Can we all agree that a restroom is the last place anyone wants to enjoy a meal? So why do we continue to suggest that nursing parents feed their babies in bathroom stalls? Public restrooms are unsanitary and should not be considered a viable option for new parents looking to nourish their infants.
Let me clarify: it’s absolutely not reasonable.
I remember the first—and only—time I attempted to breastfeed my child in a public restroom. My son was just a month old, and I was excited yet anxious to join family for brunch. Back then, I let others’ opinions about breastfeeding in public overshadow my own needs and those of my baby. (As a side note, the first rule of motherhood is to prioritize your own instincts over others’ judgments. Until you learn this, your journey into motherhood may be fraught with challenges.)
The gathering started off beautifully. Everyone was delighted to see us, and my son received plenty of affection. But when he began to cry for food, the atmosphere shifted. Suddenly, someone exclaimed, “Oh no! He’s hungry, and you forgot to bring his food!”
I calmly explained that, as his mother, I was his food source.
“Where will you feed him?” someone asked, and then the suggestion came to use the restroom.
I felt a wave of discomfort. I barely wanted to use the restroom, let alone feed my baby in one. But it seemed less like a suggestion and more like an expectation. So, feeling half-embarrassed and half-frustrated, I excused myself and headed to the bathroom.
Inside, it was a single stall with no option for seating other than the visibly dirty toilet. This was a moment, among many, that visiting family left me feeling ashamed of my choice to breastfeed. If someone had asked me then, I might not have found the right words to express why being told to nurse in a restroom felt so wrong. Yet, deep down, I sensed that something was off. I felt like an outsider, banished to the restroom.
As I stood there, not even a month into this motherhood journey, the urge to cry became overwhelming. I realized my son and I were alone in the restroom, and I gave in to the tears.
I didn’t have the courage to discuss what happened when I returned. It didn’t matter if their intentions were merely to offer options. The underlying assumption that my baby should be formula-fed, coupled with the suggestion that I feed him elsewhere, stung deeply. It sent a message that breastfeeding in public was abnormal and should be kept hidden.
What was particularly hurtful was that this was just one of many moments where people I cared about made me feel guilty for choosing to nurse. I was shocked that those I loved could leave me feeling so marginalized.
That experience has stuck with me, along with the feelings of discomfort it brought. The mere thought of telling nursing parents to feed in restrooms continues to infuriate me.
Since then, I’ve grown into a more unapologetic breastfeeding advocate. Feeding in a restroom—unless it’s an emergency at home—is now firmly on my list of “never agains.” I stand up for nursing parents both in person and online.
To friends and family of breastfeeding mothers, listen up: nursing is a challenging journey. Make sure your nursing loved one feels comfortable and nourished; these factors are crucial for both milk production and the baby’s well-being.
If you feel uncomfortable around a breastfeeding parent, it’s your responsibility to step away. Don’t impose your discomfort on them. Remember, nursing is protected by law in all 50 states; it is both a public health issue and a human right. Reflect on the messages you’ve internalized that make breastfeeding seem strange. And never, ever suggest that a nursing parent feed in a restroom, closet, or any other isolated space unless they specifically request it.
Don’t be the one who forces a parent to eat in a restroom.
For more information on this topic, check out this article about home insemination kits, which can provide insights into parenting and family planning. Additionally, if you’re interested in outdoor activities for families, visit this resource. And for those seeking further information on pregnancy and fertility, this website is an excellent resource.
In summary, breastfeeding is an essential aspect of motherhood, and no parent should be made to feel ashamed or uncomfortable while nourishing their child, especially not in unsanitary conditions like public restrooms.