Breastfeeding is a natural, essential part of nurturing a newborn, yet many mothers still face stigma and uncertainty when nursing in public. Whether it’s a glance from a stranger or the lack of proper facilities, these moments can make a mum hesitate. But it’s completely normal to find yourself needing to breastfeed outside the home. This guide is here to reassure you: feeding your baby is never something to feel ashamed of.
Breastfeeding in Public in Singapore
In Singapore, breastfeeding in public is fully legal and protected—including on public transport such as buses and MRT trains. There are no laws that prohibit nursing in public spaces. In fact, organisations like the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and many hospitals support breastfeeding mothers through campaigns and community support. Many fellow mums also share positive experiences of nursing in public, which shows that attitudes are gradually shifting towards acceptance and encouragement.
Tips for Breastfeeding in Public
Dress for Your Comfort
Choose nursing-friendly clothing like button-down tops, wrap dresses, or specially designed nursing wear. These options allow for discreet and easy access, helping you feel more at ease while feeding.
Consider a Baby Carrier / Nursing Cover
A soft-structured baby carrier can let you nurse hands-free while keeping your baby close and covered. Nursing covers or lightweight shawls also offer added privacy, which can help boost your confidence, especially in more public settings.
Bring a Bottle
Breastfeeding can be thirsty work! Don’t forget to carry a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Keeping yourself well-hydrated supports milk supply and overall well-being.
Build Your Confidence, Step by Step
Start in a quiet café or a parent-friendly area before trying busier public spots. Practise latching in different positions outside the home to see what works best. And always remember your 'why': you’re nourishing your baby—that’s powerful.
Find a Good Spot
A calm environment makes a difference. Look out for comfortable seats, shaded corners, or parent rooms. Research the venue beforehand if you can. Many malls and public spaces in Singapore offer nursing rooms, which can serve as your safe zone when starting out.
Finding Nursing-Friendly Locations
Planning ahead can make public breastfeeding a more relaxed and stress-free experience. In Singapore, support for nursing mothers is steadily improving. With upcoming changes to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) code in 2025, more newly constructed buildings—including offices, schools, and smaller shopping malls with a gross floor area of 5,000 sq m or more—will be required to include dedicated lactation rooms.
This means that mothers can expect easier access to clean, private, and well-equipped spaces to breastfeed or express milk outside their homes.
Shopping Malls with Nursing Rooms
Most major malls such as ION Orchard, Jewel Changi Airport, and Vivocity feature clean, well-equipped nursing rooms with hot water dispensers, diaper changing stations, and comfy seating.
Libraries & Community Spaces
Some public libraries, like library@harbourfront and Tampines Regional Library have dedicated family rooms for breastfeeding and baby care. Many Community Clubs (CCs) also offer baby-friendly amenities.
Lactation Pods
Mobile nursing solutions like GoMama Pods are now popping up in high-traffic locations such as malls and parks. These pods are compact, private, and perfect for on-the-go breastfeeding or pumping.
Embracing Breastfeeding in Public with Confidence
Normalising breastfeeding in public is part of creating a supportive community for all mothers. It’s okay to feel nervous, but many challenges can be managed with a bit of preparation and mindset.
- Fear of judgment: Start small—nurse in mum-friendly spaces first. Wearing nursing-friendly clothes and having a plan can help you feel more in control. Remind yourself that you’re doing what’s best for your baby.
- Privacy concerns: Use nursing covers or baby carriers for added discretion. Look for parent rooms or quieter areas when in public.
- Dealing with stares or comments: A calm, confident response such as “I’m feeding my baby” is enough. Most people mean no harm, and many will be supportive.
- Baby’s distractions: Choose a quieter spot and reduce visual stimuli with a light shawl or nursing cover. Keep a toy or comfort item handy to help your baby focus.
Alternative for Mums Who Prefer Not to Nurse in Public
For mums who prefer more privacy or find public breastfeeding stressful, expressing milk ahead of time is a practical solution. A breast milk pump—like the Hegen PCTO™ Double Electric Breast Pump (SoftSqround™)—allows you to express milk comfortably and hygienically. Pair it with Hegen’s feeding bottles, which transition smoothly from storage to feeding without messy transfers. Browse Hegen’s collection to explore products that support your feeding journey—designed for both convenience and comfort.
Breastfeeding is Your Right, and Your Baby’s Need
Every mum deserves to feed her baby without fear or shame. Trust your instincts, do what feels right, and remember: your baby’s health and comfort come first—always.
