Breastfeeding in public

Know the laws & Normalise breastfeeding in public

Is breastfeeding in Public something that makes your palms sweat?

It is perfectly normal to feel apprehensive about feeding in public.

What if your little one pops off without you realising?

What if they just won’t latch straight away?

In our sexualised society, women can feel scared to use their bodies for their intended purpose. To scared to step forward and say this is my body’s natural purpose and this is what I am using it for right at this moment.

Breastfeeding is the most natural and healthy way for you to feed your baby, as we discussed in the last post. However, breastfeeding in public can be quite anxiety-inducing for some breastfeeding parents. I remember the first time I fed in public. I chose a seat in a corner out of the way so no one would see. After I latched him on, a sense of pride washed over me. Looking up, however, I realised I was facing the entire restaurant. I could not help but smile to myself, and from that moment on I did not care who saw.

The Law

You have to remember one important thing, here in the UK, breastfeeding is protected by the law. In any public space, you are allowed to be in, you are allowed to breastfeed. According to the Equality Act 2010, it is discrimination to treat a breastfeeding parent unfavourably because they are breastfeeding. You have the right to breastfeed your child anywhere that provides a public service. You can not be asked to leave, cover up or move because of breastfeeding, and you can not be refused service or treated differently because you are breastfeeding. Link here

So, if someone approaches you and complains about your breastfeeding, simply state that you are protected by the law. If they dislike it, they have the choice not to look. It can be hard to have that confidence in what you are doing, especially if you are quite introverted or do not like confrontation. In that case, you could just ignore them, and just keep focusing on the child in your arms. You got this. In my years of breastfeeding, I have never had anyone say anything, I maybe caught the odd side eye but I think I gave off a f*ck you vibe.

Preparing to breastfeed in public

If, however, you are feeling anxious about that first time breastfeeding in public, here are a few tips that might help you ease into it, and before you know you will be a pro.

• Plan:  Think about where it is you are going and ask your midwife or local breastfeeding group where they would recommend you breastfeed, such as a nice café etc. There are also places that have breastfeeding rooms, but you won’t get a nice cup of tea or cake in there.
• Wear clothes that suit you: Make sure you feel comfortable. Have you found clothes that work for you? You do not need special breastfeeding tops to breastfeed easily in. You could do the one up one down. Or you could wear a nice shirt that unbuttons. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable. Maybe try breastfeeding in front of a mirror before you leave, just to see what others will see. Not that it matters, but it might ease your anxiety.
• Take someone with you: The first time can be daunting, so take someone with you. Either your partner or a supportive friend or relative. Having someone there that has your back can make a world of difference.
• Avoid toilets: Just as you would not sit in a toilet to eat, why should your child be forced to do so? You and your baby deserve better than that. 

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is not something to be ashamed of. This whole idea that it should be done in private as it is between mother and baby, is crap. All you are doing is feeding your baby, the same way a woman giving a bottle is feeding her baby. Breastfeeding has been the norm since the dawn of man, due to the fact that we are mammals. We need to stand up and normalise breastfeeding. We need to empower our children. Teach them young the power of the female body. Enough of sexualising it and making people feel it is only for the male gaze. Men throughout history have wanted to make us doubt our bodies because they cannot control them and do not understand them. Enough is enough.