Cover image via SAYS
Julia Tan was breastfeeding her five-month old son at a Starbucks when a middle-aged lady complained to the barista there and insisted that Julia be asked to stop as it was "disgusting"
**QUESTION: What is the harm with a mother feeding her child in public?**
Mother's have it tough. And we don't make things easier when we gawk "awkwardly" or make such hurtful comments towards them. **Most of the time it's our glares that turn mothers away from breastfeeding**. Sometimes we do it unconsciously, but this is most probably due to the social stigma we've conformed to.
Anna Alicia, a mother of two, said she stopped breastfeeding her child only because she **found it more and more difficult to find a secluded place to nurse without offending anyone**.
Image via Turtle
It's scientifically proven breastfeeding is ESSENTIAL to both the mother and infant. It helps create a special bond between the mother and child and also ensures the best development for the baby.
It has been said babies who are breastfed pose a lower risk of asthma, obesity, diabetes and even allergies. To boot, it turns out **breastfeeding also helps mummies lose weight**!
Mothers nursing their babies on 16 August during the Big Latch On at Subang Parade organised by TBAN
Image via The Star
Hence why 'The Breastfeeding Advocates Network' (TBAN) started a community initiative called BFriendly. It promotes greater acceptance and promotion of breastfeeding in community and commercial, and corporate settings.
The team believes that **breastfeeding is a mother's right rather than a women's duty**, which is why tables have turned and the duty is imposed on the government and public to create an environment that enables mother's to make an informed choice about nursing their child.
Image via Foundily
So how does the public play a role in this?
The starting point would be to start "breastfeeding friendly" establishments. But then the question rises, what is a "breastfeeding friendly" environment?
**BFriendly says**: An environment which accepts breastfeeding women and is willing to **provide a private area for mothers to breastfeed. One thing's for sure, if you ever do spot the sticker above at any establishment, it's safe to say the place has been certified breastfeeding friendly**.
Image via BFriendly
So mothers out there, we're here to help with a few BFriendly certified cafes and malls in a few cities you can nurse your child at ease:
Cafes:
1. [Stuff your face, Bangsar](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stuff-Your-Face-Cafe/250455069054)
2. [Marmalade cafe, Bangsar](http://www.ilovemarmalade.com/)
3. [Caterpillar Cafe, Hartamas](http://www.ilovemarmalade.com/)
4. [Paddington House of Pancakes, The Curve](http://www.paddingtonpancakes.com/)
5. [Artisan Coffee, Bangsar](http://www.artisanroast.com.my/) (Psstt: They even serve decaf coffee)
6. [MyElephant, USJ 9](https://www.facebook.com/MyElephantUSJ9)
7. [90 Degress, Kuantan](https://www.facebook.com/90.cafe.art)
8. [Morningwoood, SS15](https://www.facebook.com/morningwoodMY)
9. [Lorem Ipsum, Bangsar](https://www.facebook.com/lorem.ipsum.kl)
10. [Closer Kitchen & Espresso Bar, PJU 7](https://www.facebook.com/closercafe)
Malls:
1. Sunway Pyramid
2. Paradigm Mall
3. Isetan, The Gardens
4. Parkson, 1Utama
5. Isetan, 1Utama
6. Ikano Power Centre
7. The Curve
The Lactation Room in IKEA even provides toys in the room to distract your other young children while you are nursing
Image via Makchic
