Nursing in public: How to breastfeed in public with confidence

Finding your comfort zone: Tips on how to nurse in public

Before we start looking at ways to breastfeed in public, it’s important to note that this is a personal choice. Some mothers feel completely at ease, while others may prefer more privacy.

If you’re a mother who wants to learn how to nurse in public but feels uncertain about it, consider these tips for breastfeeding in public to build up your confidence:

• Start in a comfortable environment: Try breastfeeding in public in a supportive space first, such as a mother-and-baby café! These are places where nursing in public will feel like a norm. Once you’re comfortable, start moving to busier areas. Over time, the entire process will become much easier.
• Use a nursing cover or scarf: Worried about how to cover up while breastfeeding? Try a light muslin cloth or a specially designed nursing cover to offer some discretion.
• Choose breastfeeding-friendly clothing: When you’re planning your outfit for the day, look for tops with easy access because they make breastfeeding on the go much easier. Nobody wants to struggle with finicky buttons when you’ve got a hungry baby in your arms!
• Take your time: Many women face challenges with milk production, even in public places, and especially when first trying to breastfeed. It’s completely normal to feel uneasy or frustrated. With practice, this feeling can fade, and breastfeeding in public will become easier and more natural over time. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to this new experience!

Another thing to remember is that nursing in public is a protected right, not just a personal choice.¹ While most environments are supportive, you may still encounter occasional judgment. If this happens:

• Stay calm and confident in your right to breastfeed
• Speak to staff or establishment owners, who can often provide support
• Ask if there is a quieter or dedicated space available if you prefer

If you’re wondering how to breastfeed discreetly in public, don’t hesitate to request a space that helps you feel more comfortable. Your wellbeing matters, and you deserve to feel supported while feeding your baby.

Pumping on the go as an alternative to nursing in public

For mothers who aren’t confident with breastfeeding in public yet, pumping and bottle-feeding can be a helpful alternative. It allows you to feed your baby in different settings and can also make it easier to share feeding responsibilities with your partner or other family members, giving them a special opportunity to bond with your baby.

The Philips Avent Natural Care Wearable Breast Pump is designed to offer freedom and flexibility when expressing milk on the go. Discreet, lightweight and wearable, it allows you to pump wherever you are, helping you free your hands, and your time.

Its transparent cup and built-in inner light give you a clear view of your milk flow, while the SkinSense silicone shield uses your body’s warmth to gently shape around your breast for a comfortable fit. The spill and splash-free design also helps preserve every drop while you express.

You may find a wearable pump useful for:

• Pumping at home while doing other things, whether that’s preparing a meal or enjoying a moment of self-care.
• Pumping while out and about, so you can express more discreetly when you’d prefer to.
• Pumping in the car while parked, helping you stay flexible when you’re on the go.
• Pumping at work or in a private space, so you can maintain your routine more comfortably.

A wearable breast pump can help make expressing feel more manageable, giving you more flexibility to care for your baby while also making time for yourself.

How to prepare for pumping on the go

If you choose to begin pumping in public, preparation is key! Here’s some tips to make pumping on the go a little easier:

• Packing a nursing bag:

A well-stocked nursing bag ensures you have everything you need while out and about. Essential items include:

• A portable cooler for storing expressed milk
• Sterilised bottles and teats
• Extra breast pads and wipes
• A lightweight nursing cover if desired

For more details, check out Philips’ guide on what to pack in your everyday changing bag.

• Choosing the right bottle:

When you’re transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding, finding the right bottle for your outdoor trips is paramount. You want to make sure that your baby feels the most comfortable when they’re going on those shopping trips with you! With the Philips Avent Natural Response Bottle, which is designed to mimic the natural latch, you’re able to smoothly switch between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.

If you’re a new mother, transitioning to bottle feeding, check out our tips on how to bottle feed the right way.

Breastfeeding vs. pumping in public

Each feeding method has its own advantages and challenges. Here’s a comparison to help you decide what works best for you:

• Breastfeeding in public:

Pros:

• There’s no need to carry extra bottles – so you get to carry a lighter baby bag!
• Breast milk is available for your baby at the correct temperature at any time.²

Cons:

• May take some time to get comfortable with feeding in public spaces.
• Your wardrobe will be limited, as you will need to wear shirts with easy access.

• Bottle-feeding and pumping on the go:

Pros:

• You can share the load of feeding with your partner.
• Travel convenience – you can carry your pump with you, and pump wherever you feel comfortable.

Cons:

• Bottle-feeding requires preparation; you will need to carry a nursing bag with all the correct measurements of pumped milk.
• When bottle-feeding, cleaning and sterilising your equipment is very important, and might be difficult to do on the go.

For a deeper look into the advantages of each method, check out this breastfeeding vs. pumping guide.

FAQs about nursing in public

Is breastfeeding in public allowed?

Yes, in the UK you are legally allowed to breastfeed your baby in public places, including cafés, shops, libraries and on public transport.¹ This includes businesses and services open to the public, so you should be able to feed your baby when they need it.

How can I feel more confident breastfeeding in public?

Start somewhere you feel comfortable, such as a quiet café, parent room or a familiar outdoor space. Wearing breastfeeding-friendly clothing and practising at home can also help you feel more prepared.

What should I do if someone comments on me breastfeeding in public?

You do not need to justify feeding your baby. If you feel uncomfortable, you can calmly move away, seek support from staff, or remind yourself that you are meeting your baby’s needs.

Can I pump instead of breastfeeding in public?

Yes, some parents choose to express milk and bottle-feed when they are out and about. A discreet wearable breast pump like the Philips Avent Natural Care Wearable Breast Pump can help make pumping on the go feel easier and more flexible.

Whether you choose to breastfeed in public, pump and bottle-feed, or alternate between both, the key is to find what makes you most comfortable. Nursing in public should never feel like an obligation. What matters most is ensuring that you and your baby are happy and nourished!