When a new mum asked the lovely mums on our Brummie Mummies Facebook page for their top tips on breastfeeding whilst out and about, many raved about the 'one up, one down method.' Sometimes abbreviated to OUOD on breastfeeding forums, this technique helps you to feed your baby without feeling exposed.

It also means you don't need to place a muslin cloth or blanket over your baby's head to cover yourself as this can be uncomfortable and hot for baby and sometimes prevents eye contact, making it difficult to latch on. The method works by layering a stretchy vest under a slightly looser shirt, top or T-shirt.

You can then lift the loose top up and pull down the vest to reveal a sliver of breast and nothing else. It's also a good way to keep your tummy covered if you want to. And mums across Brum say it has been a lifesaver.

Read more: Best places to breastfeed in Birmingham

We know that breastfeeding is supposed to feel natural and bonding but sometimes it can feel incredibly lonely and isolating. That's why we chatted to breastfeeding expert Danielle Facey on the Brummie Mummies Podcast. The Harborne mum is on a mission to empower mums by encouraging them to do whatever is best for them and their baby in those precious early days and weeks.

She has written a book of 50 tips on how to help mums and babies to breastfeed successfully so we invited her onto the show to talk all about the best ways to prepare, what mums should do if they are struggling, how partners can help out and why no-one should feel guilty about the way they choose to feed their baby. Listen here

On our Brummie Mummies Facebook page, we have a forum called 'Parent Request' where parents can anonymously ask questions about anything to do with family life. One mum asked: "I'm a new mum and doing OK with breastfeeding so far. I know we're supposed to be able to breastfeed anywhere but I still feel a bit awkward about it. I want to get out and about so I wondered if anyone knew of any places that were breastfeeding friendly please so that I can feel comfortable as I feed my little one? Don't mind travelling further afield too. Me and my baby are ready to explore."

She received an abundance of praise and encouragement from mums, with many suggesting the 'one up, one down' method and sharing their experiences. One said: "My friend taught me a brilliant discreet way to feed… double vest top. I wore a thin vest top from M&S under my top that had thin elastic straps so pulled down. When I lifted my top for baby I didn’t feel exposed because I was still covered. No need to faff with fabric covers etc. Good luck."

Another added: "It feels like a huge thing at first, but I promise you that a crying hungry baby is more attention grabbing than a quietly feeding one! I don’t recommend a breastfeeding cover, as they are hot and faffy - and draw more attention to the fact that you’re breastfeeding! Layers are your friend. H&m used to do great breastfeeding tops - might be worth a look online to see if they still do.

"Coffee shops are a good starting point, but also mom and baby groups or a friend’s house can be a good first step if you’re really feeling self-conscious. Good luck."

Another agreed: "One up one down all the way; wear a vest top and then whatever top you want on top and pull one top down and one top up so that only what needs to be out is out. It helped so much more than a huge cumbersome feeding cover which actually drew way more attention for me. I totally agree about breastfeeding covers. They were a no go for us. Hot for baby, everyone’s looking wondering why I’ve got a big muslin over me. One up one down all the way."

One mum said: "With my first baby (nearly 13 years ago!) I felt like this too and started off just going to coffee shops that had booth type seating so it felt a bit more private. Once I’d done it a few times and got the hang of wearing a vest top under my normal tops to do “one up, one down” so I felt less exposed, I fed anywhere and everywhere."

Another added: "I never had a cover, found it hard enough at the start to feed and get comfy, never mind manage a cover. I got a cheap boob tube for Primark for a quid and wore that under my tee to cover my tummy then you don’t need a feeding top, found that comfy."

Danielle Facey added: "The one up, one down method is fantastic because you can adapt your existing wardrobe rather than spending lots of money on special tops. You just pop a vest or boob tube underneath and it's a great technique that keeps your tummy covered too."

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Danielle Facey's top tips

Danielle says that there are huge benefits to breastfeeding for both baby and mum but she recognises there can be guilt around the phrase ‘breast is best’ because no-one wants to feel like they are doing anything but their best for their baby. Here are her top tips to make it as successful as possible for you:

  • Do as much skin to skin as soon as possible after birth, uninterrupted, getting to know each other. If that isn’t possible, it doesn’t mean you can’t breastfeed but try to do it as soon as possible. Perhaps have that time with dad to help regulate their temperature and comfort them
  • Get baby latched on as soon as possible. If they don’t latch on immediately but get your milk flowing by hand expressing or stimulate your milk through a breastpump
  • Seek support from an expert, watch videos online, talk to people who have had successful breastfeeding journeys. but remember every baby is different. There’s a free app called Latch Aid where you can get virtual support and watch videos which is great if you can’t afford to see a specialist
  • If you want to breastfeed exclusively, it shouldn’t be a goal to get your baby to sleep through the night. Their stomachs are tiny so they need to feed frequently, including through the night
  • Nourish yourself with food and drink, you need 300 to 700 extra calories a day. Take a breastfeeding supplement to boost your vitamins and minerals for yourself
  • It’s not normal for breastfeeding to be painful or for you to get cracked nipples. If that happens to you, seek professional support

Danielle was a guest speaker at this year's Baby Show at Birmingham NEC. Find out more about next year's Baby Show here and via her website The Breastfeeding Mentor. You can also listen to her on the podcast here and order her book from Amazon.

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