Breastfeeding in Public Places

Every day hundreds of babies are being breastfed outside the home - it is a bit like being pregnant, you don't notice that anyone else is until it happens to you and then suddenly it seems like EVERYONE is expecting a baby!

So even though babies are feeding when out and about, most of the time we just don't notice and neither does anyone else. And even when they do realise people rarely make a comment.

If someone stares at you it doesn't mean they dissapprove. We heard from one mum who was feeding her baby and an elderly couple were watching her. When they got up and began making their way over to her she wondered what they were going to say but it was only to comment on how lovely it was to see a breastfeeding baby. The women had breastfed her own children and it had brought back fond memories.

But, sadly, very rarely, someone somewhere decides to make a fuss. This always gets loads of publicity which makes mothers think that it happens all the time. This just isn't the case - babies are being fed out and about everyday but we don't see them all in the newspaper so we know that almost all of the time, breastfeeding goes on without any fuss or bother at all.

If you have been unlucky enough to have someone make you feel uncomfortable or they have tried to stop you feeding your baby then it can be useful to know what your rights are.

The Equality Act says that it is sex discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.

Please contact us and let us know about your experience, especially if you feel you have been unfairly treated.

Information for mothers:-

The Equality Act 2010 is the law which bans unfair treatment and helps achieve equal opportunities in the workplace and in wider society.

Maternity Action (a national charity working to end inequality) have an information sheet available to download on

Breastfeeding in public places It may also be useful to contact the Government equalities office if you have been unfairly treated.

External websites also have some ideas and tips on Breastfeeding in Public:-

Information from La Leche League on Breastfeeding in Public

Information and views on Breastfeeding in Public from kellymom.com

Information for businesses:-

Equality act 2010: What do I need to know? A quick start guide for businesses who sell goods and services