It probably won't happen. Most Australians are supportive, or at least silent, when they see a mum feeding her baby. But the possibility lives in the back of your mind every time you latch on outside your own home.
What if someone says something?
Having a response ready doesn't mean you're expecting the worst. It means you're choosing not to let the fear of a stranger's opinion dictate where, when, or how you feed your child. Here are real responses for real situations.
If someone asks you to cover up
This is the most common comment breastfeeding mums report. It usually comes from a stranger, sometimes from a well-meaning family member, occasionally from a staff member at a cafe or shop.
What you could say:
- "Thanks for your concern, but we're fine."
- "I'm comfortable, and so is my baby."
- "I'm not required to cover up. It's actually protected by law in Australia."
You don't owe an explanation. A short, calm response is all that's needed. But if you want to add context, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 makes it illegal to ask a breastfeeding mother to cover up in any public place in Australia.
If someone suggests you move somewhere private
"There's a parents' room just down there" or "You might be more comfortable in the car" are phrases that sound helpful but carry a clear message: do this somewhere else.
What you could say:
- "I'm comfortable right here, but thank you."
- "She won't wait, and I don't need to move."
- "Parents' rooms are an option, not a requirement."
Parents' rooms exist for convenience. You are never obligated to use one. Feeding your baby at the table, on the park bench, or in the shopping centre is completely normal and completely legal.
If you get a pointed stare
No words. Just a look. Sometimes that's harder to deal with than an actual comment because there's nothing concrete to respond to.
Options:
- Make eye contact and smile. Most people will look away immediately.
- Ignore it entirely. Your baby needs to eat. That's the only thing that matters right now.
- Remind yourself: they might not even be looking at you. New parents are hyper-aware. Sometimes a glance is just a glance.
If a staff member asks you to stop or leave
This is rare, but it does happen. And it is against the law.
What you could say:
- "Breastfeeding in public is protected under the Sex Discrimination Act. I'd like to continue feeding my baby."
- "Could I speak with your manager? I'd like to let them know about this."
If a business asks you to stop breastfeeding, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission or your state's anti-discrimination body. You don't have to. But you can. And the 2023 KFC case, which resulted in $90,000 compensation, shows that these complaints are taken seriously.
If a family member makes a comment
This one stings differently. Comments from partners, in-laws, or parents often come wrapped in "I'm just thinking of you" language, but they can undermine your confidence more than a stranger ever could.
What you could say:
- "I appreciate you caring, but I'm going to feed the baby when the baby needs to eat."
- "This is normal and healthy. I need you to support that."
- "The baby doesn't know what's 'appropriate.' They just know they're hungry."
Setting boundaries with family is harder than responding to a stranger. But your feeding relationship with your baby is yours to protect.
If someone makes a comment on social media
Posted a breastfeeding photo and got unsolicited opinions? You're in good company. The most powerful response is often no response at all. Delete, block, move on.
But if you want to respond:
- "Breastfeeding is how babies eat. There's nothing controversial about feeding a child."
- "Normalising breastfeeding starts with showing it. I'll keep posting."
The truth about comments
Here's what most mums discover: the comments almost never come. The fear of the comment is almost always worse than the reality.
Research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies shows that the vast majority of Australians support public breastfeeding. The loud minority gets amplified online, but in real life, most people either don't notice or actively support you.
The more you feed in public, the less the possibility of a comment bothers you. The first time is the hardest. By the fifth time, you barely think about it. By the twentieth, you've forgotten it was ever a worry.
What to remember
- You have every legal right to breastfeed anywhere in Australia. Read about your legal protections here.
- You don't owe anyone an explanation. A smile, a short sentence, or complete silence are all valid responses.
- Your baby's needs come first. Not a stranger's comfort. Not a family member's opinion. Not your own anxiety (though that's harder to quiet).
- You're not alone. Thousands of Australian mums feed in public every single day without incident.
If having a cover helps you feel more confident, that's a perfectly good reason to use one. Not because anyone asked you to, but because it makes the experience easier for you. Our 5-in-1 Mama Cover doubles as an infinity scarf, car seat cover, and more, so it earns its place in your nappy bag whether you're feeding or not.
But a cover is a choice, never a requirement. Your confidence is what matters. Read more about breastfeeding with confidence.
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