Breastfeeding in public is still considered controversial by some people. We don’t see what’s controversial—it’s the law that all moms have a right to breastfeed in public. Here are some facts about breastfeeding in public, and some tips for moms who may be uncomfortable breastfeeding in public at first:
- Breastfeeding in public is legal in all 50 states. Most states have laws protecting moms’ rights to breastfeed in public, but even in states without those laws, it’s perfectly legal to breastfeed in public!
- You may feel more comfortable breastfeeding with a small blanket over your shoulder, covering the baby’s head and your breast. Try it out and see if the baby is comfortable that way.
- Lifting your shirt from the bottom, rather than the top, can also help you feel less exposed.
- You may want to try breastfeeding in front of a mirror first, to gauge how much is being exposed (usually a lot less than you think).
- Maternity wear companies also offer tops and bras designed especially for breastfeeding, which are cute, functional, and help you nurse comfortably in public.
And lastly, remember that more than 75% of moms out there have breastfed for at least some period of time. A lot of those people around you are silently thinking good thoughts when they see a breastfeeding mom!
