The Nursing Mom's Legal Rights
Breastfeeding is a loving and natural way to care for our baby's
needs. Studies show the benefits of nursing are tremendous, not
only to our baby but to ourselves and in our relationship with
our baby. I nursed both my babies, and I loved it. It was the
best choice for my babies and for me. Although, I will admit
there were some drawbacks.
I am sure you are well aware that breastfed babies as all
babies, need to be fed on demand. They will let you know when
they are hungry and rather loudly at that. When and where
doesn't matter to them they just want fed. Breastfeeding in
public IS LEGAL. As a nursing mom we are sometimes made to feel
uncomfortable nursing in public places. Cold stares from others
in restaurants, snide comments made under their breathe
regarding you nursing your hungry baby in public or even worse
asked to leave or to feed our babies in the restrooms at public
places. Just think of it, would you eat in a public restroom?
Why would anyone be so sick as expect us to feed our babies
there, any adult certainly wouldn't eat there? But incidents
like this do happen. And sometimes we just don't know how to
react or respond to some statements.
Believe me moms, I know how you feel. Then one day, I got MAD!
No one has the right to tell me WHEN and WHERE I can feed my
baby. I went home and began researching my rights and was amazed
at what I found. The internet provides so much helpful and up to
date information for us.
There are legal rights that all nursing moms and nursing babies
have. We have the right to nurse our babies anywhere they have a
right to be. One of the best resources to find out just what
your legal rights are in your home state is
http://www.lalecheleague.org/LawBills.html Check out the site
for information on Breastfeeding Legislation in General, by
state and the new Summary of Enacted US Breastfeeing Legislature.
We are doing what is healthiest and best for our babies and we
SHOULD NOT be made to feel uncomfortable, embarrased or ashamed
of it. BE PROUD. The law is on your side. Here are just a few
other online resources you may want to look further into for
more information regarding working moms and your rights, and the
National Alliance of Breastfeeding Advocacy should you ever need
to report a problem or public incident and more.
http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/breast50.htm - 50 State
Summary of Breastfeeding Laws ,for reporting an incident:
http://www.naba-breastfeeding.org/advocate.htm#feedback,
http://www.breastfeeding.com/workingmom.shtml ,
http://www.nursingmotherscounsel.org/workingmoms1.htm for
working moms, http://breastfeed.com/resources/articles/bflaw.htm
.
There is so much information out there, take advantage of it and
get to know your rights so if an incident does occur you will be
well equipped to handle the situation. Knowing I had rights gave
me the confidence to nurse whenever and wherever my babies
needed to eat. I hope it empowers you as well and encourages you
to continue doing what is best for your precious little one.