This Act states that it is sex discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding. It applies to anyone providing services, benefits, public bodies, facilities and premises to the public, further and higher education bodies and associations.
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Breastfeeding in public
It’s your legal right to breastfeed your child in public for as long as you wish to do so.
Local schemes promoting breastfeeding in public
Top tips for breastfeeding in public
Breastfeeding friendly clothing
If you’re worried about people seeing your breasts, breastfeeding-friendly clothing ideas include:
- loose tops which can be lifted up
- stretchy tops, vests or cropped tops which can be layered up and pulled up or down
- jackets, cardigans and scarves can be used as screens and will cover almost everything
Building confidence
Practice! The more you do it, the better you get at getting your baby latched on quickly. Also, you go to your local breastfeeding support group to practice in front of other people.
Time and place
Take a friend with you in the early days until you feel more confident. As well, try to get settled somewhere before your baby gets hungry.
You can also find a local breastfeeding friendly place that offer facilities and support for you and your family.
Some mums don’t mind feeding anywhere. Others feel better if they can find somewhere out of the way. Never resort to feeding in a public toilet.
More information
You can ask your midwife, health visitor or peer support worker to help you with breastfeeding in public.
Your local area
Visit your local area page for details of support available to you locally.
Out of hours support
You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.