Yes, breastfeeding in public is legal in most parts of the world. No, it shouldn’t be controversial…but here we are.
If you’re a new parent wondering whether it’s okay to nurse in public without getting stared at or side-eyed, this article is for you.
READ: Ultimate Weaning Guide: Practical Tips to Transition
We’ll talk about…
Why some think breastfeeding in public is offensive
Is breastfeeding in public legal? (and where it isn’t)
Why some argue public breastfeeding should be banned
How different countries (including Germany!) treat it
Practical tips to make public breastfeeding easier and less stressful
I’ve done it tired, under-caffeinated and once in front of a man who immediately choked on his sandwich. So yes, I have thoughts.
READ: Extended Breastfeeding: Do not be afraid to do it
My first time breastfeeding in public
The first time I breastfed in public, I was in the corner booth of a noisy café. I wasn’t sure if the baby was hungry or just bored but I knew one thing: she was going to scream until something was in her mouth.
And I didn’t have a bottle.
So I did what felt natural (and simultaneously unnatural). I fumbled under a muslin cloth, hoping I wouldn’t flash the man two tables down, who kept pretending not to look.
That moment (half feeding, half sweating) is when I realised how loaded the topic still is.
And I’ve done it dozens of times since, with varying levels of grace, awkwardness and slightly cold tea.
Breastfeeding in Germany – where no one bats an eye
We lived in a small, family-oriented town in Germany for a while and honestly? It was bliss.
Breastfeeding publicly there felt… normal. Expected, even.
I remember sitting on a park bench surrounded by other mums (buggies parked, shirts lifted, babies latched) and no one gave us a second glance. No judgment. No awkward stares. No passive-aggressive comments.
You’d see it in cafés, parks, buses: mums breastfeeding mid-conversation like it was just a totally normal thing. (Because it is.)
It made me realise that the way we react to public breastfeeding is entirely cultural. Not biological.
In Germany, it felt like just another Tuesday. Elsewhere? You’d think we were pulling a publicity stunt.
Check out: Portable nursing cover. Lightweight, breathable and perfect for travel. I even used it in the Cologne airport.
Is Breastfeeding in public legal?
Let’s clear this up.
In the UK, you’re legally protected under the Equality Act 2010. You can breastfeed in any public space.
In the US, all 50 states legally permit it.
In Germany, it’s completely legal and culturally accepted.
However, there are countries where breastfeeding in public is illegal or heavily discouraged.
Saudi Arabia. Not technically banned but strong cultural norms mean it’s rarely seen in public.
UAE. Legal but women are expected to be discreet; feeding openly may lead to warnings or social backlash.
Indonesia and Nepal. Legal but mothers still report shaming or fines in certain conservative areas.
Even in legally supportive countries, public reaction often varies from warm acceptance to subtle (or not-so-subtle) disapproval.
“Why public breastfeeding should be banned” | What are people actually saying?
Let’s tackle the usual suspects.
- “It’s indecent”
Breasts are for feeding babies. If that makes someone uncomfortable, it’s their mindset that needs adjusting. - “It makes people uncomfortable”
So do noisy couples on the train. Shall we ban public affection too? - “There are children around”
Exactly. They’ll grow up seeing normal human behaviour. That’s a win, not a threat. - “Just pump instead”
That assumes time, equipment, milk supply, storage and perfect weather. Not always an option or a priority.
In short, most objections boil down to this: “I don’t want to see it.”
To which the simplest reply is: “Then don’t look.”
The quiet load of Public breastfeeding
Even when no one says a word, many breastfeeding mums carry a mental load.
Where’s the quietest corner in here?
Will I be judged for not using a cover? Or for using one?
Is someone about to comment or roll their eyes?
Sometimes, even when you know you’re allowed, you brace for confrontation anyway.
It’s like feeding your baby with one eye on the exit.
When Public feeding gets awkward
A friend once told me she was feeding her baby in the corner of a shopping centre food court when a staff member asked her to “take it to the lounge.”
She calmly replied, “Would you like me to ask the rest of your customers to eat their lunch in the bathroom too?”
He backed off.
It’s not about being dramatic. It’s about being treated with the same level of basic respect as someone eating a sandwich.
Why normalising Public breastfeeding matters
It’s not just about feeding. It’s about visibility, autonomy and undoing decades of social conditioning.
Every time someone sees a mum calmly feeding her baby at the park, on a bench, in a café, it chips away at the idea that we need to hide this.
You’re not performing. You’re parenting.
Tips for breastfeeding in public
Here’s what helped me and might help you too.
- Wear nursing-friendly layers
Look for two-piece tops, loose-fitting cardigans and hidden zips. - Scout locations beforehand
If you’re headed to a restaurant, mall or tourist spot, check online reviews for parent-friendly facilities. A quiet corner can make all the difference. - Practice at home in your public setup
Yes, feeding in the mirror feels weird but it can boost confidence massively. - Plan what you’ll say (or not say)
Some people prefer to nod and ignore. Others like a one-liner ready.
Like “Just feeding my baby. No drama here.” - Know who you’re doing this for
Your baby’s comfort matters more than a stranger’s discomfort. Feed boldly and carry on.
This ties to confidence
As a certified transformational life coach, I often talk with women going through identity shifts after motherhood.
For many, public breastfeeding feels like a tiny protest against being invisible.
You’re not “just a mum.” You’re a human with a voice, needs and a baby who needs to eat.
If public feeding brings up shame or second-guessing, that’s worth unpacking.
Not because you’re doing something wrong but because you’ve probably absorbed a lifetime of messages telling you to be small, quiet and “appropriate.”
Let’s unpick those together. Book a clarity session with me here.
FAQs
Is breastfeeding in public legal in the UK?
Yes. It’s your legal right under the Equality Act 2010.
Where is breastfeeding in public illegal?
Very few places outright ban it but cultural pressure makes it difficult in parts of the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Can someone ask me to leave for breastfeeding?
Not legally. Not in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Germany or most of Europe.
Do I have to cover up while breastfeeding publicly?
No. Covering is personal preference, not law. Your comfort matters.
Is breastfeeding in public offensive?
To some, maybe. However, offense isn’t a legal or moral argument. Babies need to eat. Full stop.
Why is this even still controversial?
Because we’ve been trained to see breasts as sexual, not functional and unlearning that takes time.
Finally…
You don’t need permission to feed your baby but if you were waiting for a sign? This is it.Feeling held back by mum guilt or self-doubt? Let’s shift that. Book a clarity session.
0
278
