Breastfeeding Rights

Breastfeeding rights are protected under the Human Rights Code in Ontario. There is also a Policy on Preventing Discrimination Because of Pregnancy and Breastfeeding in Ontario.

Breastfeeding in public

• You have the right to breastfeed anywhere, anytime.
• No one is allowed to ask you to cover up when breastfeeding or to move elsewhere to breastfeed.
• Many women breastfeed their children in public in Halton Region.
• Breastfeeding in public helps make it normal and comfortable; people expect to see mothers breastfeeding and therefore don’t make an issue out of it.
• Seeing women breastfeed in public teaches women who haven’t yet had children how to breastfeed their baby.

If you are harassed for breastfeeding your baby, you can report it to the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Returning to work or school and breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is recommended for two years and then continued breastfeeding for as long as mother and child want. You can continue to breastfeed when you return to work or school! Your right to continue breastfeeding is protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Visit the HaltonParents website for detailed information on returning to work or school and breastfeeding.

Further information

• HaltonParents breastfeeding in public blog
• HaltonParents breastfeeding and returning to work blog
• Infact Canada breastfeeding rights

Page updated January 18, 2017