World Breastfeeding in Public Day was set up in 2022 by breastfeeding mother, Destiny Smith, to help give mothers the confidence to breastfeed in public places.
This year we want to highlight your rights as a breastfeeding mother, as well as celebrating the day with your beautiful photos.
Did you know?
The Equality Act 20101 says that “it is discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding. It applies to anyone providing services, benefits, facilities and premises to the public, public bodies, further and higher education bodies and association. Service providers include most organisations that deal directly with the public. Service providers must not discriminate, harass or victimise a woman because she is breastfeeding.” 2
You can find more information on Maternity Action’s website.
In Scotland, breastfeeding is protected by the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005. It is “an offence to prevent or stop a person in charge of a child who is otherwise permitted to be in a public place or licensed premises from feeding milk to that child in that place or on those premises” 3
Your experiences breastfeeding in public
“Breastfeeding has been hard with my son having multiple food allergies and having to completely alter my diet but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. I feed my son wherever and whenever; whether that’s walking around the supermarket doing the weekly shop or sat at the top table on my wedding day. I’ve never used a cover up because he doesn’t like it and he shouldn’t be covered doing the most natural thing.”
Jessica
“We had tried for 10 years to have our miracle baby. After numerous miscarriages and failed IVF rounds we thought our journey had come to an end. Isla surprised us naturally. I expected to feel nervous about feeding in public. And I initially did, and used a shawl cover. My girl hated it. I finally realised what was more important and that was that my daughter was fed. I whipped it off and never used it again.”
Kelly
“I spend my maternity mucking out my horse and kids pony… my daughter took a brilliant picture of me multitasking! Liveries on the yard with me always comment how they love I’ll just walk around feeding and doing jobs! This is my third child and all three breastfed (19+ months each for the first two)!”
Léoni
“This was taken at Buttermere in the Lake District, this was a special moment for me as we are sitting in front of the tree where my partner and I scattered the ashes of the babies we lost trying for this little one. I think there is something special about feeding in nature, it’s a beautiful peaceful experience and one I’ll always look back on with fond memories.”
Natalie
“I wasn’t able to breastfeed my first daughter. When baby Holly came along I just started bottle feeding because that’s all I knew. But when she was 8 days old I was devastated I didn’t even try so after a lot of hard work I managed to relactate and now I exclusively breastfeed, usually whilst we’re out with my oldest. My partner got this lovely photo of us enjoying one of our many lunches together”
Shauna
“I am currently breastfeeding my 2 year old son, Brinley. After a rocky start including an unexpected NICU stay I was devastated and thought our breastfeeding journey was over before it had begun! Thanks to the support from various sources, we were able to make it through the challenges of the early days. I have always been very proud to breastfeed in public in the hope it will encourage other parents and help normalise breastfeeding.”
Charlotte
“Breastfeeding my toddler is the only time I’ve faced any comments such as “isn’t she getting too old now” or “when do you think you’ll stop?” But with that backlash I’ve decided to be more open about doing it – refraining from saying no until we’re home or hiding away from other people, it is just as normal as newborns feeding.”
Alisha
“We’ve just come back from Portugal and I noticed people were a lot more laid back about breast-feeding there. I was feeding in front of my in laws and extended family and no one blinked an eye. People even came over to me and kissed me hello while bub was feeding.”
Hannah’s experience breastfeeding in Portugal.
- Equality Act 2010 – https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents
- (Maternity Action) Breastfeeding while out and about – https://maternityaction.org.uk/advice/breastfeeding-in-public-places/
- Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 – https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2005/1/contents
- (NHS) Breastfeeding in public – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-in-public/