You may not know this, but every mother legally has the right to breastfeed her child anywhere in the United States, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. That includes breastfeeding in public places like restaurants, parks, and retail stores. Basically, if you’re legally allowed to be in a place, you are legally allowed to breastfeed your child in that place. 

With that knowledge on your side, it may make you more comfortable to breastfeed whenever and wherever your baby gets hungry. Still, if you’re not used to unbuttoning your top or scooping your breast out of your bra in public (and really, who is?) it can be a bit of a mental adjustment to do it for the first time. These tips should help make it easier. 

Dress for success

Certain articles of clothing and accessories make it easier to get your baby to your breast in public, without revealing anything you don’t want to. But remember, it’s about you and your baby’s comfort—not anyone else’s.

• Button-up shirt

• Loose V-neckline

• Stretch-knit top

• Nursing bra

• Baby sling or nursing sling

• Lightweight blanket or nursing cover

Location, location, location

Just because you’re allowed to breastfeed anywhere, doesn’t mean you can’t look for an especially appealing spot to do it. Some babies prefer quiet places to nurse—others can happily suck in the middle of a circus ring. Here are some ideas to make you both happy. 

• Dressing room or women’s lounge of a retail store. Some dressing rooms even have couches and chairs in a waiting area right outside, which can be comfortable, quiet, and convenient. 

• Designated nursing rooms. You might find these at event venues, amusement parks, airports, and shopping malls. They’re typically specifically designed for nursing moms, with changing tables and ample seating. 

• Hotel lobbies. It’s quiet and spacious, it has seating—what’s not to like?

• Anywhere you want. If you’re at a cafe or restaurant, don’t feel pressure to get up from the table and nurse your baby elsewhere. You’re allowed to do it right where you are. Likewise, if you’re at an outdoor festival, you can nurse your baby where you’re standing. Ultimately, your baby’s hunger and your comfort should be the only factors influencing you.

Disarming the naysayers

Breastfeeding in public may be perfectly legal, but there may be someone in the area who doesn’t think it’s a good idea. If that person lets you know how they feel, here’s how you can respond. 

• Stay calm. You have every right to feed your child, and you can either ignore the complainer, or calmly let them know the law. 

• Ask for a supervisor. If you’re being harassed by an employee of the store, restaurant, or other establishment where you’re nursing, ask them to send over a supervisor. 

• Alert authorities. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation and/or call 911 or ask someone else to do so on your behalf. 

Your first time breastfeeding in public might feel a little weird—or not! But either way, with practice, you’ll learn your own tips and tricks to make it easy and efficient for both you and your baby. And once you do, share your tips with other moms, so that everyone can feel comfortable and confident nursing their baby in public.