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Breastfeeding in Public: Rights and Practical Tips

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The Office on Women's Health says a woman has the right to breastfeed her baby wherever and whenever her baby is hungry. 1 In the UK, the NHS says it is illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place such as a cafe, shop, or public transport. 2 Below is what recognised health bodies say about your rights and practical ways to feed comfortably in public, quoted and linked.

Key takeaways

  • The Office on Women's Health says you have the right to breastfeed wherever and whenever your baby is hungry. 1
  • The NHS says it is illegal (in the UK) to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place. 2
  • The Office on Women's Health says to wear clothes with easy access to the breasts, such as tops that pull up from the waist or button down. 1
  • The NHS warns it is not safe to breastfeed a baby while they are in a sling. 2

**A quick, honest note:** we're not medical professionals - everything here was researched by us from the public sources listed at the bottom of this page, and it isn't professional advice. Read our full note ↓

Can you breastfeed in public?

The Office on Women's Health says a woman has the right to breastfeed her baby wherever and whenever her baby is hungry. 1 In the UK, the NHS says it is illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place, such as a cafe, shop or public transport. 2

What should I wear to feed comfortably?

The Office on Women's Health says to wear clothes that allow easy access to your breasts, such as tops that pull up from the waist or button down. 1 La Leche League says a loose-fitting top that lifts or unbuttons from the waist lets you feed your baby without exposing your breast, because the baby covers the nipple and lower breast. 3 It adds that with a nursing bra, discreet breastfeeding is easiest when the bra can be pulled up or unfastened and re-fastened with one hand. 3 The NHS says a soft, non-underwired bra can be easily pulled up or down when you want to feed your baby. 2

For keeping covered, the NHS says that wearing two stretchy tops lets the top layer lift up and the bottom layer pull down, keeping the tummy covered while feeding, 2 and that some mothers feel more comfortable placing a scarf or muslin cloth over their chest while breastfeeding. 2 La Leche League adds a caveat worth knowing: a cover can be used, but some babies do not enjoy having their heads covered. 3

Building confidence

La Leche League suggests that before feeding in public you may want to practice in front of a mirror, or ask a trusted friend to watch you or take a photograph, to see what others can actually see. 3

A safety note on slings

Because hands-free feeding sounds convenient, it is worth being clear on the guidance. The NHS says it is not safe to breastfeed a baby while they are in a sling or carrier. 2

Frequently asked questions

Can you breastfeed in public?

The Office on Women's Health says you have the right to breastfeed wherever and whenever your baby is hungry; in the UK the NHS says it is illegal to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place. 1 2

How do you breastfeed discreetly?

La Leche League suggests a loose top that lifts from the waist; 3 the NHS suggests two stretchy tops 2 or a scarf. 2

What should I wear?

The Office on Women's Health says clothes with easy access, such as tops that pull up from the waist or button down. 1

Is it safe to breastfeed in a sling?

The NHS says it is not safe to breastfeed a baby while they are in a sling. 2

A note from us

We're the team behind Yael & Michal. We are not doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, or psychologists, and nothing here is professional advice.

Everything above was researched by us from public, reputable sources - we name and link every one of them below - and summarized as carefully as we could, as a free resource for other mothers. We do this because we wished something like it had existed for us.

When we name an organisation such as the CDC, the NHS, La Leche League, or the Israeli Ministry of Health, we are only citing their published guidance; it does not mean they endorse, sponsor, approve, or are affiliated with us. They have no involvement with this site, and we never use their logos or seals.

Yael & Michal sells nursing bras, which are comfort garments and not medical devices; we do not claim they prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition. The health information here is written for you as a free resource - it is separate from anything we sell.

We try hard to get it right, and we cite our sources so you can check us. But we are not a medical authority, and this cannot replace talking to a professional who knows you and your baby. Please check anything that matters with your doctor, midwife, or an IBCLC lactation consultant. This content has not been reviewed by a medical professional. Reading this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship, or any other professional relationship, between you and us.

If something feels urgent, contact your healthcare provider or emergency services.

Read our full Medical Disclaimer · How we research and write · Content Terms

Sources

  1. Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov). https://womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-home-work-and-public/breastfeeding-public (retrieved 2026-07-10).
  2. NHS (National Health Service, UK). https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-in-public/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
  3. La Leche League International. https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/discretion/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).