Breastfeeding in Public

We live in a world where people are comfortable with a woman showing cleavage while walking down the street, or better yet, showing an ample amount of her breast on the red carpet.  It’s even considered acceptable for advertisements to pervasively illustrate skin, curves, breasts, and more!  But why is it a big deal when a woman chooses to breastfeed in public?

Why is this important?

m robertson 1Time after time, we hear about stories of women who were told that they needed to relocate while nursing their child, given looks of disgust, or even being shamed through social media.  It’s already hard being a mother, and yet when a mother chooses to use her breasts for what they were intended, she is often mocked and not applauded.  Why does is seem that women have to feel as if they are committing a crime, when they are merely performing a natural responsibility of a mother, feeding their child?  Breastfeeding is not only one of the healthiest gifts that a mother could provide to her child, providing nutrients, antibodies, and so much more, but it benefits that mother as well; not to mention it is free and the fastest way to provide nourishment to a child.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

  • Lowers baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies
  • May boost the child’s intelligence
  • Fewer ear infections
  • May protect your child from obesity
  • Physical bond creates a secure relationship
  • Lower risks of SIDS
  • Helps mother lose pregnancy weight faster
  • Lowers risk of breast and ovarian cancer for mothers
  • Reduced risk for postpartum depression
  • Convenient and portable

“Breastfeeding rates continue to rise in the U.S., yet breastfeeding did not continue for as long as recommended in 2011.”

www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/2014breastfeedingreportcard.pdf

Approaches and Results

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are laws thatm robertson 2 are put in place to supposedly protect the breastfeeding mom.  In almost all 50 states, DC, and the Virgin Islands, there are laws to protect mothers who choose to breastfeed their child in public.  The law states that a mother has the right to breastfeed her child anywhere that she is allowed, whether that is a public or private location.   The issue that arises is that, if there is no enforcement provision with the law, the law is essentially useless because there is no penalty for violating the law, or telling a mother she needs to relocate while breastfeeding.  In the state of Illinois, there is an enforcement provision, which means that if a woman has been denied to right to breastfeed her child, in any location other than a place of worship, a mother may take legal action against the individual.

What can you do?

There is still work to do to support breastfeeding mothers.  Many states that don’t have enforcement provisions with the breastfeeding laws still need to make some changes.  Illinois is fortunate to have enforcement provisions on the right to breastfeed in public, but lack enforcement provisions on workplace pumping.  We need to support, bring awareness, and advocate for those who don’t have the law supporting them.

Other Resources on Breastfeeding