Breastfeeding law

[samanlee]

Is there a breast feeding law in Hong Kong?
We will be visiting Hong Kong and like to know how discreetly breast feeding in public ( ie restaurants or malls) is socially handled.
Any advise on which places our breast feeding friendly?
Thanks

 

[lesliefu]

Though Hong Kong is with the times in many aspects, unfortunately we are still quite conservative when it somes to breastfeeding in public. There are two malls - IFC and Pacific Place that have diaper changing places that have a small seating area for you to breast feed in private. I think though that those might be the only two malls (at least on the HK side) who have such facilities, I'm thinking Elements (on the Kowloon side) might have something too, since it is a new mall

I rarely see people breastfeeding in public, I don't think it's "unacceptable" it's just that I think the people here just don't feel comfortable enough to do it, and also some just prefer to express and bottle feed when they are out. Hope this helps! Hope you have a good time in Hong Kong!

 

[carang]

the locals are VERY shy when it comes to breastfeeding, but you shouldn't have much trouble. i breastfed two babies in hk without any problems at all.

the best places to bf are in the starbuck's and the pacific coffees as they have nice comfy chairs. some large posh-er shopping centres have parents' rooms or baby rooms available.

 

[rani]

Here's a list of places to change and breastfeed baby

http://www.geobaby.com/articles/baby/where-to-breastfeed-and-change-a-baby-in-hong-kong/

 

[babymommy2]

I haven't seen anyone BF in HK, but personally I have BF wherever I have been out and about in HK, wherever I can find a place to sit down. Some malls have paretn rooms but they are hard to find and sometimes people will be sleeping in them (adults without any chidlren!) so it is easier to just BF whereever you happen to been rather than trying to find a special parent room.

 

[Matty]

Wow, this thread makes it sound like BFing in HK is horrible!

You are in fact legally entitled to BF in public here. But as other posters have said, Chinese people seem to be shy about it.

I've never had any problems and still regularly BF my 6 month old in public.
I find Starbucks, Pacific Coffee, hotel lobbies, to be very comfortable. And there are plenty of them around.
Don't feel pressured to cover up either. I don't, and I've found that most people don't even give you a second glance.

 

[Frenchy]

Same for me, I never looked for any room when I needed to BF... if you do it discretly, you can sit in any place/coffee/lounge/lobbies, so did all my breastfeeding friends.

 

[MLBW]

I thought I would add one funny thing I saw in HK to this thread. One time my husband and I were at the immigration building in Wan Chai. I was waiting to get approved for my HK I.D. card. The couple in front of us were being interviewed by the immigration officer. A mixed couple--he was caucasion and she was of Chinese descent. Their son was probably at least 2 because he was walking and talking quite well. Well, they are having their interview with the officer at his booth and in the middle of the interview, the child comes up to the mom, tugs on her shirt, and she lifts up her shirt to shoulder level (pretty much flashing the officer), unhooks her nursing bra and proceeds to breastfeed with her son standing on the floor in front of her. From behind I could see 3/4 of her back as well as the back of her bra. The officer? He just smiled and kept on with the interview. So...if he didn't have a problem with very indiscrete breastfeeding, I'm sure you can manage here in HK. Just thought I'd add that.

 

[miaka]

i BF anywhere i happen to be. i covered up cuz my 2nd baby (now almost 11 mos) gets distracted easily. no one seems to mind

 

[joyofliving]

I have been breastfeeding my 10 month old almost everywhere in HK, even in taxi's with noone seeming to mind at all. These days she gets distracted by the canopy so I don't use it very often, but I make sure my breast is covered.

Off the track here's an interesting news on breastfeeding:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/12/21/2008-12-21_protest_flares_up_on_facebook_over_breas.html

 

[denis]

Elements has the best diaper changing and breastfeeding rooms.But most of the places are awful. You have be on a queue for diaper change or breastfeed.

 

[Janicka]

Same here..Just breastfeed anywhere..My baby is 9 months now..Never had any problems with it..

 

[tstmum]

I usually find a quiet spot in Starbucks or other cafe to breastfeed. I've never used a nursing apron, as I personally think that draws more attention to what you are doing, and I've never bothered going to a nursing room. If your top is not too tight, then you can pull it up discreetly (you may want to wear a vest/singlet underneath to hide your back or side). My mum says it just looks like the baby is asleep in my arms when I'm feeding.

 

[Koan]

I BF anywhere and everywhere. It's a lot easier to BF in a restaurant or cafe than finding rare, crappy baby rooms.

What's the deal with that 'BF room' at Eugene central?!! They have a tiny stool in there... How on earth do you BF a 30lb toddler on a stool?! I need a comfy chair with arm support!