Breastfeeding in public in European countries

This is a collection of notes about attitudes towards public breastfeeding in different European countries.

If you, reader, have knowledge of how things are in some country in Europe concerning public breastfeeding, either because of living there or having visited, or otherwise, please leave your comments using the form below: is nursing in public common/rare, what are people's attitudes etc.  We greatly appreciate your help in building these pages!

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England-UK Wales I am a mother in Wales, and I have only once breastfed my child in public due to embarrassment and humiliation. This is becuase Wales(similar to England) is very judgemental about issues such as the perfect body etc. I would love for Wales to follow in Norway's footsteps, and accept that breastfeeding is a way of life that is helpful not only to baby but mother too. Arianwen London Breastfeeding is very rare where I live. All of my age group (teenagers) are repulsed when I say I want to breatsfeed my child. My mum was and is the only one breastfeeding in our family. Extended breastfeeding is definitely a no-no and even my auntie told me it's disgusting and unnormal for toddlers to breastfeed. That prevented me from telling her that I wanted to breastfeed extendedly. It's very rare where I am from to see young parents breastfeed amongst all races. I think only the older mums do it. ms williams I feel relaxed breastfeeding my 10-month old in various cafes and parks where I live in South East London. There are lots of bf mothers in this area, which helps. As someone else says here, as the child gets older they can be more distracted and 'pop off' unexpectedly. For this reason I just make sure she's really hungry before feeding her now. I've fed her in some more sub-urban South East England areas, where no one else was feeding, but found that the confidence I'd built up at home made me feel ok. I find that hardly anything shows if I wear a tucked in vest with a loose top on top. Pull the vest and your bra down and the loose top up. Your tummy and back are covered by the vest and the loose top falls softly on your baby's face covering your breast. LC I am almost 3 months in to exclusively bfing my baby girl. I have bf in the car, on the beach, on the promenade at the coast and under trees in parks and gardens. I have joined a number of groups for new mothers, one - 1st time mums, is a scheme set up locally by the NHS, every mother there (about 12 of us) either is still bfing or tried it - I think even in the last few years there has been a massive increase. I have found lots and lots of support available locally, and was given more assurance to do it publicly when a health professional advised me I am protected by law to do it in public places. I haven't been addressed appropriately or inappropriately by anyone, but I am always prepared to fight my corner knowing I am backed up by law! Having said that my hubby is a police officer and he wasn't aware of these laws. I am so pleased I have been able to do it and know the joy and pleasure I get from knowing I give my baby everything she needs. I want to encourage all new mums to try it, and to try and get through any pain or cracks or frustration - especially when you are so sleep deprived (I had it all) BR I am a male so perhaps you might like my views and experience. I am 60 now, and back in the 50's I remember my mother breastfeeding my baby brother outdoors on the beach, with a towel discretely placed. With our own children, (late 70s 80s), there was a big push for breastfeeding again and my wife was successful in this (I recall it could be a painful process, with cracked nipples, and would have been all too easy to give up). She was discrete in public, although with a younger baby (below 3 months) it is hard to be out all day. Our two boys were breastfed exclusively until about 5 months, and then slowly weaned off, but still had a night-time suckle for some time afterwards. The problem as they get a bit beyond 3 months, is that they are easily distracted by other sights and sounds as they develop, and they are constantly 'unlatching' to look around. This, rather than privacy, was the main reason to seek a quiet place. From a man's point of view, it is difficult to know how to react if you see a woman breastfeeding. Usually the mother is intent on the baby so you do not meet eye-to-eye. But if you do then a smile is better than looking away swiftly. Good luck to all who are doing the best for their babies. S.A. I have tried BFing in cafes when unable to get back to my car, and, being discrete have had no problems. Added support from husband in shielding gives me confidence - if I don't feel conmfortable the baby will just pick up on that and make a fuss. I always thought it was rare to see a mother BFing here but since having my baby I have suddenly realised all those mothers in Starbucks with a sleeping baby on their lap are actually feeding! I guess a degree of common sense is useful - baring whole breasts in a public place would, I am sure, cause comments, giggles, staring etc. I am always worried about being asked to leave somewhere if spotted but so far so good. I know that shops such as Mothercare and Blooming Marvellous have feeding rooms which you can use even if not buying anything. I am travelling by train form London to Nice soon and was wondering how the French react to BFing as it will be long journey if I have to hide in the toilets! CT I have only seen one woman breast-feeding in public (or at least that I can remember) which was on the bus home from school. Many of the other children were sniggering, but I was more mature. I also couldn't help but look. The woman didn't seem to bothered by that fact and just smiled at me. Personally, I believe more women should breast-feed in public. I plan to do it when I have children in the future. At the end of the day, it's about what's best for the baby, and if the baby needs to feed, milk shouldn't be denied because people see it as inappropriate when it's a natural process Katie My daughter is almost 10 months old and I still breastfeed and I have had no adverse reactions from people when I have feed her in public, although I always ask the staff if I am in a cafe etc. MYJ I BF my son alot in public. I just used to wear easy acess clothes LOL, never had any comments made to me. Lots of older women gave me smiles and nods. People would come over to see the baby and not realise I was feeding him. Lots of younger women are curious, I didn't make any other mummy friends