Breastfeeding in public: what rights do you have?
Expert legal advice on what you're allowed to do when breastfeeding in public places, plus how to do it discreetly and great retorts to negative comments.
But when you breastfeed in public, there's (sadly) a chance some people are going to stare, tut or even voice their disapproval. It's not much fun at the best of times but can be positively weep-worthy when you're tired, hormonal and struggling to get your baby to latch on.
The key thing to remember is that you're not doing anything wrong. It's the tutters and starers and disapprovers who are wrong – because it’s actually against the law to stop a woman breastfeeding in a public place.
So, next time your baby pulls that 'Wah! I'm hungry!' face in public, remember these legal rights of yours – and feed proud.
Breastfeeding in public: the need-to-know legal stuff
In England and Wales, your right to breastfeed in public is covered by The Equality Act 2010 which states, "A business cannot discriminate against mothers who are breastfeeding a child of any age."
In Scotland, breastfeeding mothers are covered by an additional piece of legislation called The Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005, which makes it a criminal offence to try to stop or prevent a woman breastfeeding a baby in a public place: "anyone who tries to stop or prevent a person feeding milk to a child under the age of 2 years can be prosecuted".
Incidentally, the Scottish act also covers bottle-feeding, saying: "These mothers, or indeed any adult, should be given the same level of support and respect as breastfeeding mothers by offering to warm the milk if you have the capacity to do this." Hurrah for that!
Is there anywhere I can't breastfeed?
Yes. It's not against the law to stop a woman breastfeeding in a public if there's a legitimate health-and-safety risk (you're feeding your baby next to a vat of hazardous chemicals, for example).
It's also not against the law to prevent a women breastfeeding in a place that is providing a service just for men – as long as the organisation is acting lawfully by excluding women. We're talking here about somewhere such as an area within a religious organisation that's reserved only for men, for example – and, let's be honest, that's unlikely to be the kind of spot many mums would pick for a quick breastfeed.
How to breastfeed in public – without losing your cool
Breastfeeding: A Social Struggle - by ASHEYA on MAY 1, 2012
If you breastfeed your baby, there's bound to come a time when you have to breastfeed in a public place. You know the score - hungry baby, tingling boobs, milk delivery needed NOW.
But when you breastfeed in public, there's (sadly) a chance some people are going to stare, tut or even voice their disapproval. It's not much fun at the best of times but can be positively weep-worthy when you're tired, hormonal and struggling to get your baby to latch on.
The key thing to remember is that you're not doing anything wrong. It's the tutters and starers and disapprovers who are wrong – because it’s actually against the law to stop a woman breastfeeding in a public place.
So, next time your baby pulls that 'Wah! I'm hungry!' face in public, remember these legal rights of yours – and feed proud.
In England and Wales, your right to breastfeed in public is covered by The Equality Act 2010 which states, "A business cannot discriminate against mothers who are breastfeeding a child of any age."
This means:
- It’s unlawful for the owners or staff of a business, such as a café, shop or leisure centre, to ask you (and anyone with you) to leave their premises because you are breastfeeding a child.
- It's unlawful for the owners or staff of a business to refuse to serve you because you are breastfeeding a baby.
- You're quite within your rights to breastfeed in public open spaces, including parks and high-street benches, and on public transport, including buses and trains. You’re also protected in hospitals, theatres, cinemas and petrol stations.
- Make sure any woman they’re providing services to – whether that’s a cup of coffee or a cinema screening – is allowed to breastfeed on their premises if she wants to.
- Make sure that mums are not discriminated against, harassed or victimised because they are breastfeeding a baby.
- Make sure employees have training, so that they are aware of the protection from discrimination given to breastfeeding mothers under the law.
In Scotland, breastfeeding mothers are covered by an additional piece of legislation called The Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005, which makes it a criminal offence to try to stop or prevent a woman breastfeeding a baby in a public place: "anyone who tries to stop or prevent a person feeding milk to a child under the age of 2 years can be prosecuted".
Incidentally, the Scottish act also covers bottle-feeding, saying: "These mothers, or indeed any adult, should be given the same level of support and respect as breastfeeding mothers by offering to warm the milk if you have the capacity to do this." Hurrah for that!
Yes. It's not against the law to stop a woman breastfeeding in a public if there's a legitimate health-and-safety risk (you're feeding your baby next to a vat of hazardous chemicals, for example).
It's also not against the law to prevent a women breastfeeding in a place that is providing a service just for men – as long as the organisation is acting lawfully by excluding women. We're talking here about somewhere such as an area within a religious organisation that's reserved only for men, for example – and, let's be honest, that's unlikely to be the kind of spot many mums would pick for a quick breastfeed.
- Dress clever. Always wear a top that can be 'accessed' discreetly. Jumpers and T-shirts are usually your best bet: you can just hitch them up a little on one side. Dresses and button-down-the-middle shirts are best avoided – or you risk exposing flesh in all directions.
- Case the joint. Where's the best place to sit and feed? Some department stores do actually have a mum-and-baby areas just for breastfeeding. Otherwise, see if you can find somewhere a little bit off the beaten track, where your baby's less likely to 'pop off' the breast every 5 seconds for a look around and where you can feed quietly without fear of being accused of 'flaunting' yourself for all to see.
- Use a muslin. Before you start, tuck a muslin cloth under your baby's chin and open it out over her front. Once she's latched on, you can drape the corner of the muslin over any bits of you that need a bit of extra cover.
Breastfeeding: A Social Struggle - by ASHEYA on MAY 1, 2012
“I respect women’s right to choose to bottle-feed if they wish. I think it is a shame that many do this through fear or through lack of support or inaccurate advice. I know that most women give up feeding before they wanted to, and we can be sure it was before the baby wanted to. “- The Barefoot Mother.
Below are images of existing or inspirational posters of breastfeeding campaign adverts:
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