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Breastfeeding at Public Events

 

Please note that, as always, when I say breastfeeding, I mean feeding your baby breast milk in whatever form works for you, whether it's pumping, nursing, or both. If you’re on this breastfeeding journey with me, you know darn well it doesn’t magically pause when you leave your cozy couch. Public spaces like concerts, water parks, sports games, or even your cousin’s wedding, will test your ability to find comfortable lactation spaces, juggle pump parts and bottles, and feed your sweet baby, all while avoiding flashing an entire crowd.


The Policies — What You Need to Know 

I'll always support a good car pumping session, but please know that you do not need to hide in your car every time your baby needs to eat. Let’s talk about your rights when it comes to breastfeeding at public events. Whether you’re nursing or pumping, you’ve got legal protection in pretty much every U.S. state. Feeding your baby in a public place is NOT indecent exposure. If someone tries to tell you otherwise, ask them to take it up with management. Likely, they won't even try. If you're feeling anxious, speak with management when you arrive at a location to ask about their policies. 


That said, not every stadium, concert hall, or water park makes this easy. While many large public buildings now have dedicated lactation spaces, some of them are pretty dingy. But hey, we're making progress. By law, workplaces have to provide a non-bathroom space. Your average big venue? It can be hit or miss. 


Maybe you've been to Yankee Stadium or Lambeau Field and seen the new lactation pods that are becoming more commonplace! They’re called Mamava pods, and they’re basically little *clean* cubes of sanity in the middle of the chaos of a large public event. If you want to plan ahead, do yourself a favor and download the Mamava app for help locating lactation rooms anywhere and everywhere! — Once you download the free app, it will show you the nearest lactation spaces or Mamava pods near you or your desired venue. Real mamas like you leave reviews and tips. Think of it like Yelp for breastfeeding moms!


Here’s a quick peek at some sample venue policies:

  • Disney Parks: They have Baby Care Centers with private nursing rooms, changing tables, and sinks. Woo! 

  • NFL Stadiums: Many have nursing suites. 

  • Shopping malls, zoos, and airports: Many newer ones have Mamava pods or family lounges — but don’t count on it, check before you go.

 

Wondering what to do if a lactation space is occupied when your boobs are about to explode or your baby is HANGRY? You’ve got plenty of options, this just happens to be one of the most convenient. If you can't wait, find yourself semi-private spot — a shady bench, an empty seat in a quiet section — and get it done for the sake of your little one. More on this soon. 

 

Pumping at the Chris Stapleton concert with my Eufy S1 Pro

How to Dress for Breastfeeding 

Breastfeeding at public events can be chaotic enough...you don't also need to be worried about wrestling with underwire and straps. Dressing for success plays a vital role in keeping your sanity and your milk supply a-flowing. 


Finding the Right Bra

First things first — you need a great nursing and/or pumping bra. If you've ever tried to double pump with flanges without using a handsfree pumping bra, you know that it's pretty miserable. Now picture doing that at a country concert. No. Just No. Good news - I’ve tried them all, and I’ve put together my honest video reviews here: Bra Reviews.


The only time you *might* be able to get by with a regular bra is if you’re using a mobile or wearable pump. Mobiles are magical for on-the-go pumping at concerts, festivals, or chasing your toddler through a water park. But please hear me out: if you’re exclusively pumping, mobile pumps should NOT be your main squeeze. They’re a great backup, not your ride-or-die. Want the full scoop? Check out some of my blog posts:


Breastfeeding-Friendly Clothing

Breastfeeding-friendly does NOT have to mean ugly. There are PLENTY of clothing pieces out there that are both functional, comfortable enough for physical activity (i.e. chasing your toddler around), and adorable. 

Nursing Queen fleece

Here are a few of my go-to nursing + pumping clothing shops:

And here's a link to a few of my fave breastfeeding-friendly tops and postpatrum-friendly bottoms!

Remember - Just because a shirt isn't officially dubbed a "nursing" top doesn't mean it's not breastfeeding-friendly! I'm always scouting more breastfeeding-friendly clothing options. Check out the bemybreastfriend Amazon Storefront for more suggestions for each season! 


Pro tip: Keep an extra shirt (or three) in your car. Leaks happen. Babies spit up. Pumps malfunction. New moms - it's not fun to be the star of a wet t-shirt contest you didn't sign up for. You’ve been warned. 


Do You Have to Wear a Cover?

Short answer: nope.

Breastfeeding covers are completely optional. Some moms love the privacy and structure they offer. Others feel like they’re wrestling a sweaty tent while trying to latch a newborn. Both are valid.

Here’s how to make either option work:


If You Want to Use a Cover:



If You’d Rather Skip It:

  • Wear nursing-friendly clothing: two-shirt method (tank top + loose tee), wrap dresses, or tops with built-in access. Not sure what to wear? As I mentioned above, I am regularly on the hunt for outfits not specific for breastfeeding but are still totally nursing and/or pumping friendly for any weather on my storefront!

