Breastfeeding In Public: US & UK

For new moms, breastfeeding can be a whirlwind journey. From establishing latches and cluster-feeding to pumping and teething, each breastfeeding journey looks a little bit different. One commonality to all breastfeeding moms is adjusting to breastfeeding in public. Some moms find it easy to manage while others find it a bit more difficult. It can make a mom feel incredibly vulnerable displaying such an intimate moment in public. In the same way that public affection is not comfortable for everyone, breastfeeding in public can be uncomfortable for some moms. Figuring out how to be comfortable breastfeeding in public can come with some surprising benefits though. 

History of Breastfeeding in Public 

Breastfeeding is a practice as old as humankind itself. It has a history with varying cultural norms and societal attitudes, both ancient and modern. In ancient times, breastfeeding was the primary means of nourishing infants worldwide. It was a universal practice and, without it, a baby’s fate was almost certain death. It was as normal as any other bodily function and was viewed as such.

Today, breastfeeding has experienced notable shifts around the world. In the mid-20th century, a surge in formula feeding gained momentum. Aided by marketing campaigns selling formula as healthier and ‘better’, formula feeding became the norm in many Western societies. The bottle became the symbol of a baby. Because of these campaigns, public breastfeeding faced backlash, often deemed immodest, unhealthy, and even offensive.

However, over recent decades, there’s been a renaissance in breastfeeding, driven by extensive research on its health benefits. The U.S. and U.K. have seen efforts to encourage breastfeeding, including legal protections for nursing mothers in public spaces. This shift aims to normalize breastfeeding in public, empower mothers, and reduce stigmas.

Globally, breastfeeding has persisted as a vital practice, especially in poorer areas. Yet, societal attitudes toward public nursing still vary widely, reflecting cultural values and legal frameworks. While some regions embrace it openly, others may remain conservative or even repressive.

The history of breastfeeding in public showcases the complex interplay between tradition, societal norms, and changing attitudes. Understanding this history is crucial in fostering an environment where mothers feel comfortable and supported when nourishing their children, wherever they may be.

Controversies

Breastfeeding in public has sparked notable controversies in the US and UK. In the US, a 2006 incident at a Target store stirred public debate when a nursing mother was asked to leave. In 2014, a nurse-in protest was organized at an American cafe after a breastfeeding mom was asked by a manager to ‘cover-up’ and ‘stop’. The UK faced a similar issue when Claridge’s Hotel requested a breastfeeding mother to cover up in 2014. These incidents ignited discussions on the rights of nursing mothers, leading to legal protections. While the controversy highlighted societal divisions, it also fueled advocacy for breastfeeding in public.

Breastfeeding in Public Around the World

Breastfeeding in public varies widely around the world, with a diverse range of cultural norms, legal regulations, and public attitudes.

Many countries have enacted laws that protect a mother’s right to breastfeed in public. For example, Canada, Australia, and most European countries, including France and Germany, have legal safeguards in place to ensure women can breastfeed without fear of discrimination. Companies can face fines or even jail time for impeding on a woman’s right to breastfeed in public.

In contrast, some nations maintain stricter attitudes. Certain Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia have laws that discourage public breastfeeding without covering up, reflecting cultural modesty norms. In some parts of Asia, like South Korea, public nursing is less common, although not explicitly illegal.

Cultural factors play a significant role in how public breastfeeding is perceived. In some Asian and Middle Eastern societies, the preference for modesty in public leads many women to opt for private spaces while nursing, often using covers. This stems from traditional values surrounding public modesty. Interestingly, these countries have strong rates of breastfeeding. 

In contrast, countries with a strong emphasis on family and communal bonds tend to be more accepting. In many African nations, for example, public breastfeeding is not just tolerated but is a celebrated part of community life.

Cultural attitudes are not static, and evolving views on gender equality and individual rights are influencing public breastfeeding practices worldwide. There’s a growing global movement to normalize breastfeeding as a natural and essential aspect of maternal and infant health.

While many nations now support and protect a mother’s right to nurse in public, others maintain more conservative stances. These are often rooted in traditional values and modesty expectations. The trajectory, however, appears to favor greater acceptance.

The Science of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers a multitude of psychological and physiological benefits to both mothers and babies, supported by extensive scientific research.