who BF. In fact I don't know anyone who BF. Rubes I have an 11 week old daughter, I had a difficult labour and had to have an emergency caeserean, I had wanted a natural birth. However breast feeding gave me a sense of accomplishment both of us enjoy BF. Because of this I was determined to bf in public I was very nervous at first but I have been discreet at all times, though in the back of my mind I am always fearful of someone asking me to leave an esablishment it hasn't happened yet maybe attitudes are changing. Someone wrote in the other comments that not enough women do it, I agree whole heartedly, if more women bf in public then it would become part of the norm, so far I have not seen any other women bf in my area. I am very lucky I have a fantastic husband he is very supportive and helps sheild me when I am sruggling to latch baby on at the start,you know what its like other bf's when sitting in an awkward chairs with awkward tops! even more so he is proud of me for doing it. It is strange how something so natural is frowned upon in certain arenas so much.I am travelling to Bulgaria, are there any rules governing against bf? if not what are the general attitudes to bf? To finish off keep strong all you brave public bf mums, let's set a precedence for the future mums. Ali I think breastfeeding figures are quite good in the UK now - 60-odd percent. But in public I agree, it feels embarassing, though in fact British people tend to be too shy to say I they disapprove anyway! If you bared a whole breast you might find people giggling. I'm pushing myself to feed where it's comfy and have refused to do it in public toilets. It feels liberating to bf in public and overcome by British reserve! abigail My son is now 7 months old and has never been given formula. We have been all over the place and never had a negative comment about feeding publicly, possibly because we are very discreet about it as most women are. The brits tend to have a bit of a breast obsession (look at the carry on films!)and I think this adds fuel to the anti-public feeding bods who conveniently forget that there's very little, if any on display. I know a number of newish mums and can count on 1 hand those who breastfed past a few weeks. There's a huge amount of pressure to breastfeed when you have a baby but very little support for those who find it difficult; I know mums that were scared to tell their health visitor that they were stopping but were given no help/encouragement to continue. Even the growth charts are based on formula fed babies despite government guidelines to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months! There needs to be more NHS support available to new breastfeeders to increase numbers, only when it is seen as more common place will attitudes start to change. Rachel I think it's great that so many women other than myself breastfeed. I was determined to breastfeed whilst I was pregnant and all my midwives and health visitors were very encouraging, one because its so rare to see a breastfeeding woman nowadays and two because im still only a teenager. My fiancees mother told me I would loose my milk in a week and would never get it back and tried to constantly get me to formula feed, have you ever tasted anything so disgusting, it tastes like flour and water!!compared to a mothers milk anyway! My daughter is now a healthy 11, nearly 12 month old and my milk is pouring out of my earholes! My fiancees dad wouldnt be in the same room as me even when my baby was only hrs old he aparently feels 'uncomfortable' with the situation because he's a catholic, he is only uncomfortable when it suits him, and in my own flat i'm expected to cover up or leave the room, covering up disturbs my baby now breastfeedings natural and shouldn't be taken for granted. I've been discouraged from breastfeeding in public, but I feel comfortable some people are really pleased to see young mums feeding babys, but with all the paedophiles around who knows if you are safe im still a child myself! People who believe breasts belong to their partners dont forget what they were originally given to us for, baby comes first, men can care for them selves, a baby relies on its mother, wether adopted or not a mother is a mother so long as she cares for another who loves her back and needs her.Keep it up ladies!!x Pam My daughter is two months old. Cultural attitudes have not helped our breastfeeding. It is a very subtle pressure, but nevertheless there, to breastfeed in a place away from public view. Many restaurants and public places, such as railway stations have no clean or comfortable area where you can go to breastfeed your baby. I find reactions from family often difficult and at the beginning found myself getting stressed out. and often resentful when visiting, (or even having visitors in my own home) as feeding my baby always meant going into a 'quiet room' away from the main social event. Strangely enough, larger public gatherings were less of a problem. My confidence is growing as time goes on. I had a row recently with my sister who objected to a woman who was 'agressive' about her breastfeeding. After having experienced how difficult it can be, I applaud any woman who breastfeeds in public as she is an instant role model for others. FL I am breastfeeding my ten week old son and have done so on the bus with the help of an Australian lady who "shielded me" and held onto my pushchair, in a gallery cafe and restaurants. I have noticed that men are generally a bit embarrased and older women incredibly encouraging! Women in their twenties /thirties who dont have children seem the most sceptical - so far. I got v.dirty looks from someone I would have classed as "right on" whilst my mum's friends are incredibly encouraging and have been cooking Indian porridge and sweets which they believe will help increase my milk supply! Also, I have been trying to find a good sling for a short (I am only 5ft 1'') to help with the breastfeeding. It can be tiring without a cushion in public places. Has anyone found a good one? Thanks shahira I know several mums with babies similar in age to my daughter. Half of them never breastfed, a couple switched to formula after a week with insufficient help to continue and in pain from bad latches. A couple more continued to around six months... At one year I am the only solitary one! I have seen one other mum feeding in public - and I met her through a breastfeeding support group. I have never personally had any negativity but I have read a huge number of highly offensive comments on various message boards about "whipping out [our] blue veined