  • Use a lightweight muslin swaddle or blanket to drape if you want subtle coverage

  • Position yourself in a corner, booth, or seat with your back to the room if you want more privacy

The truth? Most people won’t even notice you’re nursing. And the ones who do? Most will naturally just give you your space and not think any more of it. 


Supplies You’ll Need to Bring 

Supplies for the exclusive breastfeeding mom when out and about can look different from situation to situation. If you are nursing and bringing your baby along with you, you’re pretty much good to go. It's one of the biggest perks of nursing! No pump bags, power cords, or bottles! 


But for my pumping mamas, it’s a whole different ballgame. Being prepared means lugging around a decent number of things. Here’s what you’ll want in your bag(s). Air travelers - make sure these items stay in your carry-on bag! 


The Must-Have Supplies:

  • Your pump (charged) — Double-check the battery life. And yes, bring the charger just in case. Most places are equipped with at least one electrical outlet in case you need it. Or get a backup portable charger, just make sure it's charged up before you go!
  • A backup manual pump — In the unlikely event that your pump malfunctions, keep a Manual Pump on hand. In the car is fine. 
  • A durable pump bag — I love anything from Mimi and Pal (bemybreastfriend for 10% off). Cute, functional, and roomy enough for all your breast pumps, parts, snacks, and your toddler's random toys. 
  • Disposable pump wipes —  Pump Wipes are great for cleaning pump parts in between sessions when you don't have access to a sink. Note that you can use the "fridge hack" when you have access to a fridge or large cooler, but you likely won't if you're out and about. 
  • Breast milk cooler bag with ice pack — Don’t let your expressed breastmilk go bad. I love this Cooler Bag from Sarah Wells (MYBREASTFRIEND15 for 15% off). Fill it up with milk stored in bags or bottles if baby is with you!. 

Pro Tip: Ditch the cooler bag altogether: The Ceres Chill is a game changer for pumping mamas who don’t want to deal with ice packs and multiple bags or bottles of milk. Fill it with ice before you leave — done. Use BEMYBREASTFRIEND15 for a discount.



Looking for a few more products for when you're out? Check out my Top 10 Products for On-the-Go Pumping.


Keeping With Your Schedule 

Life can get chaotic when you're out of your routine and dealing with child care, eating out, parking, etc. But if you're a breastfeeding mom, your schedule is still important. For the nursing mom with her baby, that baby will let you know when she needs fed. But for the pumping mama, you don’t have that hungry alarm clock reminding you it’s time to pump. So when you're in a lovely place of public accommodation, do yourself a favor and set a timer on your phone. Without it, you'll probably get distracted and your boobs won't appreciate that. 


Power Move: Pump in the car on the way to and from your event. This knocks out two sessions and saves you a little stress! It's one of the benefits of breastfeeding via pumping! You can adjust your schedule slightly here and there. 


Nursing/Pumping Setup

So your bag is packed and your schedule is sorted. Now it's go time at your kid’s soccer game or that concert you’ve been dying to see. HOW do you get yourself properly set up? Well, you can be as chill or as private as you want. It's your call! 


First, find your spot. Some women like a private location — maybe a Mamava lactation pod, a designated lactation room with comfortable chairs and wide armrests, or just a shady corner away from the general public. Other mamas are like, “Nope! It's the middle of the game and I'm not moving!" Either way — do what makes you feel the most at ease. 


If You’re Nursing:

You should never feel ashamed about having your breast out to feed your baby. But you can be discreet if you’d like. Get your baby positioned the way you like — cross-cradle hold is great because your baby’s head covers most of your boob and their body covers your belly if you’ve gotta hike your shirt up. Then, take advantage of your nursing-friendly clothes we talked about. If you want extra coverage, toss a nursing cover or blanket over you too after baby is latched — just be aware that your baby can get overheated under there faster than you think.


Pro tip: If you can master nursing in a baby carrier or baby sling so you never even have to take your kiddo out, it's a game changer. This carrier is awesome. I wasn't really a baby-wearer until I started using the Versa by Happy Baby. 


If You’re Pumping:

First, piece together all your parts. Lift your shirt or pull down your nursing-friendly top. If you’re using mobile pumps or wearables, just pop those bad boys in your bra and you’re good to go! When you pull your shirt back down, most people around you won't even have a clue you're pumping! If you’re rocking traditional flanges, you might want a nursing cover for a little extra privacy. Then just sit back and let your pump do its thing.



You Can Do This! 

Whether it’s your first time figuring out how to nurse in a food court, pump in the middle of a stadium, or get cozy in one of those fancy lactation rooms, just remember - you’re not alone, and you're doing an amazing job putting your child first. While feeding your little one in front of members of the public might feel daunting at first, the more we do it, the more normal it becomes — and that’s how real breastfeeding support grows.


Last tip about breastfeeding at public events - If you’ve got your partner or a friend with you, don’t be shy! Have them grab your food, your water, your extra storage bags, and if you’re really lucky, feed you nachos while your hands are busy.

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