In recent years, there has been a significant movement to normalize breastfeeding in public spaces. Mothers shouldn’t feel pressured to retreat to uncomfortable locations like sweltering cars or unsanitary public restrooms just to avoid judgment from those who may not understand or appreciate the act of feeding a child.
When I first relocated to Atlanta, one of the earliest stories I reported on involved a nearby city that enacted a ban on public breastfeeding for children over the age of two. In response, a large group of women gathered at city hall to breastfeed their children as a form of protest. At that time, I was not married and didn’t have children of my own, though I was in a committed relationship with hopes for the future. With my family scattered across the country and only a small immediate family, I hadn’t had many opportunities to witness breastfeeding or form strong opinions on it. Yet, I found myself unbothered by the sight of a sea of nursing mothers; after all, they had every right to be there.
Fast forward two years, and I was married with a baby on the way. I was determined to breastfeed, and if that meant doing it in public, so be it. I told myself I could be discreet; how could I deny a hungry baby their meal? However, I quickly realized that public breastfeeding wasn’t for me. I tend to be awkward—perhaps even a bit prudish—and the idea of exposing myself in a crowd felt daunting. Nursing covers made me feel even more uncomfortable, and in those early days with my daughter, I preferred the peace of a quiet, cozy space to nurse. I didn’t blame others for being uncomfortable; the choice to breastfeed privately was mine alone, and I felt a twinge of shame for not being confident enough to embrace my breastfeeding abilities.
When I became pregnant with my second child, I had a naive hope that I would have to breastfeed in public due to my busy life with a toddler. However, that opportunity never arose. My son was particularly fidgety during nursing sessions, making it tough to manage while grappling with a nursing cover. He was easily distracted, and I worried about him getting enough milk. It proved easier to nurse him in private. Plus, I found it hard to keep an eye on my active toddler while trying to nurse. There were a few occasions where I nursed him in the car, but generally, I could time his feedings before and after our outings, so we rarely found ourselves out long enough to need a nursing break.
That said, I fully support women who choose to breastfeed in public. Each time I see a mother confidently nursing in public, I silently cheer for her. It’s great to see someone embracing their motherhood with such confidence. As for me, I’m learning to be okay with my preference for privacy.
Ironically, the only time I managed to nurse my son in public was probably in the most public setting imaginable. After completing a 5K in downtown Atlanta, I found myself on the 50-yard line of the Georgia Dome, surrounded by a crowd and being filmed for the Jumbotron. My husband met me at the finish line with our children, and when my son erupted into a tearful fit, I knew I had to act quickly. I grabbed a banana for my daughter and found a bench, threw a blanket over my shoulder, and let my son latch on. To my surprise, no one paid me any mind. In that moment, I felt a wave of confidence wash over me. I proved to myself that I could do this in public.
While I advocate for the normalization of public breastfeeding, I also believe there should be recognition for mothers who prefer to nurse privately without feeling ashamed. In my area, a new shopping center features a private nursing room with a television, child-sized chairs, and even a rocking chair—an excellent setup for mothers with multiple children. This allows for a peaceful environment to nurse without being forced into a corner or exposed to a crowd.
I can’t be the only one who feels this way. If you’re interested in learning more about the nuances of breastfeeding and motherhood, check out our other blog post here. And for those looking for resources related to pregnancy and home insemination, this site is an excellent choice. Additionally, if you’re considering at-home insemination, this retailer offers reputable kits for your journey.
In summary, while the push for public breastfeeding is vital, it’s equally important to acknowledge that not every mother feels comfortable with it. Each woman should be empowered to choose how and where she feeds her baby without feeling shame.
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