Breastfeeding in Public

 

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding in public

Anytime, Anywhere

One of the great things about breastfeeding/chestfeeding is that you can do it anytime, anywhere. You can breastfeed your baby at the mall, at the park or at a restaurant.

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding individuals have the right to breastfeed anytime, anywhere. This right is protected by the Ontario Human Rights Commission. No one should stop you from breastfeeding your child because you are in a public area. They should not:

  • Ask you to cover up
  • Disturb you
  • Ask you to move to another area that is more "private"

What can I do?

If you feel your breastfeeding/chestfeeding rights are not being respected, you can:

Other sources of infant feeding information:

Do you have more questions about parenting?

  • Connect with a registered nurse from Health811 for free, secure, and confidential health advice. Service is available 24/7 in English and French, with translation support also offered in other languages. Call 8-1-1 or visit Health811.ontario.ca.
  • Connect with a Community Navigator from 2-1-1 for information about community programs and resources across Eastern Ontario. Helpline service is available 24/7 and in many different languages. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca.
  • Connect with other parents on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page.
  • There are a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa.
  • You can update your child's immunization record using either the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) Tool or the CANImmunize App. 
  • If you have received a message from Ottawa Public Health such as a letter or a call regarding immunization, an infectious disease, or infection control lapse, please call 613-580-6744 and listen to the menu options carefully.
Reviewed September 2019

Contact Us