The debate over public breastfeeding is far from new — and one mother has reignited the conversation in a bold way.
For many nursing parents, it’s well known that babies don’t operate on a schedule. When they’re hungry, they want to eat — regardless of the time, place, or setting. And while some mothers might feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, one mom decided to take a stand.
Trinati, a mother of two, regularly breastfeeds her 17-month-old daughter and doesn’t shy away from doing so wherever she may be — including public spaces. While she’s confident and unbothered by public breastfeeding, others around her often aren’t as comfortable. She’s received plenty of judgmental stares and, shockingly, has even been ushered into broom closets by store employees who assumed she’d be “more comfortable” there.
Unsurprisingly, a cramped, dusty closet isn’t exactly an ideal place to feed a child. Frustrated by this ongoing stigma, Trinati decided to make a statement. During a shopping trip to Costco, she asked her son to take a photo of her breastfeeding his baby sister — a moment she wanted to capture and share to raise awareness.
“I never shy away from providing my children with what they need, no matter the surroundings,” she explained in an interview.
But it’s not just strangers who question her choices — friends and even family members sometimes ask, “How long are you going to keep doing that?” Her answer is always the same: “As long as she needs me to.” Still, she often hears jokes about breastfeeding “until kindergarten.”
Tired of the judgment and sexualization of breastfeeding, Trinati doesn’t hold back in her response: “Really? Have you seen breastfeeding breasts? My nipples are nowhere near looking like something someone might fantasize about. These are basically udders right now. Get over yourself! I’m not trying to steal your man or woman with these ‘bad girls.’”
She makes it clear that, for her, breastfeeding isn’t a sexual act — it’s about nourishing her child, both physically and emotionally. Her body, she says, is serving its purpose as a source of love, comfort, and nutrition.
“I don’t expect people — especially those who’ve never breastfed — to fully understand the endurance it takes. The nipple-pinching, the acrobatics… I’ve gotten some strange looks when my 1.5-year-old stands on my lap while nursing — sometimes on one leg!”
Trinati’s Costco photo wasn’t just for social media clout — it was a statement. “I wanted to remember this moment and show my daughter one day the lengths we go to as mothers to make sure our kids are cared for, no matter the situation.”
Alongside the photo, she wrote: “My baby’s needs come far before anyone else’s opinions or attempts to make me feel inappropriate for publicly nourishing or comforting my children.”
Her message is clear: her children will always come first — above the discomfort or judgment of others.
“Trust is the foundation of healthy relationships, and it starts in childhood. For me, breastfeeding is a way to build that trust, and I will never be ashamed of doing this for my child, anywhere.”
Public breastfeeding continues to be a hot topic, with passionate voices on both sides. But as more mothers like Trinati speak out, it’s clear the conversation is far from over.
What do you think about breastfeeding in public? Share your thoughts — and don’t forget to pass this along to keep the conversation going.