Research and Impact

Breast milk is widely considered the optimal nutrition for infants. Research shows that it protects against infections, reduces the risk of chronic disease, and supports healthy neurological development ²-⁶. For mothers, breastfeeding is associated with reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes ²-⁶.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond ¹. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) defines breastfeeding as a public health priority that requires supportive environments and appropriate public policy ².

A large Israeli cohort study published in 2025 in JAMA Network Open included 570,532 children in Israel and found that longer breastfeeding duration and exclusive breastfeeding were associated with lower odds of developmental delays and neurodevelopmental conditions ²². This does not prove that any specific chair changes breastfeeding rates or child development outcomes, but it does strengthen the public-health rationale for creating environments that support breastfeeding outside the home.

Despite these recommendations, only about 48% of infants worldwide are exclusively breastfed until six months of age ¹. Research identifies several barriers to breastfeeding in public spaces, including embarrassment, fear of negative reactions, and the lack of appropriate seating or basic privacy ⁷, ¹²-¹⁵, ¹⁸-²¹.

Legal protection for breastfeeding in public exists in a number of countries, including the United States and Australia ⁹, ¹⁶. In Israel, the Ministry of Health states that breastfeeding is permitted anywhere, including in public spaces, and encourages environments that support breastfeeding in public and everyday settings ¹⁷.

Economic research also points to a broader impact: suboptimal breastfeeding is estimated to cost about 0.7% of global gross national income (GNI) through healthcare costs and lost productivity ⁵. Promoting breastfeeding may reduce morbidity and mortality among both infants and mothers ³-⁶.

Research on breastfeeding-friendly environments sometimes recommends additional elements such as ergonomic seating with back and arm support, footrests, partial privacy through shade or low partitions, and accessible, comfortable areas with lighting, ventilation, and in some cases supportive amenities such as changing surfaces or nearby water access ¹², ¹⁸-²¹.

Design solutions can help translate some of these recommendations into real public environments, making urban spaces more accessible, respectful, and supportive for families.

Beyond medical and social research, breastfeeding also carries cultural and spiritual meaning in different traditions, including Jewish tradition.

Breastfeeding in Jewish tradition

Biblical sources use the image of a nursing mother to express closeness, nourishment, and comfort (Isaiah 49:15; Psalms 22:10). Rabbinic and later Jewish traditions also discuss breastfeeding as part of the deep bond between mother and child.

Breastfeeding, modesty, and public space

Communities and traditions differ in their preferences regarding breastfeeding in public. Some prefer greater privacy or cover, while other approaches allow public breastfeeding with the level of modesty chosen by the mother and appropriate to the setting.

Supportive and respectful public space

Public environments that offer comfortable seating and the option of cover when needed can give mothers more choice in how they breastfeed within different cultural settings.