Feeding out and about

Once you are confident feeding at home you will find it easy to feed when out and about . Here are one or two tips that you may find helpful:

  • Remember you have a legal right to feed your baby wherever you may be.
  • You may see shops and cafes displaying a welcome sticker.
  • Wear something loose fitting that you can lift up from the waist i.e. T-shirt rather than a blouse.
  • Plan your first trip with your partner, relative or a friend for support
  • Practise makes perfect and eventually your baby will feed less frequently so that you can plan a trip around a feed.
  • Consider using a sling or a large scarf that you can drape over you and baby.
  • Visit a local breastfeeding support group and you will gain confidence feeding in front of others and get tips of local cafes etc that will extend a warm welcome to you.
  • On the rare occasion that you are somewhere that you feel unable to breastfeed you could express and feed your baby expressed breast milk in a cup.

Breastfeeding in Public Places - What does the law say?

The new Equality Act (October 2010) says that is is sex discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding. Service providers must not discriminate, harass or victimise a woman because she is breastfeeding.

Is there an age limit?

There is no age restriction; the law protects you for as long as you wish to breastfeed your baby.

Where can a women breastfeed?

You are protected in public places such as parks, sports, and leisure facilities, public buildings and when using public transport such as buses, trains, and planes. You are protected in shops, restaurants and hotels regardless of how big or small. You are also protected in places like hospitals, theatres, cinemas and petrol stations.

A listing of venues that have signed up to our local scheme are available on the FAB Website.

Myth

You will be limited as to where to feed your baby when out and about.

Exploding the Myth:

Not true!

Mums have found breastfeeding when out and about is surprisingly trouble free.

Myth

Breastfeeding ties the mother down

Exploding the Myth:

Not true!

But it depends how you look at it. A baby can be breastfed anywhere, anytime, and thus breastfeeding is liberating for the mother. No need to take bottles out with you. No need to worry about where to warm up the milk. No need to worry about sterilizing bottles . No need to worry about how your baby is, because he is with you.

Breastfeeding Support