Your baby has a right to be breastfed. You also have the right to breastfeed wherever you are.
Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby. In Australia, it’s your legal right to breastfeed in public. This includes places like parks, shops, cafés and public transport. If you’re allowed to be there, you can breastfeed there too.
Being out and about can feel easier when you’re breastfeeding:
- You don’t need to plan ahead or bring extra equipment.
- You can feed your baby whenever they need it.
- With time and practice, you’ll find what feels comfortable for you.
Some mums worry about what others might say. It can help to think ahead about how you might respond. You could share a simple fact or say something like, “We’re happy feeding here, thank you.”
Most people understand that breastfeeding is important. Occasionally someone may say something unhelpful. You don’t have to engage. It’s okay to keep feeding your baby and take care of yourself.
Your legal rights
Breastfeeding is protected by law in Australia.
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 makes it illegal for anyone to treat you unfairly because you're breastfeeding.
No one can ask you to stop, cover up or leave a place while breastfeeding or expressing.
These laws help create a more supportive and inclusive community for mums and babies.
Breastfeeding at the pool
Many mums wonder if it's okay to breastfeed at the pool or beach. Whether you're feeding while swimming, sitting by the pool, or breastfeeding an older baby or toddler, the same legal protections apply. You have the right to breastfeed wherever you are allowed to be.
For practical tips and answers to common questions, see our companion article.
Common questions about breastfeeding in public
Yes.
Babies need to feed when they need to feed. You have the right to respond to your baby wherever you are.
No.
It's against the law for anyone to ask you to leave, stop, or cover up while breastfeeding in a public space.
Yes.
Your right to express are also protected by law.
Yes and No.
Asking a breastfeeding mother to stop breastfeeding, cover up or leave may be discrimination under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. The law protects breastfeeding in areas such as goods and services, accommodation, work and education.
A member of the public may still tell you that they don't want you to breastfeed. However, there is no law in Australia that prevents a mother from breastfeeding her baby in public. Even if someone asks you to stop, you have the right to continue breastfeeding wherever you are legally allowed to be.
In some situations, state or territory laws about harassment or prohibited conduct may provide additional protections.
No.
Baby care rooms are there if you want them. Some mums like the privacy. Others prefer to feed where they are. It’s your choice.
These signs don’t apply to breastfeeding. If the sign is just to keep the area clean, it's fine to breastfeed. If the area is unsafe (for example, due to chemicals), you may choose to move somewhere safer.
If you receive negative comments
This doesn’t happen often. Most people are supportive. But if it does happen, it can feel upsetting. Try to stay calm and let them know breastfeeding is your legal right. If you don’t feel safe, move to a place where you feel more comfortable or ask someone for help.
Remember, you have the right to feed your baby and you’re doing something important.
If you feel shaken, you could:
- talk with someone you trust
- connect with your doctor or a counsellor
- chat with an ABA breastfeeding counsellor
If someone behaves in a threatening or abusive way, you could:
- move to a safe place or person
- contact staff, security or police when you can
- talk with someone you trust.
You may sometimes see stories in the media about breastfeeding in public. These are more likely to be shared because they involve conflict. Many mums breastfeed every day in all kinds of places without any problems.
A mum's story
My little girl was around 6 months and was sent home from day care with a cold. She was at a centre 5 minutes from work so I fetched her. However, I had a very important 2-hour meeting that afternoon, so I gave my colleagues the choice: me and baby, or no one! She fed/slept constantly on the breast for the whole meeting, which went very well.
No one particularly commented, other than to say, 'Wow, she was no bother'. The situation was initially outside my comfort zone but proved to be the best solution for everyone! I do love thinking back on the situation, as it was so unusual!
You’re not alone
Breastfeeding in public is your right. It also helps create a more supportive community for other families.
Some businesses welcome breastfeeding families. You can look for places that show they support breastfeeding.
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done this before, you’re not alone.
© Australian Breastfeeding Association July 2026
This information is as accurate as possible but is not intended to be relied on as legal advice.
