.
I think that their are only two parts to this product (which I own) that make it different/better than a blanket. 1) the adjustable neck strap and 2) the ability to look at your baby while he is eating/ getting latched on.
IMO the "boning" is critical, it is nearly worthless without it.

[Sophia]

While ITA with everyone that has said such a device will make it more obvious you're nursing, I don't really see a problem with that if the lack of exposure is what you're trying to avoid, and don't mind if they know what's going on.

I used to use a blanket because I had latching issues and things would show, plus I hated the BF-friendly shirts (I'm very petite, they look like tents on me) and the shirts I liked would ride up to expose my whole midsection, front and back--not very subtle, ya know? Plus my exFIL was a perv and I didn't want to give him a free show. His comments were bad enough.

[eldub]

I have a Hooter Hider and I love it! I needed the boning because, especially at the beginning, I had a very hard time getting my DD latched on. So the boning allowed me to see her and get her latched on correctly much more quickly. I use it to cover up--I think that most people know that I am nursing, especially because the HH fabrics are all pretty colorful and stand out. For me, it is just more comfortable to be covered while nursing.

[kimthebride]

I own 3 Hooter Hiders and LOVE them. The boning is the whole point of them - I can easily see down to my son hands-free.

I also have 2 friends who got theirs after me, and they agree 100%.

With a long, active baby I find a HH so much easier for me to NIP with since it's less likely I'll be exposed. A blanket just doesn't do it for me, since DS can grab it and yank it away.

[NYN]

the pattern is only busy on the outside - the inside is a solid color.

i own one and used it twice. like someone else said, you either love it or hate it and i personally don't like it BUT i do agree that the boning is necessary.

[torch76]

I just bought a nursing bib at BRU today for $9.99. It is a natural color, snaps around your neck so baby can't pull it off and has a mesh viewing window. I haven't had my baby yet so I can't speak from experience but a couple of my friends with babies really like it. It seems like it will do the same job in a simplier way.

[Sarah]

I actually think those look awesome, if you are the type who doesn't feel comfortable NIPing. I think it does depend- I have large breasts and more shows when I do NIP. But over the years of nursing and NIPing I have developed my technique- I always wear a mens "a-shirt" under my shirt, and frequently wear or carry a cardigan or overshirt with me. THat way no tummy rolls show in front of back, I dont have to buy ugly nursing clothes, and no boob peeks out. I've got it down to a science.

Plus I don't care if anyone sees a tiny boobage. :D

[Delta]

Interesting that so many people like them. I guess as long as you are using them for your own comfort, not for other people's, then I am OK with them. (Like you really needed my approval. But I am just being honest.)

[ShannonGH]

I have really appreciated reading everyone's comments. Thank you. It's really given me some things to think about. I think I've decided to go ahead and give it a try at making a "hider" (with boning), and then after the babe is born, I'll just see what works best for us. I'll definitely choose fabric that is a little less conspicuous than the one posted above.;)

Sarah, I should probably know this but what is a mens "a shirt"?

[Marisa]

Like you really needed my approval.

What? You mean that we don't have to run everything past you first, Delta? ;)

Shannon, I think that Sarah might mean those men's undershirts that are ribbed, with the big armholes and the t-back? That's what I'm picturing.

Now I've started to wonder if having a 'hider' would've been easier on me when DS was a newborn (he definitely wouldn't have stood for it after about 2-3 mos). Unfortunately, I didn't hear about it until much later, thanks to all the lovely message board ladies. :) It's good to hear that the inside is not the same busy print, though -- that'd totally put me off, so I could only imagine what a baby would think!

[Sarah]

A shirts. Umm, there's another term for them that I dislike- you know, a person who hits his spouse?

[Marisa]

A shirts. Umm, there's another term for them that I dislike- you know, a person who hits his spouse?

Yup, we're thinking of the same thing then. Up here in North Jersey there's another name too, equally 'nice' -- based on a derogatory term for an Italian. (I used to say it myself back in grade school -- and I'm Italian -- because I was just that naive.)

[ShannonGH]

A shirts. Umm, there's another term for them that I dislike- you know, a person who hits his spouse?

Ah, I know exactly what you're talking about now. Thank you! :)

[kimthebride]

I find my HH especially necessary since I still have to use nipple shields to nurse DS. Thus I do a lot more maneuvering while nursing. And now that he's more active, it's like a wrestling match to get the shield on, then DS, and then of course once he grabs and yanks it off me thinking it's hilarious, I like to be covered up while I free it from his mighty grip and start all over again. :rolleyes:

Good luck!

[Delta]

What? You mean that we don't have to run everything past you first, Delta? ;)

Check out my avatar! :p

[miaclear]

Bumping.

We just got back from vacation and nursing on the flight was no problem because the seats are so cramped and DH sat in the aisle and me by the window. However on our flight home we were delayed a couple hours and I ended up nursing DS in the airport under a blanket. I hate doing that because the blanket never stays put and since I'm so used to nursing DS with a Boppy Pillow it's just all around awkward. So I thought about the Hooter Hider.

I noticed a lot of the comments were that it drew attention to the fact that you were BFing with the loud patterns and such. Personally I don't care if people know that I'm BFing...I just would rather they not see my breasts if ya know what I mean.

So just curious if anyone else has any oppinions on the Hooter Hider, or if there are other options out there since it's been a few years since this origianl post???

[magrat]

I really dislike "hooter hiders" so I've been using my Momono (http://www.mayalena.com/) for NIP. It works really well even though . The most important thing it does is covers my back when I have a tighter shirt on. I don't think a hider would do that (could be wrong, haven't seen one in person). I just keep it in my diaper bag and when I'm going to nurse just throw it on over whatever I'm wearing and leave it open in the front, pulling it discretely to cover anything I don't want people to see.

