What makes a breastfeeding-friendly space?
If you’ve ever caught unwanted side eyes or critical commentary for breastfeeding in public, you’ve experienced the need for breastfeeding-friendly spaces firsthand. A recent study proves you’re not alone — parents often feel subjected to negative responses when breastfeeding outside the home.
Even if you do find a dedicated space for breastfeeding when you’re out and about, chances are that space probably isn’t the most comfortable experience. Noisy surroundings, poor sanitation, and cramped rooms make many of these spaces unfit for breastfeeding. Understandably, this lack of breastfeeding-friendly spaces may discourage you from breastfeeding in public, leading to canceled plans and failed feedings.
It doesn’t have to be this way. You have a right to breastfeeding-friendly spaces. And you have a right to maintain your breastfeeding or pumping schedule to maintain your milk supply. Here’s what they should look like.
The 4 hallmarks of a breastfeeding-friendly space
Parents everywhere are asking for breastfeeding-friendly spaces. That’s why lactation rooms are on the rise, both in offices and in public places. Another study found that parents who used high-quality lactation rooms anticipated less stress, more perceived support from their peers, and a more subjective well-being.
Now imagine what a lactation room would look like designed with you in mind. Is the space comfortable? Is it roomy? Does it make you feel safe and secure as you breastfeed your little one? Understanding what makes a high-quality breastfeeding space will help you feel more comfortable when nursing, whether you plan to breastfeed on the go or not.
Your ideas for a lactation room may differ from those of other parents. Still, there are a few hallmarks of breastfeeding that make breastfeeding in public more comfortable for almost every parent.
1. Secure
You should feel comfortable and safe as you nurse your children. This may involve offering a quiet, secluded space that separates you from busy foot traffic. If the breastfeeding space has a door, there should be a lock to ensure no one walks into the space while you nurse.
Businesses should establish a clear space for breastfeeding, whether it’s a specific location in the store or a general rule that parents are allowed to breastfeed anywhere.
Providing plenty of space is another way to make breastfeeding spaces more secure. No one wants to feel cramped while they nurse — there should be enough space to move freely with your baby. Plus, if you can’t leave your older children unattended — or with another trusted person from your “village” — you can bring them into the room.
2. Clean
Breastfeeding helps your baby grow up healthy, but doing so in an unclean environment does not. Unsanitary spaces can carry harmful pathogens and aren’t suitable for nursing or pumping.
Nursing spaces should be sanitary, odorless, and well-maintained. These spaces should also include cleaning wipes that you can use to clean up spills.
If you’re a business owner, breastfeeding spaces must be properly maintained for parents to feel safe and comfortable. Make sure the room is cleaned daily and that there are cleaning supplies within the area so parents can clean up spills after use.
3. Accessible
Nursing spaces should be easy to find. Businesses should use signage in-store or banners online to inform parents that they have a dedicated nursing space. Additional signage should be used to direct you to those spaces. Or, they may indicate that a dedicated nursing space can be anywhere in the store with a seat and a table.
Dedicated nursing spaces should be step-free to accommodate strollers. Doors should be easy to open for parents with strollers and baby carriers.
4. Accommodating
A nursing space that goes above and beyond ensures you have everything you need to have a comfortable experience. This should include:
- An electrical outlet you can plug a breast pump into.
- A safe, clean, flat surface for changing diapers or temporarily resting your baby.
- Temperature control to help maintain a more comfortable environment.
Making a public space breastfeeding-friendly
We could go on and on about what we think is the ideal private breastfeeding space. But we also need to talk about creating safe and comfortable spaces in public when you don’t have a dedicated room.
Know that you have rights. You have the right to nurse in any public or private space in all 50 states without being asked to cover up or leave. You have the freedom to look for the four hallmarks of a breastfeeding-friendly space wherever you are, whether it’s a quiet corner at the mall or in the gazebo of your favorite park.
Navigate nursing with the help of an IBCLC
These tips can hopefully help you identify where and how you can breastfeed more comfortably. If you don’t find these qualities in the places you frequently have to breastfeed, speak with the business owners to discuss how they can better accommodate your right to breastfeed.
If you’d like additional counseling on how to breastfeed in public for a more comfortable experience, consider meeting with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
IBCLCs can help counsel you to breastfeed with confidence and comfort in any circumstance. Meeting with an IBCLC should be covered by your insurance, so you can meet with them with no out-of-pocket costs. Schedule your appointment today.
We’re here for you, every step of the way. We work with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth visits with an IBCLC.
