Why Some Mothers Choose Not to Cover Up While Breastfeeding: Five Reasons to Embrace Open Feeding

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Whenever a breastfeeding story surfaces in the media—especially those where mothers are asked to vacate a space to feed their little ones—I find myself breaking my rule about avoiding online comments. My circle is filled with supportive individuals who champion breastfeeding, yet I’m drawn to the varied opinions regarding public breastfeeding.

While some comments are undeniably harsh, others stem from genuine curiosity. As a mother who has nursed three children in numerous environments, I wish to address a common inquiry: “What’s the difficulty with covering up to breastfeed in public?”

First of all, it’s fantastic that you support breastfeeding! I aspire to a future where we simply call it feeding, as that’s precisely what it is—feeding a baby. Why should mothers be required to cover their infants while they nourish them? It seems rather absurd. Here are several reasons why some mothers may prefer not to cover up:

1. The Challenge of Covering Up: For many mothers, particularly new ones, managing a cover while trying to position a wiggly baby for proper latching can be quite difficult. Even with experience, I found it tricky to keep a cover in place while ensuring my baby latched correctly. The only time modesty might be a concern is during the initial latch, and balancing a blanket while achieving a comfortable position is far from easy.
2. Baby Preferences: Many infants dislike being covered during feeding. My children often tried to push the cover away. Imagine trying to eat under a blanket—uncomfortable, right? The suffocating feeling of being covered, especially in warm weather, can be overwhelming.
3. Eye Contact Matters: A vital benefit of breastfeeding is the eye contact shared between mother and child. The design of the breast allows the baby to be in the line of sight of the mother’s face. When bottle-feeding, mothers typically don’t cover the baby’s face—why should breastfeeding be different?
4. Attention Draw: Interestingly, some mothers find that using a cover can attract more attention to what they’re doing. When feeding without a cover, it often appears as though they are simply cradling a sleeping baby. A blanket draped over the shoulder can stand out and make the act of breastfeeding seem more conspicuous.
5. Normalizing Feeding: Covering up can imply that there’s something inappropriate about breastfeeding. In reality, it’s just a natural part of nurturing a child.

Some may express, “I support breastfeeding, but why not pump if you’re going out?” While some mothers can pump successfully and their babies will take a bottle, that’s not true for everyone. After much effort, I could pump, but my little ones refused to take a bottle. Why should mothers face the hassle of pumping, storing, transporting, and warming milk when they can feed their baby directly and conveniently?

Another common comment is about modesty, particularly when children are present. If modesty is a concern, it’s crucial to apply the same standards when observing women in swimsuits or low-cut tops. Most of the time, breastfeeding involves only the briefest exposure, and if you see a mother preparing to nurse, you can simply look away.

Some might ask, “Can’t you just go to the bathroom to breastfeed?” The answer is no. Bathrooms are unsanitary; many lack adequate seating, forcing mothers to sit on the floor or even the toilet. While some mothers opt for privacy to feel more comfortable, this choice should be theirs—not a societal expectation.

Addressing more extreme views, breastfeeding is not comparable to private activities like going to the bathroom or having sex. Feeding a baby is a natural, sanitary act that promotes bonding, not something that should be confined to private spaces.

In summary, breastfeeding in public is a natural and essential part of nurturing a newborn. Mothers should not face unnecessary scrutiny and should feel empowered to feed their babies comfortably, anywhere they are. If you are interested in further exploring topics related to conception and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on donor insemination. For those considering at-home options, this guide and this kit can be incredibly helpful.