I could never pump enough to feed a gnat, so I can't speak to that issue, but I'm willing to bet money that you've seen women nursing in public - you just didn't realize they were doing it because to anyone casually walking by, it simply looked like she was holding her baby.  

I live in Indiana, and I have nursed all over my state (as well as all over France, and most of Chicago, and Florida, and Texas on vacations), and never in bathrooms.  I have never flashed anyone.  The only place where I have ever been hassled was, oddly, St. Thomas.  

Not sure how old your baby is, but don't give up on being able to nurse in public.  Once the kid gets head control, it becomes SO MUCH EASIER.  I was awkward with mine until about 3 months of age.  

Also, see if you can find a sling that you can nurse in.  I like the Kangaroo Korner adjustable pouch, personally, but slings are like bras - everyone has her own preference.  :)

Back to pumping - the one time I was at the office and saw another mom pumping at the sinks in the bathroom, we ended up having a very nice conversation in which I invited her to use my office (more private than the bathroom) if she liked, and I brought in some milk storage bags for her later that I was never able to use.

Most people out there in the world aren't going to notice you nursing (pumping is another story, that's kind of hard to miss, but you're probably not doing it in the middle of the mall!).  Of those who notice, most will be either neutral or supportive.  Of the few who are against breastfeeding, most of those will be too chicken to say anything to your face.  And if they do, give 'em hell. 

 http://prettybabies.blogspot.com

I have to say that I did not breastfeed and I admire that you do.  I think that more people do this these days.  What are you suposed to do?  You need to go on living your life.  It used to be that people would quit life when they had a baby.  It is just not an option that many of us have anymore!  Good for you!

Becca

Please visit me at http://www.askbecca.com

I pumped with my first child after returning to work.  The only place I could do it was in a public restroom in the hallway of my building.  Thankfully my building was relatively small and there were few interuptions.  The other ladies in my office were supportive but the public restroom was not pleasant and I always felt awkward.  I had many struggles with breastfeeding and I can relate to the uncomfortablness of breastfeeding in public. 

(After my second child was born and I was told that he was "starving"/turning jaundice because he wasn't getting enough milk, I finally realized that maybe I had legitimate breastfeeding issues and that it was time to switch to formula - that's another issue all in itself!)

When I returned to work my baby was one year old, because we have long maternity leaves in Canada.  Which was great.  But the first couple of weeks I had to pump, simply for my own relief.  I wasn't accustomed to going full days without nursing.  I work in a cubicle, so I pumped in the bathroom.  It wasn't a big deal since I wasn't saving the milk, as my toddler wouldn't drink it from anyplace but the tap at that point.

I did feel a little uncomfortable, I will admit it.  No colleagues came in while I was pumping, but it's much different than nursing.  I was able to nurse in public without much of a thought at that point (practice makes perfect), but pumping is much more exposing and awkward, at least for me.

~ Amber

www.strocel.com

I have pumped in the bathroom at work, usually with a manual as a last resort.  Not an ideal situation, but the alternative (engorgement, plugged ducts) is worse.  I go in the stall, and I have had people come into the bathroom whilst pumping more times then I can count.  Now THAT pump is loud and squeaky (medela manual attachment pump thing) With my second son, I had to pump in my car every day at work!  That wasnt a whole lot of fun, but the end result was worth it. 

I am fortunate now to be able to use a conference room at work, but at least 1 - 2 times a week, someone has taken over the conference room without checking the reservation calendar, so I am forced to find a different spot. 

I have never actually been pumping right in front of someone other than family, I think I would feel weird.  Its different than breastfeeding in public.  I have gotten used to breastfeeding in public so that doesnt really faze me too much anymore.   I can only think of one time that I actually saw someone NIP, and it wasnt too P, it was the nursery at church.  I wanted to give her a WTG good job! kind of comment, but later found out she wasnt really pro-nursing, so I guess I am glad I didnt say anything.

I feel fortunate that (as I recall) I only had to pump once in a public bathroom. My workplace had a spare office with a door that locked for pumping, and I could transfer my phone there. With a double pump, I got a fair amount of work done! But I really feel for women who have to travel a lot; it's very hard. 

Visit me at Charm City Moms: http://www.baltimoresun.com/charmcitymoms

I used to in the art building when I was 21 and in college, since the so-called lactation center was never open when they said it would be. The whoosh-suck-bloop noise led to a bizarre rumor that I was shooting up. I have never taken interveneous drugs, but I am guessing they don't sound like an Isis manual.

However, it cleared the bathroom of freshman girls talking about how they were SOOO TOOTALLY DRUNK on Friday night, so it was easier to let down.

SJ

Blogher Pop Culture Editor

The worst place I ever pumped was in an airplane bathroom.  Blech.  But mostly I was able to use colleagues' offices or actual lactation rooms at work.  There are a few things that will make your life easier: a hands-free pumping bra, the battery-pack attachment for the pump so you can hide in a stall, and a car adaptor for hiding out in your car.  I also used my nursing cover while pumping when I felt particularly vulnerable. 

But about nursing in public -- it really does get easier when you don't have to hold that stiff position to get the latch right.  

There is absolutely no way I would pump in a public restroom. I however would not pump out in public either because its not exactly something you can do with discretion. I did breastfeed often in public, anywhere and everywhere, including church. 

When I needed to pump while out I would try to find a discrete place or I would ask to use a room or office I could pump in. The bathrooms totally skeeved me out and I could only think of how nasty they were and what was done inside them.

Kim

Beautiful Wreck

http://lotsoflaundry.blogspot.com/

I pumped for 6 months for each of my children and I was lucky enough to be able to use the "executive" bathroom in my company. I tried to public bathroom and felt so self-conscious, plus I had the germ phobia. Plus the plug for the pump rarely reached a stall. A private office isn't great either because you do need a sink to wash up all the parts afterwards.

As far as breastfeeding in public, I just whipped them out. Less people look at you when your baby is quietly nursing as opposed to screaming because they are hungry!

Angela at mommy bytes
BlogHer Contributing Editor in Mommy & Family Cribsheet

I also had a long maternity leave, so the closest I ever got to pumping in a public restroom was in the bathroom of shared hotel rooms. Thank goodness, because I had a super squeaky Avent hand pump! I felt much more exposed, and less relaxed pumping than breastfeeding, so I wouldn't get much milk anyways!

I breastfed my daughter in public though (parks, restaurants, airplanes, occasionally the car), and never had anyone look at me funny. I'd just throw a blanket over my shoulder and my daughter would nurse! In my small city I often see women breastfeeding at family-friendly locations like the library, parks, playgroups, the bowling alley, etc. but less often in restaurants and malls (except on Mommy/Babymovie day).

--------

Painting Pink Pajamas
http://paintingpinkpajamas.blogspot.com

life as i know it...
http://skylarkd.blogspot.com