Breastfeeding in Public: Confidence, Covers, and Giving Zero Forks

Let’s set the scene. You’re at a café. Your baby starts fussing (read: screaming like they haven’t eaten in 84 years). You know they’re hungry. You know you’ve got the goods. But suddenly, all the tables around you feel like the set of a reality TV show – eyes everywhere.

Breastfeeding in public? It can feel like a full-blown performance the first few times. But guess what? Feeding your baby is not something you ever need to feel awkward, guilty, or apologetic about.

So let’s talk confidence, covers, and giving exactly zero forks about what anyone else thinks.

💪 The Confidence Bit: You’ve Got This, Mama

First of all – you are legally and absolutely allowed to breastfeed your baby in public in both Australia and New Zealand. Full stop.

But even with the law (and logic) on your side, it can feel intimidating at first – especially if you’re still getting the hang of latching, positioning, and managing those squirty letdowns that come out like an overenthusiastic garden hose.

Here are a few tips to boost your confidence:

• Practise at home in front of a mirror so you can see what others actually see (spoiler: it’s probably a whole lot less than you think)

• Wear clothes that make access easy – think nursing tops or stretchy tees

• Bring a support person the first few times you feed in public, just for that moral cheerleading

🧣 The Cover Option (If You Want It)

Some mums love using a breastfeeding cover in public. Others find them fiddly or unnecessary. There’s no right or wrong here – just whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

If you’re someone who likes a bit of privacy, our 5-in-1 Multi-Use Covers are a game-changer. They slip on like a poncho (no awkward fumbling), give bub a calm little feeding cocoon, and double as a capsule cover, trolley liner, and more. Win-win-win.

No more muslin cloths flapping in the wind or baby playing peekaboo mid-feed.

Check them out here.

😎 The Zero Forks Energy

Here’s the thing. Whether you choose to feed covered, uncovered, in a feeding room or at the café table – feeding your baby is normal. Necessary. Natural. Not a performance.

So to the strangers who give side-eyes or suggest you “use a bottle next time”? You don’t owe them an explanation. You owe your baby nourishment and love – and you’re already nailing that.

Remind yourself:

• You’re not “exposing” yourself, you’re feeding your child.

• Other people’s discomfort is not your responsibility.

• The more of us who breastfeed openly, the more normal it becomes for the next generation of mums.

🍼 Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding in public might feel scary at first, but like most things in motherhood, the more you do it, the easier it gets.

Do what works for you. Use a cover or don’t. Feed in the park, on a plane, or at a restaurant. You’re not just a mum – you’re a powerhouse. And your baby? They’re lucky as heck to have you.