Breastfeeding or Public Indecency? Why Are Mothers Still Being Shamed?

Imagine this: A mother, exhausted from a long journey, holds her hungry infant in her arms at a bustling metro station. She looks around, searching for a quiet corner, a clean space—anywhere she can feed her child in peace. But all she finds are judging eyes, discomforting stares, and a nearby public toilet that even she hesitates to step into. Her child cries in hunger, but the world around her remains indifferent. This is the reality we have normalized. This is the struggle we choose to ignore. And yet, we call ourselves a progressive society.

In a nation that celebrates motherhood, it is concerning that many women still hesitate before feeding their hungry infants in public. The discomfort surrounding public breastfeeding forces mothers to seek secluded corners or delay feeding, leading to distress for both mother and child. It is an act as natural as breathing, yet society often treats it as something that should be hidden. Breastfeeding is not a choice—it is a biological necessity and a responsibility. A truly progressive society ensures that no mother has to think twice before nourishing her child.

The right to breastfeed is not just an emotional or moral issue—it is a fundamental right. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which should include the ability of a mother to breastfeed her child without fear or hesitation. Furthermore, India is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding as essential for child health and development. Despite these commitments, implementation remains weak. Schemes like the Maternity Benefit Act, which mandates paid maternity leave and workplace nursing breaks, exist, but enforcement is often poor, leaving many mothers unsupported. But, of course, what’s the point of a law if it’s only on paper and not in practice?

A mother’s ability to breastfeed in public should not depend on whether she can find a hidden space or whether strangers around her are comfortable. Instead, public spaces should accommodate her needs. Airports, shopping malls, railway stations, and government offices must have well-maintained, accessible nursing rooms. And let’s get one thing straight—these rooms should not be treated as an ‘extra feature’ but as a basic requirement in building codes. If we can mandate fire exits and parking spaces, why can’t we mandate a mother’s right to feed her child with dignity? If a country that sends rockets to Mars cannot ensure that women have proper spaces to breastfeed, then we need to question our priorities.

And let’s talk about the metro stations—because let’s be honest, the daily struggle is real. In the entire Delhi Metro network, only Barakhamba Road station had a women’s lounge as of 2020. That’s one station. In a city of millions. And while we’re at it, let’s not forget that even using unhygienic public toilets in metro stations costs money. Five rupees for now, in the name of Durlabh Sauchalay—oops, Sulabh! If basic sanitation is a paid luxury, how can we even dream of expecting designated breastfeeding centers? Are we really okay with telling mothers to feed their infants in the same unhygienic public toilets where we refuse to even touch the door handles? If you wouldn’t eat in a dirty, stinking bathroom, why should a baby’s first meals be any different? We love to talk about equality, but isn’t a life with dignity(Article 21) the most basic right of all?

Globally, many countries have set inspiring examples. In Sweden, mothers receive generous parental leave and have access to breastfeeding-friendly public infrastructure. In Australia, anti-discrimination laws protect breastfeeding mothers, making it illegal to ask a woman to stop breastfeeding in public. In the United Kingdom, public awareness campaigns have changed perceptions, encouraging acceptance of breastfeeding in daily life. India, too, must take decisive steps to ensure breastfeeding is not seen as an inconvenience but as a right supported by society.

Education and awareness are crucial in changing mindsets. Schools and universities should incorporate discussions on maternal health and breastfeeding into their curriculum to break generational biases. Workplaces should conduct sensitization programs to help employees understand the importance of supporting breastfeeding colleagues. The media should play an active role in portraying breastfeeding as normal and natural, rather than something that needs to be hidden or whispered about. Public figures and influencers should advocate openly, reinforcing that breastfeeding is an act of love and nourishment, not something to be shamed.

But beyond policies and awareness, the real question is—who takes responsibility? Is it just the government’s job? No. It is a collective duty of urban planners, corporate leaders, policymakers, and every individual who believes in a society that respects its mothers. Cities should integrate breastfeeding zones into urban planning by default, not as an afterthought. Employers should move beyond compliance and actively support working mothers. And as individuals, we should stop staring, stop judging, and start supporting. A mother should never have to choose between her child's hunger and societal judgment.

For India to truly progress, we must embrace a future where no mother has to feel embarrassed or isolated while feeding her child. The government must strengthen policies and ensure their implementation. Businesses must build more inclusive spaces, and as individuals, we must change our perspectives. Supporting breastfeeding is not just about the mother and the child—it is about the health and well-being of the entire nation. A society that empowers its mothers is a society that invests in its future. The time to act is now—because no child should ever have to wait for their next meal due to social discomfort.

"A mother’s arms, a cradle so pure,

Her baby’s hunger, love’s only cure.

Yet the world demands she hide in shame,

Is nurturing life now a cause for blame?

Change begins not in whispers, nor in doubt,

But in voices that rise and call it out."

By

SHWETA