Breastfeeding in Public: Confidence, Covers & Knowing Your Rights
breastfeeding mother
Breastfeeding is natural, essential and protected by law—but doing it in public can still feel daunting. Whether you’re a first-time mum or a seasoned parent, feeding your baby outside the comfort of home can stir up anxiety, uncertainty, and occasionally unwanted attention.
At The Bubba & Me Club, we offer breastfeeding support in Tunbridge Wells, the South East and online—helping parents navigate not just latch and supply, but also confidence, comfort and real-world feeding challenges. In this post, we’re diving into breastfeeding in public, your legal rights, and the freedom to choose what works for you.
🧡 You Have the Right to Breastfeed in Public
Let’s start with the facts. In the UK, it is your legal right to breastfeed your baby in public, anywhere you’re legally allowed to be. This protection comes under the Equality Act 2010, which states that it is discrimination to treat a woman unfairly because she is breastfeeding.
This includes:
Cafés and restaurants
Shops and supermarkets
Public transport
Parks and public buildings
GP surgeries and hospitals
If anyone asks you to stop, move, or cover up while feeding your baby, they are in the wrong—not you.
🌱 Building Confidence to Feed Anywhere
Even though the law is on your side, it’s completely normal to feel self-conscious at first. You might worry about being stared at, judged, or interrupted. But with the right support, confidence grows.
Some gentle tips for breastfeeding in public:
Start small – try feeding in a quiet café or mother-and-baby group
Wear clothes that work for you – layered tops, button-downs or nursing bras can help you feel more secure
Bring a muslin or cover – only if it makes you feel more comfortable (not because someone else thinks you should!)
Practise at home in front of a mirror – this helps you see how discreet feeding often is
At our breastfeeding support clinic in Tunbridge Wells, we help parents feel more comfortable feeding out and about—with practical tips and a non-judgemental ear.
🧥 Covers or No Covers? It’s Up to You
Some people prefer to use a muslin cloth, scarf or dedicated nursing cover when feeding in public. Others don’t. Both are valid.
The important thing is: you don’t owe anyone modesty or explanation. If your baby is hungry, feed them. The more we see feeding in public, the more normalised it becomes—for everyone.
🤱 Feeding Support, Not Just Breastfeeding
We know that real life is more complex than a hashtag. While we proudly support breastfeeding, we also understand that every journey is different. That’s why our private breastfeeding clinics are more broadly focused on infant feeding support.
Whether you need help with:
Latch and positioning
Pain, supply, or expressing
Combination feeding
Transitioning off the breast
Weaning and feeding confidence
…we’re here. With evidence-based guidance, no judgement, and compassionate care.
👶 Karen Millen, and Why Feeding Stigma Still Exists
Recently, public figure Karen Millen made headlines for saying women should avoid breastfeeding in public and “cover up”—a comment that reflects outdated and harmful attitudes.
Her remarks sparked backlash from parents, experts, and feeding advocates across the UK. Quite rightly. Because comments like these shame mothers, reinforce stigma, and discourage women from breastfeeding altogether. The truth is: shaming someone for feeding their baby is never okay.
We support every parent’s right to feed their baby confidently, comfortably, and without fear—wherever they are.
💛 Join Our Breastfeeding Support Clinic
If you’re struggling, have questions, or simply want to feel more at ease feeding in public or at home, we’re here for you.
Our breastfeeding support sessions are available:
📍 In-person in Tunbridge Wells
🌍 Online across the UK
🫶 Welcoming all feeding journeys
You’ll receive kind, knowledgeable guidance from trained facilitators, and leave feeling heard, supported, and more confident in your feeding choices.
👉 Book your session below.
📌 Key Takeaways:
You have a legal right to breastfeed in public anywhere in the UK
You don’t have to cover up—unless you want to
Feeding support is for everyone, no matter how you feed
Confidence grows with practice, support, and community
You’re not alone—and you’re doing an amazing job