tits" and comparing public breastfeeding to defacation and/or sex. Every time I read something like that I dispair for the future generations who may never see a nursing mother or in fact know what it is breasts are *for*. I was approached recently by an eleven-year-old who was full of questions. "Won't baby be hungry without her bottle?" was the one that got me. She had never some across the idea that breasts were for babies. I am personally quite sure that the same people who write objectionable things about breastfeeding mums "inflicting themselves" upon the general public have no problem with browsing porn. The British corner-shop-culture is rarely without its top-shelf nude mags, though I think public nudity is still a major no-no. How can the tiny ammount of flesh on show when I feed be a problem compared to the lack of clothing covering many teens the moment warm weather hits? It's a huge double standard here. SLC Most women here are die-hard formula feeders - hospitals and health clinics are very quick to give the baby formula if 'things aren't working' in my area - (but there are some baby friendly hospitals about where it is done differently). I am the only person I have seen for about a year nursing in public - and I do nurse my 22 month old in public quite a lot. We live in South East London. We do generally go to the same places we always have done in the week so we know we are 'safe' to be ourselves, and no one has ever commented - I think it may be because I look too normal! I have two older children and a husband with me when we go out for the day at weekends and no one has ever said anything critical when we go to other places. I do know of other breastfeeding mothers in our area, but they tend to stay behind closed doors. When my babies were small, the only comments I ever had were favourable - lots of coos and smiles. There was a piece in the local paper a few weeks back where two mothers had been asked to leave a department store because they were nursing - but there was a huge backlash. That said National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (in May) is always met by a lot of extreme views in the press - and this incident was reported at the same time as NBAW! Most mothers are interested in breastfeeding, even though they 'couldn't do it themselves' I have had lots of interesting discussions with them. One or two, however, see breastfeeding as disgusting - seeing their breasts as sexual objects only, and very much their husbands' property. No one, however, bats an eyelid at the multitude of semi-clad women in advertising or topless women on the beach. Jane I feel I must disagree with the idea that most women in Britain formula feed. Throughout my pregnancy it was assumed that I would breastfeed, indeed the midwives and literature that I was exposed to push it very, very strongly, almost to the point of making one feel guilty if one does choose to bottle feed. There is an awful lot of support for breastfeeding Mums here as well, with hospitals providing breastfeeding counsellors for women who are experiencing problems. Unfortunately, in my experience it is rare to see a Mother breastfeeding in public in Britain. Possibly the stereotypical view of uptight Brits scares Mums off it?! I myself was asked not to breastfeed in front of my Mother's partner as it made him feel uncomfortable, an attitude I of course respect in their own home, but do not agree with in public places. What can be more natural, loving and normal than a Mother nurturing her child? Alex I have a 4 month old son, who has never tasted anything other than breastmilk. I breastfeed in public anywhere (using discretion, but certainly no cover-ups/blankets) whenever he needs feeding. All our friends , including childless ones think that it is great, and I have had no negative comments/reations at all. Older ladies have come up to me and congratulated me for feeding my baby! I live in the west country where I think people are more into natural living, which may be why I have had such a positive experience. MRV Most mothers is the UK start out breastfeeding, and then introduce the bottle very early on. There still is quite a bit of controversy over breastfeeding in public places, as it is not seen as acceptable. It is nearly unheard of for a woman to breastfeed in public, and very unlikely that one would breastfeed in front of even close family members. Of course, topless beaches are considered "foreign" and "European" and too sexy for families. Many people might say that they approve of breastfeeding generally, or that they don't see any sexual overtones, but the reality in practice is quite different. I am pregnant now, and my mother-in-law is adamant that I should offer my child a bottle from the begining, so that I "have some time to myself" and so that I can "get along in public." Being from Southern California, where I grew up seeing open breastfeeding often, I think that the common British attitude is very unnatural and uptight. I am glad to see that organizations like the National Chilbirth Trust are attempting to turn the tide and encourage more women to breastfeed. LRGA Firstly, thanks to setting up this website - I'm trying to organise a holiday with my breastfed baby and need a country that's open to breastfeeding in public! Secondly, I'd like to disagree with LRGA above in that I breastfeed everywhere and haven't come across any problems or even disapproving looks (which in england is saying something). If people are uncomfortable they are probably too polite to say anything. My experiences are limited to London and the south east but I've breastfed everywhere (cafes, train stations, galleries , restaurants even trains and buses). Having a 6 month statutary maternity leave (extendable to 12 months) means that a lot more people breastfeed and for longer than ever before. It is also very actively encouraged by the NHS through the midwives and health visitors as well as the NCT and the La Leche league. I'm pretty sure the stats are better than the US (prob due the 6 month mat leave. On the other hand topless beaches are rare and ntot approved of generally (but this could be the weather as much as the attitude!!!) SLS I am an American living in London and I have never had a problem breast feeding in public in four years of nursing my two kids. No comments, no dirty looks, I've nursed in front of my inlaws, friends, in restaurants, in parks, in Buckingham Palace while on a tour... I don't think the attitude is particularly uptight. And while topless beaches might not be the norm countrywide there is a nude beach in Brighton. IMEL