[jennylou]

I love my Hooter Hider. I don't use it as much anymore, as it's usually just easier to not use it. But, it was invaluable to me in the beginning trying to get DD latched with my at the time size G boobies.

Now that DD is older, she hates anything over her head, though I do use it at times - if there is too much going on for instance and she keeps pulling off to view what else is going on. It can help her to concentrate for a few minutes and eat. Then she can get back to her people watching. ;)

[magdesilver]

I adore mine this time around. I probably posted earlier in this thread saying I though they were unnecessary. And with DD, I didn't really need it. But now with 2, it's really a must-have for me. I am out and about all the time and need to be able to nurse DS wherever, whenever. This item really makes it easier on me! I got one from nursingundercover.com . I got a really cute print, it's probably "loud" but the only comments I've gotten so far are positive. I'm proud to be nursing so if it calls attention to the fact I don't mind...I am just using it so the whole world doesn't have to see my girls :) . And it is so hot here right now the blanket makes DS and I too sweaty, and layering a tank underneath is too hot for me, too. The nursing cover just works wonderfully!

[kimthebride]

I'll chime back in.

I'm BFing baby #2 now and have yet to find a substitute that i like better than the original Hooter Hider (now called Bebe Au Lait).

It washes well, has held up over 2 years of BFing, stores compactly in my diaper bag, is easy to get on/off (even on cramped planes)...and I personally think that flashes a milky nip draws more attention to the fact someone is BFing than having a fabric cover-up on ;) .

For me, its a modesty thing (I don't like flashing folks) and a distraction-avoidance thing (when DS was getting older, it helped block his view from tings he'd get distracted by).

No one has ever commented on it..mostly I've seen people notice me sitting there...there eyes go down and see little feet sticking out :p and then they smile.

[juliemag]

I really like the hooter hider. However, if I absolutely don't need to use it - I find a way to use something less "blankety" - like a burp rag to just cover my boob, but it leaves DS's face uncovered. I struggle with getting the hooter hider just right so that I can see DS while he nurses - alot of the time the fabric ends up caught in his little fist and he tosses it to-and-fro, etc. However, when I'm out and about... this thing is a lifesaver. Expect people to stare though - at least that's been *my* experience. Everytime I use it, someone is polite enough to literally point their finger at me and say to their friend "Look, she's nursing!"... :rolleyes:.

But, if you are planning to be out a lot and dont want to be worried about exposing your self, you'll probably want to get one. Just my $.02! :)

[jmvan74]

I don't have a HH, but a similar product I bought at boogaboobabies on Etsy. It works great. It has the boning, so I can still see DS. I also don't care if people know I'm nursing, I just don't want them to "see" the act in progress. :D DS pulls off A.LOT.

[boilermaker]

I bought my HH after seeing Jennylou with hers and I love it. I don't wear "nursing friendly" clothes, so my DD wouldn't fit under my shirts, so draping them back over her is not an option. I'm also large chested (32G), so it is hard to keep it all covered. So the HH works great for me and DD. Love the boning aspect of it as she like to watch me and tends to reach up at my face with her hand while nursing. As for calling attention to myself in public, I couldn't care less. If people are uncomfortable with me nursing in front of them, that's their problem, not mine.

[LeslieR]

I loved my HH. I didn't use it much, but I still loved it all the same. The boning is definitely what makes it awesome. I loaned mine to a friend when her son was born and she loved it, too. I'm sure they are really easy to make.

[Winter Biscuit]

I don't have a HH but I plan to get one (or a similar type of cover-up) to use so I can pump at work in a women's lounge without having the whole world see all the action. I don't care if people know I am pumping -- I just don't think anyone needs to observe the action, ya know? If anyone saw what I posed yesterday in the Moms with Pumps IV thread, you'll understand why I want one -- pumping in the lounge area would mean I wouldn't need to use the handicapped stall and deal with what I did yesterday :mad:

[boilermaker]

winter, based on your other post, I'd get one right away as well! I have used mine to cover myself while pumping in less than ideal places.

[miaclear]

Wow....so many more positive comments than the original post. I think I'm going to order one, or at least one like it. I've seen a couple ebay sellers who make similar items cheaper. We're going on another trip to Maine in a month and this time around we'll be staying with DHs family in a cabin. So with the airport and the new strangers I think having the coverup will be nice.

[Sarah]

I've been nursing almost continually for 5 years (:eek:) and I would have loved to have one of those for the first couple months with each kid. It'd be nice especially for the first couple weeks, when you are learning how to nurse. After about 4 months both my kids were too distracted to let me keep anything over them, and I got good at nursing discreetly. I couldn't care less about other women flashing nip, but I'd prefer not to, for my own modesty.

[bunnybeth]

I love my HH, and the boning at the top is the best part. Earlier, it helped me latch DS on, because he popped off all the time. Now, he loves looking up at me and I smile and make faces at him and he'll reach up and touch my face.

Like others here, I just don't want to flash anyone when I'm out in public or we're having BIL over or whatever. Plus, now I'm often nursing DS at daycare, and my male coworkers who also have kids in there could see me, which I would find particularly not fun.

They come in lots of different colors and patterns, from the bold to the subtle, including a plain white eyelet.

[mimieliza]

I loved my Hooter Hider. I was going to be all bold about NIP anytime, anywhere, but nursing was a lot more complicated than I anticipated. The girls were enormous, with cracked nipples, and I frequently shot milk everywhere. I also needed to be pretty exposed in order to help DD latch on correctly at first.

So I got the HH, and it really made NIP so easy. I don't mind that it calls attention to the fact that I'm nursing - I'm PROUD to be nursing, I just don't want the world to see my boobs.

Now we usually don't bother with it - DD pushes it off so she can look around.