The Breast Is Yet to Come: Embracing Public Feeding Episode 400

In this episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, we’re asking: Should mothers be free to breastfeed anywhere they choose—or should there be limits?

The conversation stems from a viral post showing a mother breastfeeding her baby in public with the caption challenging people to stop demanding mothers be “respectful” while feeding their child. While breastfeeding is legal in public across many countries, including Ireland, mothers still face social stigma, judgmental stares, and even harassment for doing something as natural and necessary as feeding a baby.

Niall invites listeners to weigh in on whether society should normalize public breastfeeding or if discretion is still necessary in certain settings.

Some callers felt mothers should be able to breastfeed absolutely anywhere, without shame or pressure to hide. They argued that feeding a baby is a human right, not a display of indecency—and that people who are uncomfortable need to grow up and mind their own business.

Others felt there should be some boundaries. While supportive of breastfeeding, they said it should be done with “consideration,” like using a nursing cover or opting for private spaces when possible. For them, it’s about respect for others in shared public areas, not denying a baby its needs.