Scotland Scotland and Spain I had my first son in 1995 and breastfeed him for 2 years and 9 months. When he was a year old I became pregnant with my second son. I was told that my milk would dry up and the taste would change and my first son would hate it...But he didn't, if anything he loved it more! When people realised that I was pregnant while feeding a toddler they did stare a little and questioned my motives! Of course when my second baby was born (by emergency C-section) I was in hospital for 5 days and the first most important milk after the birth was all his. I made a conscious effort to 'tandom feed' my boys and I felt that my 22 month old toddler should not be pushed out by his new brother! ... 10 years after my first baby and now with a new partner I had my baby girl (in 2005). With my sons breastfeeding had come naturally and I can honestly say that no-one ever complained - Although I never actually got round to tandom feeding in public! I did have some really painful problems with my daughter. I thought I was an expert at it and had become blase about positioning, resulting in the most excrusiatingly painful cracked bleeding nipples. At 10 weeks old we flew out to Spain and the simple fact of the sun on my bare nipples cured me. I have fed in public places and openly on the beach - without much cover and the only people who stare dissaprovingly are the English tourists. Personally I think the world needs to change it's attitude to breastfeeding and women as a whole. We need to crack this perception that the breast is solely a sexual plaything. We also need to teach the mothers of the future what is right for baby and I believe that the first step is to get rid of bottles with pretend milk in that come with most baby dolls these days. My daughter has been given 'baby dolls' as presents and I have removed the bottles. Scotland, England or Spain I have fed with quiet confidence and discretion. No-one has ever asked me to stop or move - they wouldn't dare! AJO The Scottish parliament has just passed a law [in 2005] making it illegal to request that a woman should not breast feed in a public place (restaurant, shop, municipal office, etc). The idea is to promote breasr feeding and emphasise that it is good and natural. This law is for Scotland only. The rest of the UK has yet to catch up Irma I've got a four week old daughter and so far we have organised our trips out around feeding, going out straight after a feed, knowing we've got at least four hours. I've only fed her in public once, and it went really smoothly - I was very happy with ourselves! The cafe was nearly empty which helped at lot, and she latched on straight away which was an enormous help. It's not so much people's reaction to breastfeeding in public (although I do hear quite a few tuts when someone else does) for me, its more a case of I'm not sure how to do it without a nest of pillows around us! One side is fine, but on the otherside we do the "rugby" hold, which I can't even contemplate doing without pillows - how does anyone else manage? As to people's reaction on breastfeeding in public, most tend to avoid eye contact with the mother out of sheer embarassment, but they're embarassed in case their eyes drop below the neck line, not because they're disgusted at the sight... I have found it's mainly old women who tut at nursing mothers, although my Nanny said she was discouraged from breastfeeding my mum, so maybe this is why... LFB

