Breastfeeding Stigma: One In Three People Still Judge Mothers In Public Places

Dr Ray explained the stigma of breastfeeding people in public places. (Adelia/VOI).

Breastfeeding is a natural process and is important for the health of mothers and babies. However, for many mothers, this activity is a challenge in itself, especially when in public spaces.

Not a few mothers feel uncomfortable or even afraid to face negative views from the community. This situation shows that understanding and support for breastfeeding mothers in public spaces is still very low.

In commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week 2025, the Health Collaborative Center (HCC) entitled "Persepsi and Support for Mothers Breastfeeding in General". This report reveals quite a worrying fact, namely that one in three people in Indonesia still has a negative view of breastfeeding mothers in public spaces.

This study, which uses the online social experiment method, involved 731 respondents from 4 to 5 August 2025. Respondents were asked to provide responses to various scenarios of breastfeeding mothers in public places, such as factories, offices, parks, public transportation, places to eat, and cafes.

The results show that there are four main perceptions that are big challenges. First, 29.7% of respondents felt uncomfortable seeing breastfeeding mothers in public spaces. Second, 30% feel restless.

Third, 29% agree that mothers should breastfeed only in special places. Lastly, 50% strongly disagree if breastfeeding mothers anywhere without using cover. This study found that this negative view did not only come from certain groups.

"Many young women and higher education tend to be uncomfortable with breastfeeding mothers in public places," said Dr. dr. Ray Wagiu Basrowi, MKK, FRSPH, lead researcher and founder of HCC, when met in the Senayan area, Jakarta on Friday, August 8, 2025.

He added that this tendency also has no significant difference between men and women.

"There is almost no difference between women and men," said dr. Ray.

According to him, this discomfort is not a matter of fetis, but rather a reflex.

"Maybe because they are uncomfortable, because breastfeeding mothers are also uncomfortable," he added.

The study also highlighted the existence of very high stigma and discrimination against breastfeeding mothers.

"This biggest challenge is due to stigma and very high discrimination in breastfeeding mothers," explained dr. Ray.

He also added that this negative view often leads to 'mom shaming', where people think that mothers have made mistakes in raising children.

"So, women should not care about other people's views or words," he said.

She explained that women are still a population that is prone to discrimination. Therefore, it is important for mothers to be able to protect themselves and continue to breastfeed with confidence.

"How can women protect and can breastfeed. Ensuring that it is done is natural, so you must not care," he said.

"The orientation of breastfeeding is not for babies, but for themselves. Breastfeeding for mothers is avoiding violent diseases in the future." he continued.

In addition, support from various parties is very important. The government, non-governmental organizations, as well as the closest environment such as family and friends, has an important role.

- The government can make policies that support breastfeeding mothers, such as providing adequate lactation spaces in public places and workplaces.

- The social environment can provide moral support, for example by not looking negative or commenting on what hurts mothers.

- workplaces must provide adequate facilities and time for mothers to milk, so they can still work without sacrificing the rights of babies.