Breast milk provides a perfectly balanced blend of essential nutrients, bioactive compounds, and antibodies that support a baby’s growth and development. It’s associated with a lower risk of infections, allergies, and chronic diseases.

Research suggests that breastfeeding is linked to improved cognitive development in children. Long-term studies have found higher IQ scores among breastfed infants.

Breastfeeding is associated with a decreased risk of SIDS, providing babies with protective factors that are not replicated in formula.

The act of breastfeeding promotes a strong emotional bond between mother and child. Oxytocin, a hormone released during breastfeeding, enhances maternal-infant bonding and reduces maternal stress.

Exclusive breastfeeding can aid in postpartum weight loss, as it burns extra calories. It may also reduce the risk of obesity in the long term.

Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety. Oxytocin and prolactin, hormones released during breastfeeding, promote relaxation and reduce stress. Getting out of the house and traveling as a family can also help reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Breastfeeding can make getting out of the house less complicated.   

These benefits are well-documented in studies and have led to global recommendations by health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote and support breastfeeding. The physiological benefits, like protection from diseases and optimal nutrition, are backed by extensive research. Similarly, the psychological benefits, such as bonding and reduced postpartum depression, are well-documented, contributing to the holistic well-being of both mother and baby.

Benefits of Breastfeeding in Public 

Breastfeeding in public offers numerous benefits, promoting maternal and infant well-being. It normalizes breastfeeding, reducing stigmas and empowering mothers. By enabling mothers to feed their babies comfortably while on the go, breastfeeding can also help make family travel more affordable. It can also just be more convenient for parents, encouraging family outings and fostering a nurturing environment for the baby. Additionally, breastfeeding in public helps to shape a more inclusive and supportive society that respects the natural needs of both mothers and their infants.

Legal Rights in US

In the United States, legal rights protect a mother’s ability to breastfeed in public spaces. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have laws specifically allowing women to breastfeed in any public or private location where they are authorized to be. These laws protect a mother’s right to breastfeed discreetly and without fear of discrimination, contributing to a more supportive environment for nursing mothers across the country.

Breastfeeding at Work 

Breastfeeding mothers also have legal rights in the workplace. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010) requires employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for nursing employees to express breast milk. These breaks should be accommodated as often as necessary during the workday, typically for up to one year after the child’s birth. Employers must respect these rights, ensuring that breastfeeding employees have a supportive environment for lactation. This legal protection not only promotes maternal and child well-being but also supports gender equality by enabling mothers to continue their careers while nourishing their infants.

Legal Rights in UK

In the United Kingdom, the legal rights of breastfeeding mothers are protected under the Equality Act 2010. This legislation ensures that women have the right to breastfeed in public places, including restaurants, public transportation, and other communal areas. Additionally, the act prevents discrimination against breastfeeding mothers and provides them with the legal backing to nurse their infants wherever they are authorized to be. It promotes a supportive atmosphere for nursing mothers, allowing them to feed their babies without fear of social stigma or legal repercussions, contributing to a more inclusive and accepting society for breastfeeding women in the UK.

Options for breastfeeding in Public if you feel uncomfortable 

It can be daunting to breastfeed in public for the first time. Fear of feeling exposed or judged for breastfeeding can deter new moms from leaving the house. But breastfeeding in public isn’t black and white. You do not need to expose yourself to feed your baby in public and there are lots of options to increase your privacy and to breastfeed as discreetly as possible, should you choose to do so. While you do not need to use any of these methods when feeding your baby in public, these methods can help new breastfeeding moms feel more comfortable getting out of the house. 

Dressing a certain way 

The way you dress can have a significant impact on how discreetly you are able to feed in public. Many people use the ‘over-under’ method where a breastfeeding-friendly friendly tank top is worn under a loose shirt. The idea is you can pull the shirt up and the tank top down to allow your baby to nurse without needing to expose any of your skin. You may also choose to use breastfeeding tops specifically created with special flaps or zippers to give a similar effect. Pairing a jacket, cardigan, or oversized cover-up, like an opened button-down shirt, can add another layer of invisibility. You may also wish to use milk cups or similar products to ensure you don’t leak all over your clothes during nursing.