Ireland Breastfeeding is not very common in Ireland, which is a real pity. The more who openly breastfeed the better, it needs to be more open. I am still feeding my 12 month old daughter, I have never had any negative comments. There are a few rare feeding rooms in shopping centres etc, but they are smelly, where you change baby nappy. I will not feed my daughter in a toilet!! The law is on our side in Ireland, you can legally breastfeed anywhere in Ireland, you are covered by the equality law and the intoxicating liquors law!!!! That means you can feed your baby in licensed premises. It's great feeding here, but a bit lonely. My family do not approve of bf, it's all bottles and formula, we need more bf, more healthy mums and babies~!!!! Orr Breastfeeding very common amongst my friends in Dublin and in rural areas also, and all friends I know were relaxed enough breastfeeding in public. I breastfed my 3 children, each for about 7 months, and enjoyed the freedom it allowed me all around Dublin. We spent our days outdoors, going to parks, restaurants, shopping centres and I breastfed without anyone ever commenting or any disapproving glances at all. Also breastfed on the Intercity trains many times without comment. Now, my 4th child is not the easiest to feed, a very noisy and choky feeder so far (altho only 4 weeks - he might settle) - so I'm avoiding public feeding until things improve. Nar K In my experience, I believe that public breastfeeding is not widely accepted in Ireland (I'm Australian). I say this through experience of living there for 3 years & a 2 month holiday with my Irish husband & our son (then 6mths old). We stayed with my in-laws & was told that I had to feed him in our bedroom with the door closed. Once during a family gathering a relative (who also had a baby the same age) opened the bedroom door while I was feeding. She was mortified and continued to apologise profusely. She later explained that she like most mothers she knew bottle fed and didn't get support from her mother/ nurses with breastfeeding. I once saw a woman breastfeeding in a mall in an outer suburb of Dublin (I'd wondered if she was a tourist). There were nappy changing facilities with a seat in there but very smelly & uncomfortable (not sure if this was typical). I didn't notice breastfeeding rooms in rural areas nor in Dublin. I typically discreetly breastfed in the car when out of the house, as it was overtly frowned upon the times I did feed him in cafes. Overall I felt very stressed out about breastfeeding him while I was in Ireland & gave him his first taste of formula milk to make traveling easier. On the upside, you can buy pre-prepared formula in cartons which is handy when on the move. Bronte I have a 7 week old baby boy and I live in the west of Ireland and have (discreetly) breastfeed him in several cafe's/restaurants without comment. My father was the only person that seemed embarrassed to see me breastfeeding, and he's American. I have also seen several other women nursing in public in my area over the past few years. I must say the hospital nurses and public health nurses are very encouraging about breastfeeding and the hospital provides a breastfeeding support group for new mothers. As it is illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding mother to stop or move from any public place in Ireland, I would never feel uncomfortable exercising my right to feed my baby in public. Angela Breastfeeding is uncommon in rural Ireland. Formula is the norm. Only 22% of new mothers in the county where I live attempted breastfeeding at all, and the vast majority of them quit before the baby is six weeks old. I have never seen a woman breastfeeding in public here. I am breastfeeding my 21-month-old and most people I meet seem to find that to be very unusual and disgusting. Breastfeeding rates are higher in the cities than in rural areas, but Irish breastfeeding rates are still lower than America's. L

