A new Start4Life poll shows many new mothers feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public, despite broad public support. The poll shows shows that more than a third of breastfeeding mothers shy away from doing so in public, with 1 in 5 (21%) feeling people do not want them to breastfeed in public.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-mothers-are-anxious-about-breastfeeding-in-public
The social and medical impact of breastfeeding cannot be understated. Breastfeeding raises IQ by up to ten points and it decreases the incidence of certain cancers and obesity later in life. These benefits alone have the potential to save this country billions of dollars in health care.
http://midwiferytoday.com/articles/breastfeed_public.asp
You sit where it's feasible for you and your baby, Hodge tells WebMD. Here are some facts that any breastfeeding mom should know: Breastfeeding in public is a right in all 50 states, a fact many women don't realize. At least half of states have laws specifically protecting the rights of the breastfeeding mom.
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/public-breastfeeding-tips
The short films share real life experiences of mothers breastfeeding in public, to help break down the barriers and stigma that prevent many mothers doing so themselves. It is illegal to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place and the Start4Life poll shows 72% of people support public breastfeeding. Yet despite this, 6 out of 10 mothers who breastfeed take steps to hide it in public and more than a third (34%) feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-mothers-are-anxious-about-breastfeeding-in-public
Collectively, we would do well to focus on the larger issues deserving attention and public outcry than to waste public money, resources, newspaper and media time and legislative actions on the issue of breastfeeding in public. By doing so, society as a whole has avoided confronting more legitimate problems.
http://midwiferytoday.com/articles/breastfeed_public.asp
1 In this way you are protected against any criminal charges for nursing in public.  In other states -- for example New York and California -- specific civil statutes address breastfeeding in public and grant women the right to do so. Being denied that opportunity means a woman can sue for violation of her civil rights.
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/public-breastfeeding-tips
Data & Statistics. The CDC Breastfeeding Report Card provides state-by-state data to help public health practitioners, health professionals, community members, child care providers, and family members work together to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/index.htm
However, while 74% of women start breastfeeding their children from birth, only 47% are still doing so 6 to 8 weeks later. In the Start4Life poll, 1 in 10 of women who chose not to breastfeed said the worry of doing so in public influenced their decision.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-mothers-are-anxious-about-breastfeeding-in-public
Breastfeeding mothers who are forced to stay at home for fear of public humiliation have a documented increase in postpartum depression, psychosis and child abuse. No mother should be forced to choose between breastfeeding her child and going out in public.
http://midwiferytoday.com/articles/breastfeed_public.asp
Dr Ann Hoskins, Deputy Director, Health and Wellbeing, Healthy People at Public Health England said: Breastfeeding gives babies the best start in life, and it comes with a whole host of benefits for the mother too. Anxiety about breastfeeding in public certainly shouldn’t be a barrier to breastfeeding in general.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-mothers-are-anxious-about-breastfeeding-in-public
benefits to breastfeeding in public
Breastfeeding in public helps to break down the barriers and stigma that prevent many mothers doing so themselves.  Breastfeeding in public is to help break down the barriers and stigma that prevent many mothers doing so themselves.