I wrote this to a local paper, and they published some of it. It was my hope that people would understand that breastfeeding is normal and that mothers need support.
Some Truths about Breast-feeding
There seem to be some myths and assumptions about breast-feeding mothers when it comes to public feeding. I believe it’s time we start de-mystifying breast-feeding and start raising awareness. The Arizona Department of Health apparently agrees; the fourth objective of the Healthy Arizona 2010 Program under the Maternal and Infant Health section is to increase the proportion of mothers who breast-feed their babies, strategy 4.1 being to increase public awareness and acceptance.
A mother can’t stay at home the entire time she is lactating, asking her to do so is unreasonable. She has other children and a life. The reason she wants legal protection is because she is being told to leave places she’s otherwise entitled to be. Being told to breast-feed in the bathroom or "somewhere else" sends the message that "you are not welcome here". In other states where laws have been enacted to protect breast-feeding, mothers continue to be respectful to themselves, their family and the public. What has changed is that they can now continue to enjoy and carry on with their lives without fear of being harassed while feeding their children. Obviously there is a need for Arizona to address this issue, especially as the number of mothers who choose to breast-feed is rising.
Yes breast-feeding is a natural function, it is a form of getting nutrients, it’s how babies eat. Some try to compare it to other natural functions such as urinating. Well, babies also urinate but we aren’t asking to be able to take their diapers off and let them urinate wherever we are in public. Equating eating with urinating seems kind of disgusting to me, I know I don’t take my meals to the restroom.
Breast-feeding is not indecent. The "reckless exposure" of the nipple and/or areola of a woman's breast to a person who could reasonably be expected to be offended is what is considered indecent in the Arizona Revised Statutes. A baby that is hungry is eager to latch on, and once latched on the nipple and areola are covered by the baby's mouth, his/her head covers the view of the surrounding area and the woman's clothing stays on, usually draping over the breast/cleavage area. Usually it looks like the baby is just laying in the mother’s arms. It’s when there is a blanket that is draped over the mother and baby that it is most obvious she is breast-feeding under there.
Some people believe a breast-feeding mother should cover herself and her child with a blanket or shawl. Many breast-feeding mothers do use covers just for their own personal comfort. Other mothers are confident and discrete enough they don’t feel the need to. In Arizona we also have to acknowledge that in this heat it is unreasonable and possibly dangerous to ask a mother to put a blanket over her child’s face for 20 minutes. Infants are particularly prone to overheating as their systems are not mature enough to regulate body temperature as well. Also, around 4 months of age, the child becomes more aware of his/her surroundings and fights having their face covered. Try and place a blanket over an older baby’s face and see what they do! They simply don’t like it and usually fight to get it off, actually drawing more attention to the situation.
Some might argue that a breast-feeding mother should express milk at home and when feeding her child in public use bottles. This works for some mothers, but there are a few reasons this is not always ideal. First, a mother who is exclusively breast-feeding (meaning not supplementing with formula or solid foods) is the sole provider of her child’s nourishment. A mother who is exclusively breast-feeding has a larger milk supply. Around the time her child will need to eat, which can be up to 8-12 times a day depending on the age of the child, her breasts fill with milk. She needs to express this milk, the most efficient way is having the child nurse but pumping is another option. I personally think breast-feeding in public is less noticeable than pumping in public. If the mother does not express her full breasts she can become engorged. Engorgement is not only uncomfortable, but can lead to mastitis, an extremely painful infection than requires medical attention. For a mother who has a larger milk supply, the need to empty the breast is even more important because her breasts are more "full". Also, it is common for exclusively breast-fed babies to outright refuse artificial nipples. The baby will refuse to take the bottle and instead scream in hunger and frustration. Personally, I think a mother breast-feeding is much less disturbing than a screaming baby.
It is stressful being the mom of a new baby. You are dealing with sleepless nights, adjusting to all kinds of new emotions, being bombarded with unsolicited advice and trying to do what is best for your child. Breast-feeding is not always easy. Sadly, no matter how a mother chooses to feed her child she is ridiculed, just at a time when she is most vulnerable and overwhelmed with taking care of this little person. What mothers need is support. When you see a mother feeding her baby, regardless of whether she’s breast-feeding or bottle-feeding with formula or expressed milk, just smile at her and tell her how beautiful her child is if you feel comfortable doing so. It will make her day, and that can be the difference between a stressed out mom and a confident, happy mom. In the end everyone wins, including baby.
Dr. Phil and his guests strike up heated conversations as they debate the latest hot topics. Should women give up their right to breastfeed their babies in public so other people don't feel uncomfortable? Will passing out condoms in schools prevent unwanted pregnancies or just send the message to kids that it's OK to have sex? And, is it acceptable for others to discipline your kids if they see them acting out in public, or should they just mind their own business? Dr. Phil weighs in on these controversial subjects. Share your thoughts, join the discussion.