Switzerland I have 2 sons who were both breast fed fo a year. I never encountered any problem or negativity when I breastfed in public, always been encouraged and praised by those around. I never felt anyone was looking or ogling inadvertently and never had any dirty looks. Dee Most people here breastfeed, but it has taken a lot of work to get here. Most hospitals are certified baby friendly. Breastfeeding in public is considered not a big deal. Olivia Vuille-Breen

Netherlands In the Netherlands about 70% of the mothers breastfeed their babies after they're born. After about three months only about 20% of the mothers still breastfeed their baby exclusively. One of the reasons for this is that maternity leave ends after three months. I have breastfed my baby (now three months old) in restaurants, in the car in car parks, on a bench in parks, on the beach etc. I don't use a blanket, but I am discreet. I have never had any comments, because I think most people don't even notice I'm breastfeeding! I think it looks as though I'm holding a sleeping baby... By law, you are allowed to breastfeed your baby in any public place. Eva

Belgium I've seen a lot of women breastfeeding in Antwerp, Brussels, .... No problem in the Flemisch speaking part, and I think likewise in the French-speaking part. Men tend to avoid looking at their direction (they don't want to be seen as oversexed - don't be mistaken, they are interested). But I've never seen anyone object to this. Some clothing shops, restaurants, bars, furniture shops... offer a little well equipped secluded place where you can change diapers or breastfeed as well. Just be discrete. On our beaches monokini is allowed, but only laying down. In practice this means you can sun but not run around or swim in monokini. But tourists are never fined. You'll probably have a lifeguard making a remark, but typically German tourists will be running around and swimming in monokini then minutes later again, with a desperate lifeguard making the same remark again. The law dates from long ago and since allowed the number of monokinis decreased and those who want it just go along. A nude beach is available as well. There are no special rules there, as long as you're naked. DS

