“Mums have nothing to apologise for”: Chloe de Winter on breastfeeding in public

Why are mums still expected to make others comfortable while feeding their babies? Nala co-founder Chloe de Winter has a message for the critics.

Breasts are everywhere. But apparently, using them to feed a baby is still enough to make some people uncomfortable.

For Nala bras co-founder Chloe de Winter, that double standard is exactly what needs to change. The mum of two is backing the brand’s new Sorry To Offend You campaign, which challenges the judgement breastfeeding mums still face, with Australian mum Laura Henshaw fronting the campaign after receiving criticism for breastfeeding while recording her podcast.

But Chloe’s connection to the cause is personal. Her own breastfeeding experiences have shaped both her perspective on motherhood and Nala’s new Leakproof Maternity Bra, designed to help take some of the mess and discomfort out of feeding.

We spoke to Chloe about the double standards around breastfeeding, the realities of feeding her own children and the small things that could make life easier for new mums.

Chloe de Winter on the realities of breastfeeding

Why are mums still expected to worry about making other people uncomfortable when feeding their babies in public?

It’s bizarre that breasts are perfectly acceptable when they’re sexualised, but feeding a baby can make people uncomfortable. It’s truly so backwards! Breastfeeding isn’t a performance or a statement, it’s simply a mum feeding her child in one of the most special and sacred practices a mother can do! We need to stop putting the responsibility on women to hide, cover up or apologise for doing something completely natural. Not to mention it’s really hard to breastfeed and those that are doing it should be supported, celebrated and all deserve to be on billboards in my opinion!

Laura Henshaw was criticised for breastfeeding while recording her podcast. What does that reaction tell us about how society views breastfeeding mums, and the pressure they feel to make others comfortable?

It’s pretty outrageous that in 2026, a mum can be criticised for feeding her baby while doing her job! Breasts are celebrated when they’re sexualised, but the second they’re used for their actual biological purpose, suddenly they’re inappropriate. It says a lot about the double standards women are still held to. Why should a mum have to choose between feeding her baby and participating in everyday life?

Many new mums already feel vulnerable when breastfeeding, whether they’re dealing with latching issues, leaking or cracked nipples. How can public judgement affect their confidence, and what do you want mums to know?

Breastfeeding can be physically and emotionally challenging enough without worrying about what strangers think. I would know.. I’m currently breastfeeding my second baby and wow, it’s not easy! Women are exhausted, maybe in pain or struggling to get the baby to latch, and the last thing they need is to feel judged on top of it all. To any mum who’s felt uncomfortable feeding in public, let me tell you that you are doing an incredible job! 

Your ‘Sorry To Offend You’ campaign challenges the stigma around breastfeeding. What needs to change so mums feel comfortable feeding their babies wherever they are, without feeling they need to apologise?

We need to stop treating breastfeeding as something that belongs behind closed doors. Seeing breastfeeding in everyday life is how it becomes normal, rather than something people feel entitled to comment on. It’s disappointing that we still need to make these statements, but until women can feed their babies without fear of judgement, we’ll keep pushing, and putting boobs on billboards. 

You created Nala’s new Leakproof Maternity Bra after experiencing your own frustrations with breast pads. How did your experience as a mum shape the design, and how can practical products help take some of the stress out of breastfeeding?

That’s right! Breastfeeding my son wasn’t easy. I had leaky boobs and it was messy business! I needed breast pads but found them bulky, uncomfortable and kinda gross. So we got to work on a comfortable bra with built-in leakproof protection that actually works for the realities of breastfeeding. Plus, it’s supportive for big boobs and super functional with in-built feeding clips and slings (and super chic of course). We are all about supporting mums and making life that little bit easier, we got you!