What is breastfeeding in public really like? One mum's experience

My challenge: To take my breasts and my baby - Jamie, 3 months – out and about, steel myself for rude remarks and see how the world feels about breastfeeding in public places...

Breastfeeding in public and the law

Your right to breastfeed in public is covered by the 2010 Equality Act which states: “A business cannot discriminate against mothers who are breastfeeding a child of any age.”

Read more about breastfeeding in public and the law

Siobhan puts breastfeeding in public to the test in 5 public places...

1. Breastfeeding at the doctor’s

My baby’s check-up is an ideal chance to try out waiting room breastfeeding. Things start badly, as my 5-year-old hisses, “Please don’t show everyone your boobies!” This from a child who asked if he could photograph them to show a classmate.

I ignore him and discreetly latch Jamie on. The man next to me gets up and walks away. Then an elderly lady walks up, and I’m convinced she’s going to be rude. She smiles, and says, “Now that’s contentment!”

2. Breastfeeding on the bus

Well, I now know how to get a seat to myself on the bus! As I feed Jamie, three separate people go to sit next to me but choose not to when they see what I’m doing.

I found this really embarrassing, and it’s not an experience I’d care to repeat, but at least I have somewhere to put all my shopping bags.

3. Breastfeeding at toddler group (part 1)

Amazingly, this is where I have my worst experience. While I’m feeding, a child toddles up to look at Jamie. I smile and say hello, but his mum drags him off. I then see her whispering to her friends and giving me dirty looks.

Breastfeeding at toddler group (part 2)

Despite my first toddler group experience, I try a local NCT ‘Bumps and Babies’ group. This is very different – lots of people are feeding their babies, and posters everywhere tell me breast is best. It’s great, but it makes me wonder if I’d actually be worried about bottlefeeding my baby in a place like this!

4. Breastfeeding at university

I have a teenage sister, so I ask her if I can hang out in her university canteen and breastfeed there. She’s horrified, but when I offer her £10 she gives in, as long as I sit at a separate table and pretend not to know her.

I have an amusing half hour watching teenage boys pretend they can’t see me, while going red and staring into the distance. A group of girls, however, say “Ahhhhh! What a cute baby!” It seems there’s a gender divide among teenagers when it comes to breasts at lunchtime.

5. Breastfeeding at the theme park

Jamie has a cold and can’t breathe through his nose, which makes it hard to feed him, so I spend the day trying to feed him all over the place – on benches, in the canteen, and, at one point, in a sandpit. I’m not happy, so when someone with ‘Ranger’ on his t-shirt tells me, “Sorry, but you can’t do that here”.

I amaze myself by snapping, “Actually, I think you’ll find I am doing it here.” He slopes off and mutters to his colleagues, but I’m left alone, and pleased that I refused to be cowed, I cheer up and enjoy my day.

How did the public breastfeeding go?

What this week brings home to me is that a lot of people are still uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public, and that it’s not the norm to see women doing it in the UK.

It’s a shame we need a law to protect our right to do it, but if that’s what it takes to help women feel braver and happier about doing something natural and beneficial for their babies, then it must be a good thing.

Siobhan's top tips for public breastfeeding

Do pinpoint breastfeeding-friendly venues. Mothercare has excellent feeding rooms, as does Ikea and many department stores. NCT groups are always pro-breastfeeding.
Don’t wear a dress. You’ll have to lift from the hem in order to feed and everyone will see your knickers. Try trousers or skirts with tops.
Do invest in nursing bras with drop cups to make feeding more discreet.
Don’t let yourself be bullied. Polite and calm is best, Try saying, “I’m comfortable here, thank you, and I’ll soon be finished.”
Do invest in equipment – breast pads help avoid wet patches, and a muslin square can help you cover up.
Do plan ahead. Your baby may be happy to have a small feed before you go out even if he’s not ravenous, which may mean you don’t have to feed when you’re out.

Pic: Getty