There is nothing more natural than breastfeeding, yet mothers who breastfeed in public continue to face judgement and criticism. Before anything, the biological function of breasts is to nourish infants. But somehow, we find ourselves in a world which is always happy for an eyeful, until it comes to mothers. Here’s why we need to shift our perspective on public breastfeeding and embrace the normal and natural act of feeding wherever it is needed.
The Right to Feed Anywhere
Breastfeeding is a protected right. Across the United States, State laws are in place to protect mothers who choose to breastfeed in public. These laws aim to support mothers to make the healthiest choice for their children, and uphold their right to choose how and when to feed
Despite legal protections and campaigns to uphold this right, women still face negative social reactions when breastfeeding outside of the home. These reactions range from disapproving stares to outright comments or requests for mothers to leave. When a breastfeeding mother is made to feel uncomfortable in public spaces, it can create unnecessary stress and it can impact on a mom’s confidence and desire to keep breastfeeding in the long-term.
One recent research paper which reviewed fifteen years of qualitative studies around breastfeeding in public has shown that mothers often anticipate hostility and make decisions about if, and how, to nurse in public accordingly. This shows us that while progress has been made for breastfeeding mothers over the years, we still have a long way to go until breastfeeding in public becomes something natural that moms don't have to worry about.
Why Breastfeeding Matters
The benefits of breastfeeding are well-established - breastmilk, quite simply, provides babies with all the energy and nutrients they need in the first few months of life, and contains protective and immunity-building properties which give babies the building blocks for good health. The actual act of breastfeeding offers oral development and neurodevelopmental benefits, and supports the mother-baby bond which is important for both mom and baby’s wellbeing. Breastfeeding also offers protective benefits to moms, including a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, maternal Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and an earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight.
For these reasons, public health organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months and sustained breastfeeding for up to two years, but moms face many barriers to achieving these goals. The CDC Breastfeeding Report Card (2002) surveyed that 83% of mothers report breastfeeding initially, but only 25% report exclusively breastfeeding by the end of the first six months. For some moms, breastfeeding challenges lead them to wean earlier but there are also many systemic influences on whether a mother chooses to keep breastfeeding or not. These barriers include lack of social support and childcare options, economic disadvantage, unsupportive workplace policies and poor parental leave options. And finally, public opinion – whether it is family, friends or cultural communities – matters. Even a stranger’s disapproval can be unsettling to a mom who wants to feed their child in public. Better systemic support, such as comprehensive family-friendly social and workplace policies, and social understanding around moms breastfeeding choices, will help more moms sustain breastfeeding over time.
How to Support Yourself
New parents often have to deal with unsolicited advice, but the issue of breastfeeding in public can feel particularly personal.
- Decide what you are comfortable with: Not all moms will want to breastfeed in public, and that’s ok. Remember that you don't have to go “all out” - you can cover up with a shawl and over time you may decide that it’s unnecessary.
- Discuss your approach to breastfeeding with family and friends: Talking about your breastfeeding goals and expectations will help the people in your life understand why it is important to you to have their support.
- Own your decision: If you decide to breastfeed in public, own it. You don't owe anyone answers. It’s your choice. Know that by doing what feels right, you will empower other moms who are watching too.
How to Support Breastfeeding Mothers
As a society, we can all play a role in supporting breastfeeding mothers. Here’s how we can make it easier for them:
- Be understanding: If you see a mother breastfeeding in public, avoid making judgmental comments or giving disapproving looks. A simple smile or acknowledging nod can go a long way.
- Create more supportive spaces: Public spaces, workplaces, and institutions should continue to provide breastfeeding-friendly environments - whether that means designated nursing rooms, comfortable seating, or access to clean restrooms.
- Be a breastfeeding-friendly business: If you are a business owner, making moms feel supported will reap rewards. A mom who feels comfortable breastfeeding in your cafe or playcenter or shop, will repay you in loyalty – and recommend you to other mom friends.
- Educate ourselves: Understanding the health benefits of breastfeeding, not only for babies but for mothers, will help us be stronger advocates for breastfeeding moms.
- Encourage conversations: Break the silence by openly discussing the importance of breastfeeding and challenging the preconceived ideas that persist around breastfeeding in public.
Women Taking a Stand
In 2022, Destiny Smith set out to normalize breastfeeding in public. She was just a regular mom frustrated by the judgement “Every time I looked up while feeding, there’s always somebody looking at me. Always somebody giving me a weird look, like ewww, what is she doing?" Her initiative, National Day for Breastfeeding in Public, went viral both in the US and overseas. Smith is a reminder that you don't need to be a celebrity to have impact, it's enough to be an upstander.
Women have been advocating for breastfeeding in public for at least two decades. Using education and humor, many organizations and companies have tackled this issue. Innovators in the baby product industry have also been committed to developing products that offer moms choice and flexibility when they are on the move.
At Emulait, we are committed to being part of this conversation and supporting moms on their feeding journey – wherever they are. Inspired by mom’s breast, and nature’s best technology, we designed a product which bottles the benefits of breastfeeding and supports sustained breastfeeding over time. We haven’t been shy – our bottle looks like a breast, but most importantly, it is engineered to work like one. Our bottle is designed to support easy transitions between breast and bottle, so that mothers have choice and flexibility about when and how to feed. Breastfeeding in public is also about the right to choice and flexibility. We have our mommas’ backs!
In Conclusion
We can all play a part in changing the narrative around breastfeeding in public. Society needs to stop treating it as something to be hidden away and start embracing the fact that mothers need to feed their babies wherever they are, whenever they need to. The more we support public breastfeeding, the easier it will become for new mothers to feel confident in nourishing their children without fear of judgment. After all, feeding a child is not just a personal choice; it’s a human right! This National Day for Breastfeeding in Public, how are you going to support the moms in your life to make the best choices for their baby?
