I fully grasp the movement to normalize breastfeeding in public. It’s essential for women not to feel compelled to retreat to sweltering cars, unsanitary public restrooms, or other hidden corners to avoid judgment from those who are uncomfortable with the sight of a mother nourishing her child.
When I first moved to Atlanta, one of my initial assignments as a journalist was to cover a story about a nearby city that prohibited public breastfeeding for children older than 2 years. In response, a large group of women gathered at city hall, breastfeeding their children as an act of protest. At that time, I was in a committed relationship but not yet married or a mother. With my family scattered across the nation and my immediate circle lacking in baby exposure, I had little experience with breastfeeding. However, amidst the crowd of nursing mothers, I felt it was completely normal. They had every right to breastfeed in public.
Fast forward two years, and as a soon-to-be mother, I was determined to breastfeed. If it meant doing so in public, then so be it. I believed I could be discreet—after all, denying a hungry baby their meal seemed unreasonable. Yet, I soon discovered that public breastfeeding was not my cup of tea. I tend to be on the awkward side—perhaps even a bit prudish. The thought of exposing myself in a crowd made me uneasy. Nursing covers felt just as uncomfortable to me, and I struggled during the early weeks of breastfeeding my daughter. It was far more manageable in a quiet, cozy setting. I didn’t hold any grudges against those who breastfed publicly; the choice was mine. Yet, I found myself feeling a tinge of shame for not being bold enough to show off my breastfeeding skills.
During my second pregnancy, I held the naive belief that I would have to breastfeed publicly, given my busy life with a toddler. However, that opportunity has yet to present itself. My son is a wiggly little one, often latching and unlatching for various reasons. The challenges of managing dripping milk and redirecting his head while encumbered by a nursing cover are significant. He’s also easily distracted, making it easier to find privacy to ensure he gets enough to eat. Plus, keeping an eye on my active toddler while nursing is no small feat. I’ve managed to nurse him in the car while my daughter enjoys her DVD without issue. Thankfully, our schedule isn’t so hectic that we can’t find moments to feed him before or after outings. While I’ve had a few nursing sessions in the car, they’ve been rare since I prefer to nurse before we leave and again once we’re back home.
That said, I wholeheartedly support women who breastfeed in public. Whenever I see a mother doing so, I silently cheer her on—her confidence is admirable. I’m gradually coming to terms with my own preferences regarding breastfeeding.
I did manage to nurse my son in public once, and ironically, it was in an extraordinarily visible setting. After completing a 5K race in downtown Atlanta, which concluded on the 50-yard line of the Georgia Dome, I found myself in front of a crowd, with runners being filmed and displayed on the Jumbotron. My husband met me with our children, and as he ran the 1-mile race, my son began to wail, having gone almost three hours without feeding. I quickly grabbed a banana to keep my daughter occupied, found a bench, and discreetly covered myself with a blanket while I nursed. To my surprise, no one reacted negatively; people were simply going about their business. At that moment, I felt empowered, thinking, “You go, girl.” It proved to me that I could nurse in public if necessary. While I might not be completely comfortable, I’m thankful for that experience.
Let’s advocate for the normalization of public breastfeeding. There is no shame in it. Yet, should there be shame in my choice to prefer privacy? I believe it’s important to recognize that some mothers may need to breastfeed in public but would feel more comfortable doing so in a private space. Not every mother wants to fumble with a nursing cover or use their baby’s head as a shield. In my community, a newly built shopping center includes a private nursing room equipped with a television, child-sized chairs, and a rocking chair for mothers, providing a safe and comfortable environment for nursing. This represents progress—mothers are not forced to hide away or breastfeed in front of strangers. It’s the ideal solution for someone like me who appreciates the option to nurse in public when necessary but prefers not to. Surely, I can’t be alone in this sentiment.
In summary, while I support the movement to normalize public breastfeeding, I also advocate for the understanding that some mothers may prefer to nurse privately. The availability of facilities that cater to this need is a welcome development in supporting all types of breastfeeding choices.