Last Reviewed: September 2009

Your Questions Answered

Questions about you

Breastfeeding in public

I'm not sure about breastfeeding in public or at a restaurant
My family is not comfortable with me breastfeeding my older child

I'm not sure about breastfeeding in public or at a restaurant

Breastfeeding is protected by law. Every mother has the right to breastfeed her child in public, no matter what the age of her child, whenever and wherever she wants. No one has the right to ask you to leave or to breastfeed in the bathroom or another room.

Ontario Human Rights Code and Breastfeeding in Public

Many public places and businesses provide breastfeeding areas for mothers who prefer a private place. This is the mother’s choice. A mother who prefers to breastfeed where she is does not have to go to the breastfeeding room.

The following is a list of Breastfeeding Friendly restaurants in the Region of Peel:

Heritage Fish and Chips. 295 Queen St., Brampton
Casamicci Trattoria. 1 Queen's Gate Cres., Bolton
Mandarin. 238 Biscayne Cres., Brampton
Chuck E. Cheese. 4141 Dixie Rd., Mississauga
Chuck E. Cheese. 2945 Argentia Rd., Mississauga
Tom's Family restaurant. 16033 Airport Rd. N., Caledon East
Canelli's Italian restaurant. 252 Queen St. E., Brampton
Tucker's Marketplace. 5975 Mavis Rd., Mississauga
Flapjacks family restaurant. 16560 Hurontario St., Caledon Village
Dennys. 2452 Queen St. E., Brampton

My family is not comfortable with me breastfeeding my older child

“Are you still breastfeeding?” or “How long are you going to breastfeed?” are common questions many mothers of older babies and toddlers are asked by friends and family. Some ask in a supportive way while others ask in a disapproving way. Dealing with friends and family who do not support your decision to breastfeed an older child can be challenging. One of the reasons mothers decide to stop breastfeeding (wean) is pressure from friends and family. Here are some tips for dealing with unsupportive friends and family:

Try giving them the facts: that breastfeeding is good for you and your child for as long as you both want.
Tell them that breastfeeding for two years or more is best for growth and development and disease prevention.
Refer them to good breastfeeding resources in your community.
Talk to other women who have breastfed toddlers for tips on talking to your family and friends.

In the meantime, tell your family and friends who support your decision to breastfeed your older child that you appreciate their support.

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