How accepted is Breastfeeding in public in the USA?

Robyn - posted on 02/05/2010

Thanks everyone - it appears that as a general rule as long as I cover up I am going to be fine and avoid too many comments negative especially. Cristy I too am from Australia (Adelaide) and still get mixed views here when BF'ing in public, most are ok. I generally feed out in public but without a cover as my DD wants to have a sticky beak at everything. She will need to get used to it. Lucky I have small breasts so - 'my boobs' won't be out on display if she does kick it off.

We will be travelling to New York, then to North Carolina to visit family and then on to Sandiego and Los Angeles - gotta see Disneyland again :-)

Thanks for all of your thoughtful advice.

Becky - posted on 02/05/2010

I'm in Canada too, and in my city, it seems to be quite well accepted. In fact, I wouldn't have even thought twice about it in the States! (and don't think I did when we travelled through and my son was still breastfeeding.) I use a cover for my own comfort and that of my husband, but if you don't normally use a cover, I would say, don't worry about it. Seriously, whether it is accepted or not, it should be, so as long as it is not actually illegal (which would be insanely stupid), breastfeed wherever and whenever you want to! People need to see it and suck it up if it offends them! It's the natural way to feed your baby!

Ashley - posted on 02/05/2010

I have a good friend at work who, while she was breast feeding her son some years ago, was asked by another patron at a restaurant to go feed her son in the bathroom. she was covered and everything, well she very politely looked at him and said, "if you have a problem please feel free to eat your hamburger in the bathroom." i applauded her i loved it! i cover up because I'm modest about my own body but if someone has a problem with it then they can deal. we would not have breast if we were not meant to feed our babies with them! please feel welcome to feed anywhere in America and have a glorious holiday with your family!

Cristy - posted on 02/04/2010

Not sure where the person asking the question is from but I'm from Australia and I use to be more embarrassed about bottle feeding by bub in public than I was breastfeeding.

BARBIE - posted on 02/04/2010

does your baby drink breast milk out of the bottle? if not u will be breastfeeding in public some places have rooms 4 that...

Katie - posted on 02/04/2010

I live in Canada and it's legal to breastfeed in any public place all through out this country as far as I know. I'm pretty sure that there are some states in the US that have laws against it though. Just make sure that where ever you're going isn't one of those crazy places where it's not legal to breastfeed in public. And if in fact it is not, then I say just go for it. Who cares how accepting the general public is. I think it's important for people to see it (even if it offends them). Breastfeeding is a normal natural thing. It will never be accepted if people keep hiding it. Have a nice trip!

Nicole - posted on 02/04/2010

Breastfeeding is becoming more and more accepted. Personally, I usually use a cover because some people think breasts are somewhat taboo. Other times i just say screw it and feed my daughter in the open. Its hard to find nursing rooms if thats what you're used to. Just out of curiosity, how is breastfeeding viewed in your home country?

Becky - posted on 02/04/2010

You do not need to go to a special room. You are free to nurse in public. Although, most Americans are not used to seeing a lot of exposed skin during the process. Seems most moms like to keep it discreet, whether with a cover or not.

I started making ponchos because my husband and I both felt more comfortable with my being covered in public. My friends feel the same way. If you are interested, you can check out my website. www.beckyjanedesigns.com.

Have a safe trip and don't worry too much!

Jackie - posted on 02/04/2010

People in the US are really not used to breastfeeding mostly because there is not a lot of money made from it. More mothers need to breastfeed their children in public to normalize it.

Jeannie - posted on 02/04/2010

It is legal, just cover with a blanket. If anyone says anything, tell them that where you are from mother's care enough about their children to give them what is best. So what if it comes in better packaging than formula!

Tiffany - posted on 02/04/2010

ITS LEGAL! I'd bring a cover but no cover or cover some people are still appalled & rude. I was BF myself & most of my faimly does & as soon as my lil girl gets here i plan on BF her so i think its the most natural thing in the world & im not shy @ all but i will still cover in public because i dont want any perverts staring at my breast while im feeding thats a little gross. HAVE FUN!!

Michelle - posted on 02/04/2010

I live in Michigan and I can also feed where ever I want to. I do cover up more for myself than anything. There will be people that will give you strange looks maybe say something; don't worry about it. You have wonderful protection here; I have actually had people tell me they didn't even know I had a baby under the blanket, some 'it's great that you are still nursing' . Have a wonderful trip and don't worry about nursing..there are some places that provide rooms for moms and babies who do want to use them.
Good luck

Haley - posted on 02/04/2010

im kinda still trying to get used to bf personally i go to a room but that cause im still kinda Embarressed? i guess but i have seen plenty of women feed with just a feeding blanket i have a feeling once i get used to bf i might work my way up to feeding with a blanket i dont see anything wrong with it i guess what i really worry about is a pervert looking at me ???? its wat ever your comfortable with

Crystal - posted on 02/04/2010

I Live in Tennesse and I've ran into mixed feelings about it, But I dont let the Negative people get to me I know whats best for son and thats the milk my breast make for him and if anybody has a issue with that then they know how to look away, lol but I do use a feeding blanket, Baby gotta too eat too :}

Lindsey - posted on 02/04/2010

Legally, you can breastfeed without covering up, but I typically wear a nursing wrap in public as people can be rude and insulting (I live in Colorado).

I seriously have an issue with people who have a problem with me nursing in public! For being a progressive, modern society, it doesn't seem that we don't promote what is best for our baby very well when I get looks or demeaning comments for feeding in public!

Jennifer - posted on 02/04/2010

i live in buffalo and i see tons of ppl BF in public i am breastfeeding but i dont do it in public, its a self consious thing with me but i see moms BF there 2 yr old (which i think is absurd) but most of the women cover their chest with a blanket or the shaw for breastfeeding hope ur holiday is great where r u going and where r u from?

Linda - posted on 02/04/2010

I live in florida and i know for a fact that you are allowed to BF wherever you want. It says that you dont even have to cover up, no matter how much of your nippel is showing the law protects you.



Though People are very unaccepting, so just bring a blanket so you can cover... and you should be fine.