A mother peacefully breastfeeding her baby on a public bench, demonstrating the normalcy and importance of nursing in everyday spaces

National Breastfeeding in Public Day celebrates and supports mothers who breastfeed their children in public spaces, aiming to normalize this natural act and empower mothers to feed their babies whenever and wherever needed.

Quick Facts

When is it: February 22nd annually
Tagged as: Breastfeeding Awareness Day
What’s the hashtag: #BreastfeedingInPublic
When was it founded: 2022
Who founded it: Destiny Smith, a breastfeeding mother

History of National Breastfeeding in Public Day

The day was established to help give mothers confidence to breastfeed in public places. It emerged from a growing movement to protect and support mothers’ rights to feed their children in public spaces without discrimination or harassment.

Timeline

  • 1990s: Initial breastfeeding awareness campaigns begin
  • 2005: Scotland passes Breastfeeding Act protecting public feeding
  • 2010: Taiwan implements Public Breastfeeding Act
  • 2022: First National Breastfeeding in Public Day observed
  • 2023: Expanded global recognition and participation

Future Dates 2025-2030

YearDateDay
2025Feb 22Saturday
2026Feb 22Sunday
2027Feb 22Monday
2028Feb 22Tuesday
2029Feb 22Thursday
2030Feb 22Friday

How It’s Observed

Communities organize support groups, educational sessions, and public breastfeeding gatherings. Social media campaigns share stories and photos of breastfeeding mothers, while advocacy groups promote awareness of legal rights and protections.

Fun Facts About Breastfeeding

  • Around 63% of mothers worldwide have breastfed in public
  • All 50 U.S. states now protect public breastfeeding
  • Many countries provide designated breastfeeding spaces in public buildings
  • Some locations celebrate with “nurse-ins” and breastfeeding flash mobs

Quiz

  • True or False: It’s illegal to ask a breastfeeding mother to leave a public place
  • What year was the first National Breastfeeding in Public Day?
  • Name one legal protection for breastfeeding mothers
    (Answers: True, 2022, Equality Act 2010)

FAQs

  • Is it legal to breastfeed in public?
  • What should I do if asked to stop breastfeeding in public?
  • Are there specific places designated for public breastfeeding?

Related

  • World Breastfeeding Week
  • National Breastfeeding Month
  • Indigenous Milk Medicine Week
  • Black Breastfeeding Week
  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week