Why Is Breastfeeding in Public Such a Big Deal?

Overwhelmingly, when babies are born their natural instinct and behavior are to breastfeed. Although some mothers and babies take a while to learn how to work together, most babies don't need to be taught how to feed at the breast, and most mothers produce breastmilk that can provide their babies' total nutrition and much more for at least the first 6 months of their life. Why is it, then, that the issue of breastfeeding babies when and where they need to be fed still provokes considerable commentary and comment in many places in the world? Media coverage of breastfeeding in public tends to focus on instances where women breastfeeding their babies are denied their legal and moral rights by being verbally abused or asked to leave public places. The outrage generated by breastfeeding advocates to these cases is often equally matched by those who decry breastfeeding in public as disgusting, vehemently opposing the rights of women to feed their babies. Others will say that breastfeeding in public is OK as long as the mother is “discreet,” usually meaning that the baby (and breast) is hidden under a wrap, poncho, or other piece of material or that the mother sits with her back to the general public.

It is therefore a breath of fresh air to hear of examples where breastfeeding in public has generated positive comment and discussion. Pope Francis has encouraged women to breastfeed when their babies needed to be fed, including in church, on more than one occasion. In another very different situation, an Australian university posted on its Facebook page a photo of a young mother breastfeeding her young baby while dressed in her graduation gown. The mother had sent the photo to the university to thank them for the assistance given to enable her to combine study, being pregnant, and breastfeeding. Although this photo received many positive comments, a similar photo of a graduating young woman in the United States received so much negative publicity that it had to be “taken down” from Facebook. I mention these two instances, not to say the situation is better in one country or another, but to illustrate the diversity of opinion about an issue that should really be taken for granted.

Concerns about breastfeeding in public are often quoted as a reason why some women decide not to breastfeed at all, or decided to feed their babies expressed breastmilk (or formula) when out of the home. Many other women are concerned about encountering either overt or covert criticism, although they know breastfeeding is the most appropriate way of feeding their babies. Although the proportion of women who have negative experiences is small, the impact on that woman can be devastating, and the surrounding publicity can also have a detrimental effect on other breastfeeding and potential breastfeeding women. However, women who breastfeed “in public” rarely do so to shock others or to “show off.” The vast majority are meeting the needs of their infant. Telling a 6 week old, a 6 month old, or even a 12 month old that he or she has to wait for a breastfeed infrequently has a happy outcome.

Over the past 10–15 years I have noticed many more women breastfeeding in shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants, while waiting at airports, and on buses both here in Australia and when I travel to the United States and Europe/the United Kingdom. Often the baby is small, and many people passing by may not have even realized that he or she was being breastfed. However, I have also seen a mother breastfeeding a 15-month-old toddler while standing in line at the supermarket checkout without anyone commenting at all. There has also been an increase in the number of Australian businesses that display a “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” sticker, and the number of jurisdictions throughout the world with laws that protect the rights of women to breastfeed where and when they need to is also on the rise.

As physicians, we can help make a difference to the breastfeeding in public issue. First, we can make sure that mothers know they are free to breastfeed in hospital or clinic waiting rooms and in our consultation rooms. Second, we can be aware of the legal situation about breastfeeding in public in our particular country or state and encourage and support women to feel comfortable about breastfeeding when they need to. Third, we can be advocates for breastfeeding in public to the wider community and continue to work toward breastfeeding being considered the norm throughout the world. Finally, we can give encouragement to women we encounter who are breastfeeding in public. A smile or a positive comment can make a world of difference.