Tips for Breastfeeding in Public Without Causing a Riot

The ABC show "What Would You Do" did a segment on reactions to women breastfeeding in public. Public attitudes toward nursing mothers was telling, with nursing mothers actually being harassed and asked to leave the establishment. Amazing that in today's era where someone can walk down the street with little more than a band aid for a top, women are still harassed no matter how discreetly they breastfeed in public. Public attitudes really haven't really changed all that much.

I chose to breastfeed both my children, because, after much research, I realized breastfeeding bonded mother and child, was simpler and produced healthier children than bottle feeding. Nursing in public was always a little tense. There was no problem, however, at the church I attended at the time. There were so many of us breastfeeding mothers at the same time, we sat in the back pew where we could exit quickly should the need arise. We also didn't think twice about breastfeeding our babies during the service. Our group of nursing mothers were not harassed nor told to take our babies to the comfort of the nursery, which did have facilities for breastfeeding mothers.

Whether in church, a restaurant or other public place, breastfeeding mothers often don't find such positive attitudes toward breastfeeding their babies in public. Men who have no problem ogling scantily dressed women and who wouldn't think of asking those women to be more discreet, or worse, ask them to leave, are often very uncomfortable in the presence of breastfeeding mothers, no matter how covered up or discreet she is nursing her baby.

In most places, women, by law, have the right to put their babies first. Breastfeeding mothers are allowed to breastfeed their babies in public-regardless of public attitudes to the contrary-and to do so without being harassed.

Though public attitudes are often less than nurturing, nursing mothers can defuse many a sticky situation with some common sense actions. Here are some tips for breastfeeding mothers.

Wear clothes that don't take a lot of adjustment.

Use a blanket, towel or other cover over your shoulder to calm baby, protect your privacy and your business away from prying eyes.

Sit in a booth and turn toward the wall for more privacy.

Meet comments calmly, with a smile and confidently. Be sensitive to others, but don't let anyone intimidate you or make you feel that you are doing something wrong or disgusting by breastfeeding your baby.

Remember, nursing is natural and mothers have a right, by law in most states, to nurse their babies in public.

If harassed, asked to stop or to leave, consider your alternatives. Is this worth the effort and energy to fight the situation-at that moment. Will getting angry upset your baby and cause problems with the nursing? Do you have another, uncomplicated, alternative? If not, be firm, be pleasant, be sensitive by staying covered, and explain that you are within your rights to breastfeed your baby in public. (Point out, you are exposing less skin than many women in summer attire.)

Finally in my book "Help! I'm A New Mother" published by Treble Heart Books, I said, "When my babies cried in a public place, I had to remind myself that breastfeeding my baby is a natural God created role. I also reminded myself that even one bottle could disturb my baby's digestion and bonding patterns. It was more important to meet the needs of my child, than the dictates of a fickle society."

Mothers, don't let negative public attitudes of a few stop you from giving your baby what is best-breastfeeding when and where baby needs to be fed.