Breastfeeding, Natural Parenting

Public Breastfeeding

At first nursing in public was really weird to me. I don’t think I had ever seen anyone do it before & it just seemed strange, out of place. However, I had a newborn who nursed every half hour for the first couple months of his life, so my options were either to never leave the house, or to nurse in public. Now I’m really glad that he sort of forced me to get used to it because the truth is, nursing is wholesome, healthy, natural, and non-debateably best for babies. Babies who are breastfed are less likely to get sick or die, & are more likely to live healthy lives as adults (& it makes their moms healthier too!)

And truthfully, the more people who breastfeed in public, the more normal it becomes, which is a good thing. Just like older children & adults, sometimes a baby needs to eat while away from home, which they should be able to do without criticism or judgement.

(Breastfeeding in public is also protected by Florida state law – whether or not you are covered up – & most other states have similar laws.)

On that note, here are some of the places Kaden & I have nursed away from home.

At…

  • The pediatrician’s office
  • Michigan Wolverine’s college football game
  • An airplane
  • Church
  • Many restaurants
  • Grandma’s house
  • The mall
  • Landon’s work
  • A parking lot
  • Target
  • My in laws’ house
  • The airport
  • Major League Baseball games
  • Starbucks
  • A car dealership
  • Friends’ houses
  • Sam’s Club’s furniture isle
  • The pool
  • Disney World
  • The movie theater

…basically everywhere we go  🙂

2 Comments

  1. Amanda

    May 18, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    Georgia just passed a law that says if children 2 and older are nursing in public, it’s considered public indecency. So sad…

    http://thestir.cafemom.com/toddler/120439/new_extended_breastfeeding_law_is

    1. thethinkingmom

      May 18, 2011 at 3:17 pm

      Wow, that is really sad. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until at least 2, & the worldwide average is breastfeeding until 3. There are many health benefits for breastfed toddlers, & just because it’s uncommon in America certainly does not mean it should be illegal! Ridiculous.

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