Germany I am an American with an American mother who had 7 children. When we were living in Germany my mother gave birth to my twin brothers in a German hospital by C-section. She developed staph infection and became very sick and weak. My mother said that she was so weak she could hardly move. Because the German nurses knew that she intended to breastfeed my twin brothers, they actually would bring the babies to her, roll her over, latch the babies and alternate sides, ect every two hours so the babies could breastfeed and to ensure that my mother's milk would come properly. My mom said she was so incoherent so didn't really know what was going on but is very grateful that they did it. That, to me, was the best breastfeeding story I had ever heard. Imagine, nurses breastfeeding the babies for you with your breasts! That is major dedication if you ask me. Mandy I breastfeed my son (now 2 years, with Down Syndrome) wherever I like, including on trains and in parks and have never, ever encountered any problems. Even ticket inspectors and old gentlemen have been really nice. It is uncommon to see women breastfeed in public, however. Many mothers choose formula still, although breastfeeding is generally encouraged. People are unaware that two years of nursing is quite normal and very useful. They think that at the end of 6 months of exclusive nursing, it's time to start weaning. One friend of mine thinks that extended breastfeeding makes the child too dependent on the mother, and laughs at it. Anja Hbel I am an american living in Germany and I'm nursing my third baby. The other children were born in the U.S. where I was expected to "cover up" or go "somewhere private" while breastfeeding. It is so much different here. I was at a friends house recently and I asked her if it was ok for me to nurse the baby on her couch. She was so confused as to why I was asking HER if it was ok for ME to feed MY baby. Breastfeeding is SO supported here it is completly normal to see a woman breastfeeding in public. It's wonderful! BB In Germany where I'm from more than 90% breastfeed their babies. However many still don't manage to breastfeed them fully for 6 months. My son weaned himself at the age of 11 1/2 months which was alright with me. I don't think breastfeeding in public is strange, however I bought a breastfeeding canopy which made it possible for me to breastfeed practically anywhere without feeling observed. I would recommend it to anybody, It made me feel more confident about breastfeeding as people could notice what I was doing when they looked closer but they couldn't catch a glimpse of my nipples;-) If I have a second child I will breastfeed again and I've kept my breastfeeding canopy for future use. Netti I'm actually an American expatriate (moved to Germany in 2005). I've exclusively breastfed my daughter for 8 months now (we are thinking about beginning some solids now, but will continue breastfeeding). I breastfeed all over the place, here in Germany: in Ice Cream caf's, in restaurants, in parks, on benches on sidewalks, on busses (though that isn't the greatest place, merely for practical reasons of comfort and having time to sit and breastfeed before your next stop), just anywhere I go. When my daughter is hungry, she gets fed. I never ask if it's okay (unless I am in someone's home, then I think that's only polite, but I have never had anyone say no or tell me to do it in another room or anything.) I don't 'cover up' (with a blanket or anything), and I don't worry if my breast is 'hanging out' or if she comes off the nipple to look around. I have NEVER had a problem. The staff has never said anything, if they even notice what I'm doing, they sometimes give me an appreciative smile and then leave me alone for the duration (in a polite way, they don't avoid me or anything, they just let me and my daughter have our peace). And I have never recieved or heard of a negative comment from a customer. I've breastfeed at coffee shop type restaurants, fast food restaurants, and fancy/expensive restaurants. Never a single problem from anyone. Breastfeeding is VERY encouraged in Germany (for at LEAST 6 months, though I have been told that MOST mothers stop after a year, and many quit around 6 months, but not all.) Hospitals encourage it; it is generally very encouraged. And, the social system also encourages (currently, anyway).. I have been told that I will not need to work for 3 years (until then, the social system will help pay rent, health insurance, food, etc.. though the amount you recieve depends on how much you made when you were working.) Anyway, the breastfeeding experience in Germany is excellent! MRB I travelled around Germany with an 8 month old and breastfed him everywhere. I didn't have anyone react negatively to it at all. AC I'm raised in Germany.And it was normal for me to see other moms breastfeed in public. I loved to watch them. It was strange to me to see American women cover their baby with a blanket that's unheared in Germany. Even if breastfeeding in public is normal in cities that is not necessary the case in the country. My cousin lives in a small village and was criticized if she nursed in her garden. Friederike May I add a comment as a foreigner (I'm German). In Germany nearly no one seems to care about breastfeading in public, but you also see bare breasts everwhere, in newspapers, tv asf. There seems to be no contradiction in breasts beeing the natural food supply for children and sexual at the same time. Both is 'natural' (whatever you mean by this), since there are no children without sex... patrick

Honore Daumier; Third Class Carriage. Oil on canvas, about 1863-65.
Notice a woman is feeding her baby in the carriage, so we can assume it was common in the 1800s.

See also

Nursing in public around the world: Africa, Asia, Australia, South America

Nursing in public in North America - women's stories

Breastfeeding in public in USA - law, being discrete, visitor comments