Breastfeeding makes it easy to go anywhere with your baby. You do not have to carry feeding equipment or worry about keeping bottles germ-free. Breast milk is always available at the right temperature and in the right amount for your baby.
Building your confidence
Some mothers feel self-conscious breastfeeding in public at first. This gets easier with time. Most people will not notice you are breastfeeding as it looks like you are cuddling your baby.
You can practice self-latches at home without having to look while latching. You can sit in front of a mirror and see how this works.
Going to a support group and watching other mothers breastfeeding can help with your confidence.
Ciara shares her tips around breastfeeding with other mothers
Catherine talks about getting support at her local breastfeeding support class (video)
If you want privacy while breastfeeding in public
You can put a light scarf over your shoulder to give you some privacy while feeding or attaching your baby on to feed. A baby sun hat or muslin cloth can also work well.
Putting a light scarf or muslin cloth over your shoulder can give you some privacy while breastfeeding in public.
Important
Do not feed your baby in a carrier or sling.
If your baby needs to be fed, take them out of the carrier or sling.
Feeding in a carrier or sling could increase your baby’s risk of cot death or suffocation.
Tips for breastfeeding in public
These tips might help:
- Bring your partner or a friend along for support until you become more confident.
- Plan ahead - before you go out, think about where you will feel comfortable breastfeeding.
- Wear a loose top over a strappy top so that you can lift up the outer top and pull down the strappy top.
- Wear a nursing bra so that you can quickly click it open and attach your baby.
- Use breast pads inside your bra for leaking milk. This will provide protection.
- Prevent leaking before or after a feed by applying gentle pressure on your nipples for a few seconds. You can do this by crossing your arms firmly across your chest.
- Dark colour tops, patterned fabrics, layered clothing and scarves can all hide leaks.
- Choose a quiet area if possible as babies can be easily distracted.
- Ask if there is a private feeding area if you want more privacy - some restaurants, hotels and shopping centres have these areas available.
- Bring your water bottle - you may feel thirsty as you breastfeed.
- Backpacks are easier than hand bags to free up your hands for your baby.
Breastfeeding in public places
You are entitled to breastfeed in public places. You do not have to ask anyone for permission. Some places may offer a private area if you would like this, but you do not have to use it.
When in public, remember:
- you can breastfeed anywhere you and your baby want or need to
- wear something comfortable that can be opened easily for breastfeeding
- do not wait until your baby gets too hungry or distressed
Breastfeeding offers your baby comfort, as well as food.
Breastfeeding laws in Ireland
The Equal Status Act (2000) protects people from discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment). It allows you to use a wide range of services including shops and restaurants.
Breastfeeding is not directly mentioned, but protection for breastfeeding in public is covered by the Act on gender grounds.
This Act helps mothers to breastfeed or express milk comfortably in public places by protecting them from being discriminated against or harassed because they are breastfeeding. Discrimination is unfair treatment. For example, asking someone to leave the premises because they are breastfeeding.