'Don't want to see that while I eat': Mum harassed for breastfeeding in public

"This woman’s receiving backlash for breastfeeding her (kind of old) child on Mother’s Day, where other patrons were also trying to enjoy their meals," the person who posted the viral clip wrote.

A mother has been condemned for breastfeeding while dining out on Mother's Day.

 

In a viral video posted to X by Liberacat, a woman can be seen seated at a long table alongside other patrons. Her breast is partially out of her top as she's feeding a young child who is seated on her lap.

Sounds pretty standard, right? 

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"She should have a blanket over her baby" 

However, the caption on the post reads: 

“This woman’s receiving backlash for breastfeeding her (kind of old) child inside a restaurant on Mother’s Day, where other patrons were also trying to enjoy their Mother’s Day and meals with loved ones.

What do you think, did she deserve the backlash?” 

The child, whose age isn’t specified, is seen nursing at the table while the mum places her meal order with the waitress.

In the United States, breastfeeding in public is protected by federal law. Australia has similar protections at both federal and state levels.

It’s illegal to discriminate against mothers breastfeeding in public, regardless of whether they use a cover. 

The viral video posted to X shows the mother breastfeeding her child while ordering. Image: X/Liberacat

Online, the video sparked a fierce debate.

“This is absolutely natural. She should have a blanket over her baby, but honestly, I’ve seen worse today,” read one of the top comments.

“Sheesh, cover up. Nothing wrong with breastfeeding your baby, but it’s not right to show all that,” another argued.

“Not everyone is tryna see that while they eat tho, at least have respect for others,” added a third.

Others rushed to the mother's defence. 

“For those saying she should use a blanket, do you eat with a blanket over your head? Our society needs to stop shaming women for feeding their babies,” one person declared.

“If you’re upset about a mother breastfeeding her child, then you might have some issues you’re going through. Talk to someone. This is natural and as long as she’s not flaunting herself this is perfectly fine,” another noted. 

The mum has copped harsh backlash online after breastfeeding her child in public without a cover. Image: X/@Liberacrat

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"Actually... breastfeeding is a protected act" 

Some commenters turned their attention to the child’s age, with remarks like:

“That’s an adult man nursing.” and “What is he … like six?” 

According to the World Health Organisation, breastfeeding is recommended exclusively for the first six months, and ideally continued to 12 months alongside solid foods. They also recommend continuing for up to two years, or as long as both mother and child wish.

This isn’t the first time public breastfeeding has sparked controversy. In fact it happens all too frequently. 

In 2023 an Aussie mum called out a furniture store salesperson after they complained about a customer breastfeeding on a display bed. 

“She just sat on the edge of the bed and started breastfeeding! We have parents’ rooms for that, there’s no reason to do it in the showroom,” the staffer complained.

“Nobody should have to see that, it’s disgusting. I’m a woman and even I don’t want to see it.”

Claire Haiek stepped in, calmly correcting the salesperson.

“Actually, breastfeeding is a protected act. You can’t ask someone to leave because they’re feeding their baby,” she explained.

“You could have asked her nicely not to sit on the bed for hygiene reasons—but telling her she can’t breastfeed? That’s against the law.”

Originally published as 'Don't want to see that while I eat': Mum harassed for breastfeeding in public