People Against Breastfeeding in Public

The controversy continues to rage between breastfeeding advocates and people against breastfeeding in public. Both groups are universal in their beliefs and adamant about their opinions. Have a story or an issue you'd like to share with our readers? We'd love to hear from you!

The argument has been around for years. Those people against breastfeeding in public typically state that they aren't against the act of breastfeeding; they just feel that it should be done in total privacy. (Although there are some who are totally opposed to breastfeeding altogether, they are generally considered a minority). According to those against public breastfeeding, the act should be a private one between mother and child.

In fact, there are some opponents of public breastfeeding who go out of their way to make their opposition known, even going so far as to approach a nursing mother to tell her to stop what she is doing. Businesses have ousted nursing mothers; airlines have chastised them; and restaurants have even refused to serve them, setting off a string of lawsuits. With the level of skin exposure that is seen virtually everywhere, including streets, malls, magazines, television, movie theaters, and even workplaces, those who advocate breastfeeding are sometimes astounded at the actions of people against breastfeeding in public.

It has become virtually common knowledge that breast milk is the best food source for baby in his first months of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued the following statement: "Epidemiologic research shows that human milk and breastfeeding of infants provide advantages with regard to general health, growth, and development, while significantly decreasing risk for a large number of acute and chronic diseases." In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for the first six months and that breastfeeding should continue through the first twelve months of a baby's life.

With the continued controversy has come revamped legislation concerning breastfeeding in public. Some states specifically address the breastfeeding issue, while others simply exclude the act of breastfeeding from public indecency laws. To check your state's status concerning breastfeeding in public, click here. Some states have also passed legislation concerning nursing mothers in the workplace and concerning exemptions for nursing mothers from jury duty.

It might surprise you to know that there are some breastfeeding moms who have resolute opinions about breastfeeding in public as well, however. While many women invoke their right to breastfeed in public, they also feel that breastfeeding doesn't mean unnecessary exposure. In other words, they feel that there is a way to breastfeed comfortably and discreetly, without drawing attention to yourself. Of course, there will still be those who seek out the nursing mom simply to condemn her actions, no matter how nondescript she might be.

With so much contention by those people against breastfeeding in public, it's no wonder that breastfeeding moms need support! Probably the most well-known support group is the La Leche League. The La Leche League began in the mid 1950's when breastfeeding statistics had dropped to around 20 percent. Throughout the following decades, members of the La Leche League continued to meet and speak out about the benefits of breastfeeding and the rights of nursing mothers. The group continues to educate and support nursing mothers all over the world and seeks to educate the general public as well. While they may be the most prominent breastfeeding support group, however, they aren't alone.

For help in finding a support group in your area, contact your pediatrician, obstetrician, or local hospital, and check out the following:

• March of Dimes
• Internet Babies
• Breastfed Babies
• Breastfeeding.com

• Breastfeeding Basics
• Breastfeeding Diet
• Breastfeeding and Birth Control
• Breastfeeding Toddlers
• Breastfeeding and Working Moms

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• Category:Breastfeeding