It's normal and legal to breastfeed in public, but feeling embarrassed is common due to social stigma, though most people are supportive. Many parents feel self-conscious or anxious about judgment, but practice, supportive clothing, and understanding your legal rights can build confidence, with many experiencing positive reactions.
First of all, breastfeeding in public is completely okay!! Don't let anyone intimidate you or tell you that it's inappropriate. However, it's important to be discreet about breastfeeding so your baby can enjoy eating, you can relax, and not feel exposed or uncomfortable.
– Breastfeeding outside the home should only be done in designated nursing areas, or in the bathroom, or in your car, where no one else can see it. – Breastfeeding in public is fine, but only if mom uses a blanket or nursing cover.
Importantly, there is no law in Australia that forbids a mother from breastfeeding. Even if someone asks you to stop, you have the legal right to continue breastfeeding wherever you are allowed to be.
FACT: It is legal to breastfeed in public in all 50 states. It is NOT indecent exposure, and federal law protects nursing mothers and babies anywhere they're allowed to be.
The "4-4-4 rule" for breast milk is a simple storage guideline: fresh milk is good for 4 hours at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C), for 4 days in the refrigerator (39°F/4°C or colder), and up to 4-6 months (or longer) in a standard freezer (0°F/-18°C). It's a handy mnemonic, though some organizations like the CDC recommend up to 6 months in the freezer and the AAP up to 9 months, with deeper freezers offering even longer storage.
Alia Bhatt recently spoke about her postpartum journey, sharing how breastfeeding her daughter Raha naturally helped her lose weight. But what drew attention was the pace of her recovery, sparking online conversations.
The 5-3-3 rule is a gentle sleep training method for older babies (often around 6 months) to reduce night feedings, suggesting you wait at least 5 hours for the first night feed after bedtime, then 3 hours for the next, and another 3 hours for any subsequent feeds, using other soothing techniques (shushing, patting) for earlier wakings to encourage self-soothing, rather than immediately feeding for comfort. It aims to differentiate hunger from comfort-seeking, but it's a guideline, not a strict mandate, and needs to be adapted to your baby's needs, ensuring they still get enough calories during the day, notes Momcozy and Reddit users.
Scarves and cloths. Some mums feel more comfortable putting a scarf or muslin cloth over their chest while they're breastfeeding. Take someone with you. It can help to go with a friend who has an older baby and can take you to places that she already knows.
Coco Austin defended her choice to breastfeed her and husband Ice-T's daughter Chanel, now 9, until she was 6 years old, saying it was an opportunity to bond.
However, it's essential to acknowledge why some may feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in public. Concerns range from feeling physically exposed, especially when babies are unpredictable, to fearing negative reactions or judgement tied to body image.
Breastfeeding in public is protected by law in all 50 states. No one has the right to tell you to leave, cover up or stop feeding.
Muslim mothers explained adopting several coping strategies for breastfeeding in public, such as using nursing covers, and shopping at stores with breastfeeding rooms. However, they noted, feeding infants food and drinks alternatively was always an easier option: Aaysha: : '…
It's also normal to be sexually interested in your partner's breasts even when they're producing milk. Not to mention, some people are more sensitive to breast stimulation in the postpartum phase. Generally speaking, it's perfectly safe to breastfeed your husband or partner, but there are some aspects to consider.
In the post-World War 2 era in the United States, breastfeeding continued to face significant challenges due to societal perceptions and cultural shifts. The sexualization of breasts, influenced by media and popular culture, led to discomfort and a taboo around nursing in public.
In today's society, feeding choices have become a larger part of the public discourse. Mothers who breastfeed, especially in public, are often shamed or sexualized. They're told to cover up or leave public spaces, despite laws in many countries protecting their right to nurse in public.
The "4-4-4 rule" for breast milk is a simple storage guideline: fresh milk is good for 4 hours at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C), for 4 days in the refrigerator (39°F/4°C or colder), and up to 4-6 months (or longer) in a standard freezer (0°F/-18°C). It's a handy mnemonic, though some organizations like the CDC recommend up to 6 months in the freezer and the AAP up to 9 months, with deeper freezers offering even longer storage.
It comes down to discomfort – from the people who are not feeding or sustaining your baby. There have been disputes that breastfeeding in public is “indecent” when in fact it should be seen as exactly the opposite – it is a caring act between a mother and her child.
At around 6 weeks, many moms introduce the pump and follow the Magic 8 method — pumping 8 times in 24 hours to help build and maintain milk supply.
Percent of mothers who breastfed were as follows: never (28.6%), 6 weeks (50.3%), 6 months (26.4%), 9 months (16.6%), 12 months (9.7%), 18 months (2.7%), 20 months (1%). We windsorized the 2% of mothers who reported breastfeeding longer than 24 months.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years or longer.
The 4 4 4 rule means breastfeeding or pumping every 4 hours, for at least 4 days, and continuing for about 4 weeks to support milk supply. This steady routine helps signal the body to make more milk.
Bollywood actor and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gave birth to Aradhya in 2011. She breastfed her little one for a long time. "Enjoy your motherhood years, no matter how consuming it might be. Always remember that having a child is a blessing.
Alia Bhatt was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and anxiety; she has been vocal about her mental health.
Kareena has openly discussed breastfeeding, emphasizing its importance for both mother and child and has shared tips for new mothers on managing the challenges that come with it.