Like many countries, Mexico still has some lingering stigmas around public breastfeeding. In fact, as of 2014, Mexico had one of the lowest exclusive breastfeeding rates in Latin America, with only about 14% of mothers breastfeeding exclusively in the first six months. Fortunately, recent UNICEF data shows an improvement to around 30%, though still below the global average of 41%.
When Mexico banned free baby formula giveaways in hospitals in 2015, there was hope that breastfeeding rates would rise. With more mothers embracing breastfeeding, public feeding naturally increased too, leading to occasional confrontations between mothers and people who insist on “covering up.” Unfortunately, public shaming of breastfeeding mothers persists worldwide, even though it's unnecessary and outdated. But occasionally, a mom’s response makes the moment unforgettable.
A Clever Comeback in Cabo San Lucas
While on vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Melanie Dudley, a mom of three, found herself facing this very situation. On a particularly hot day—90 degrees, to be exact—Dudley was breastfeeding in a restaurant when a man approached her and asked her to “cover up.” Rather than get upset, she took her baby’s blanket, draped it over her own head, and continued breastfeeding as usual.
Dudley’s funny and thoughtful response went viral after a photo was shared on Facebook in July 2018, amassing over 138,000 reactions, 40,000 comments, and 226,000 shares. Many nursing mothers saw this as a confidence boost, a reminder that they don’t owe anyone an explanation for feeding their child.
One supportive comment read, “Well done, Mom. Breastfeed your baby anytime, anywhere.” Another person wrote, “If you don’t like seeing mothers breastfeeding, then look away!”
Normalizing Public Breastfeeding
While public breastfeeding is now legally protected in all 50 U.S. states, breastfeeding mothers are still often met with shaming or requests to "be discreet." The fact that it’s legal doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fully accepted, and some argue that shaming breastfeeding mothers should be punishable. Though that may sound extreme, it highlights how far we still have to go to normalize a natural, vital act.
It’s worth questioning why some view public breastfeeding as inappropriate. A nursing mother feeding her child shouldn’t be more offensive than beachgoers in bikinis or summer outfits. In some cases, mothers are even directed to bathrooms to breastfeed—a place no one would want to eat, let alone an infant.
It’s time to move past these outdated taboos and fully embrace breastfeeding as part of everyday life. No more stigma, just acceptance.
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