One of the best things about breastfeeding your baby is the fact that it is so mobile.

One of the best things about breastfeeding your babyis the fact that it is so mobile. It is a great feeling to know that you can feed your child at the drop of a hat in any place that they find themselves hungry.
However, I distinctly remember it not feeling so easy when my son was a newborn. I was learning how to breastfeed and he was learning how to breastfeed. I felt anything but calm and relaxed and if I am completely honest I felt really anxious about feeding in public. What if he got hungry while we were on the bus and I couldn’t get comfortable or use that position that had been working so well for us? What if there wasn’t enough space for the buggy and somewhere for me to sit down and feed him?
I quickly came to know where the best “breastfeeding spots” in Dublin were. Comfortable and friendly places where I could feed my baby with a bit of privacy and also in close proximity to my next coffee. I wanted to get out of the house but in a way that didn’t cause me to panic entirely. Remember you can breastfeed anywhere. It is completely normal and your absolute right – but it’s pretty nice to know the most comfortable spots.
Here are my favourite breastfeeding locations in Dublin. I hope they will help you too!
1. The Feeding Room In St. Stephens Green Shopping Centre
This was probably my most frequented venue. I loved that I could ramble around the shopping centre browsing without the fear of my baby suddenly needing a feed. Once he was hungry I got into the lift and went up to the top floor to avail of the feeding room which was spacious, clean and quiet. It was a calm place to get comfortable and feed in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a busy shopping centre.
2. Avoca Cafes
This is a general one because they are all great. Anyone that I’ve visited had a lift, decent parking area for travel systems, high chairs for older kids and a nice bright friendly atmosphere where you could enjoy some delicious food and comfortably feed if your baby got hungry. Although I’ll admit that my favourite part was probably the cakes. Breastfeeding mums love cake.
3. Mayfield Restaurant In Terenure
The food here is absolutely gorgeous but the decor and atmosphere really makes it. It’s super cosy and friendly and the best part is that it is full of other mums, babies and children. That would made me feel really comfortable and welcome which would, in turn, make feeding a much more pleasant experience.
4. Dundrum Town Centre
This is a great shopping centre for a browse. It’s super spacious so sauntering around with a massive buggy is no big deal. It also has a fantastic Penneys and loads of tasty food options. Their feeding room is really great too. It has comfortable armchairs and is a quiet retreat in the middle of a bustling and busy shopping centre. The cinema in Dundrum also does a morning baby cinema club and I can’t tell you how amazing it is to watch a movie, feed your baby and stuff your face with popcorn at 11 am in the morning. It was one of my favourite maternity leave activities.
5. IKEA
I’ve never needed a specific reason to visit IKEA. Usually, the reason is meatballs. It’s a great day out though. Cheap food and a browse in a super family-friendly environment. Their feeding room and toilet facilities are brilliant too!
Tracey is a happy mammy to four-year-old Billy. She is a breastfeeder, gentle parent and has recently lost five stone so healthy family eating is her passion! You can find her at www.loveofliving.com.