I’ve been breastfeeding since September 2022. Whilst it now feels like second nature, it didn’t always.
My first experience of breastfeeding in public involved a screaming baby and milk spraying all over a café table. After returning to the car in an attempt to feed in peace I felt defeated and embarrassed – even though no one noticed my unease except me, my husband and my furious baby who’d been unable to latch.
My first experience of breastfeeding in public involved a screaming baby and milk spraying all over a café table.
I always knew I wanted to breastfeed but hadn’t thought about what I would do about breastfeeding in public…but I knew I need to make it work! As time went on, my confidence grew and now I want to share my top tips for breastfeeding in public with you.
My 5 Tops Tips for Breastfeeding in Public with Confidence
1. Think About Location
For you first public feed, choose somewhere comfortable – perhaps a coffee shop with sofas/ armchairs. When my son was born he only seemed to only feed well when propped up on multiple pillows so you can imagine how difficult I found trying to feed him in an armless, hardback chair in a café. It was never going to end well. Comfort matters!
2. Dress for You
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in! Make your clothes work for you. Personally, I have never felt the need to conceal myself – if having my full breast out meant my son was happy and fed, so be it! However, I understand that others feel more comfortable with public feeding if they are wearing nursing-specific clothing, or using a nursing cover. There’s no right or wrong way.
3. Know Your Rights
The Equality Act 2010 protects your right to breastfeed in public spaces. You do not need to ask permission, and if anyone tells you otherwise, you are within your rights to remind them of the law. You’re feeding your baby – and you don’t need to hide away to do it. You certainly shouldn’t feel like you have to feed discreetly or hidden away in a public restroom.
The Equality Act 2010 protects your right to breastfeed in public spaces.
4. Find Your Mama Tribe
Try attending baby groups or breastfeeding support groups. These are a great way to find like-minded mothers – your ‘mama tribe’. Baby groups are safe spaces, a place to talk freely with other parents and seek support. I consider myself lucky as all my baby group friends were breastfeeding queens, who gave me the confidence to continue breastfeeding.
5. Follow @boobingit
Social media can be a powerful source of support. If your social media is flooded with breastfeeding normality and positivity then it can be incredibly inspiring and encouraging to keep breastfeeding – even on the hardest of days. (I wrote about the power of social media and breastfeeding here.) I was following boobingit on social media long before I became a contributor. I joined their breastfeeding support group on Facebook which always feels like a safe place to ask questions and celebrate key milestones. Now I love sharing my breastfeeding journey, as well as tips and advice with others.
You’ve got this, mama!
Breastfeeding in public can feel daunting at first, but with the right mindset and support, it gets easier. If you ever need encouragement, reach out via the Boobingit Facebook group or check out more resources at boobingit.com.
Breastfeeding In Public – Free Guide
In our free guide to breastfeeding in public you will discover more about your rights as well as top tips and advice for breastfeeding in public with confidence.