Using a cover 

Using a breastfeeding cover in public can significantly boost a mother’s comfort and confidence while nursing. These covers typically consist of lightweight, breathable fabric that drapes over the mother’s shoulders and the baby during breastfeeding. They create a private and discreet space, shielding the mother’s body from view while allowing her to maintain eye contact with her baby. To use a cover, a mother simply drapes it over her front, ensuring it covers both her and the baby, securing it with a strap around her neck. This not only provides privacy but also shields the baby from distractions, making it a more comfortable and focused feeding environment, particularly in busy or unfamiliar surroundings.

Private/mother/parent rooms 

Mother’s rooms or parent rooms can offer breastfeeding mothers a haven of comfort and privacy. They can be found in lots of public locations such as shopping malls, airports, or large retail stores. They typically have comfortable seating, changing tables, and amenities for nursing mothers, including electrical outlets for breast pumps. These rooms create a tranquil and supportive environment, allowing mothers to breastfeed in peace and relaxation. The assurance of a private space helps mothers feel more comfortable, making it easier to focus on their baby’s needs without the worry of onlookers, providing a valuable resource for breastfeeding moms in public spaces.

Pumping to take milk 

Another option is to avoid breastfeeding in public all together by pumping ahead of time to give your baby a bottle of breastmilk while out. This option can be a little trickier, given that breastmilk must be stored at less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celcius). However, for short trips with some ice packs in a cooler, this could be a great option. It could also be a great option for enclosed spaces, such as in a crowded airplane, although there are certain rules to know about when flying with breastmilk in the US and UK. 

Do NOT use a bathroom 

Breastfeeding mothers should never use public restrooms for nursing for several reasons. Firstly, restrooms are not hygienic spaces for feeding infants, posing potential health risks to both mother and child. The environment can be unsanitary and filled with germs. Secondly, it’s uncomfortable and uninviting, lacking the privacy and comfort that nursing mothers need. Using restrooms can lead to added stress, making it challenging for mothers to relax and establish a strong bond with their babies. Again, breastfeeding is a natural, healthy practice, and degrading it to restrooms perpetuates the stigma and goes against the rights of nursing mothers to feed their infants in a dignified, inclusive manner.

Handling comments from strangers

The most daunting part of breastfeeding in public can be potential comments and judgments from strangers, if only by stares. In my experience, these interactions happen far fewer times than you think, especially with the ongoing normalization of public breastfeeding. Even if you think someone is staring and judging, chances are they are probably only looking with awe and wonder, if they are actually looking at you at all.

Personally, I have never had a stranger openly make a comment to me about breastfeeding my child in public that wasn’t an overtly positive comment. I think any negative comment would shock me more than anything, but I’d hope to respond with education. My response would be a purely factual one in which I would explain my rights by law and how they are being violated meaning this person was, in fact, breaking the law. I would also educate them to the history of breastfeeding, explaining how this natural act has sustained babies for centuries. Lastly, I hope to explain the benefits of breastfeeding. In the end, I think being prepared with facts and by knowing what to pack to bring with you can help you feel more comfortable allowing you to not be as easily shaken by any nasty comments from strangers.

Handling family opinions and comments

Perhaps more challenging than handling comments from strangers would be handling comments from family or friends. Often, family and friends have strong opinions about the care of our children but usually only because they also care. This can make for extremely heated and touchy conversations around certain topics. Breastfeeding in public specifically can also make friends and family feel a sort of second-hand embarrassment for all the same reasons a breastfeeding mom might. They might feel you are over-exposed or are at risk of the judgment of strangers. Ironically, they themselves become the problem while trying to prevent the same problem.

But my approach would be much the same. I would lean into education, explaining my rights, the history, and the benefits of breastfeeding in public to them. I would also let them know that this is not their decision and that their negative comments are hurtful and unwelcome. This conversation can be extremely difficult but setting this boundary with your friends and family is important to preserving your own mental health. 

Breastfeeding in Public: Bottom Line

Breastfeeding in public is something all breastfeeding moms must learn to navigate. Whether you decide to use a cover or a private room or you feel comfortable being more seen while breastfeeding, know that you are doing a great job. Getting out of the house is great for your mental health and the general well-being of your baby. Equally, the more times you do get out and breastfeed, the easier and less scary it will become. I think you will be delighted at how few people care and how easy it can make your life.