Breastfeeding--Anywhere, Anytime

By: Rachel Colchamiro, Acting Director of Nutrition Services and the Breast Feeding Coordinator for the Masscausetts WIC Program, MA Department of Public Health

When it comes to feeding babies…breast is best! Doctors say breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition AND protection against illness for the vast majority of babies and their mothers. It’s no wonder more and more moms are choosing to breastfeed their babies.

Breastfeeding is a normal way of feeding babies…but we’re not always used to seeing moms feeding their babies when they’re out and about—whether at the park, a restaurant or at the mall. Some people even think that it’s illegal to breastfeed in public.

So IS it legal in Massachusetts to breastfeed in public?

Finally we can say yes! A mother is allowed to breastfeed her baby in any location (as long as it’s a place she’s allowed to be anyway). This month, Massachusetts became the 48th state to enact a law confirming a mother's right to breastfeed in public—and protecting her from being prosecuted for indecent exposure or lewd conduct.

So, Massachusetts nursing moms, you no longer have to hide in the shadows of public restrooms to breastfeed your infant. It is your right to feed your baby anywhere, anytime. If you are a new mom…and are feeling a little self-conscious about nursing public, these tips might help:

• Practice makes perfect! Before you start to breastfeed in a public area, you may want to practice in front of a mirror to see what others will see.
• Sitting near a wall, corner, or at a booth in restaurants will provide more privacy for you and your infant.
• Bring along a shawl or small blanket if you feel more comfortable with a little extra coverage.
• Learn to recognize your baby’s pre-nursing cues. It’s easier to get a baby latched on discreetly when he or she is not crying and calling attention to you.

For those of you who have friends or family members who breastfeed…support them in exercising their right to feed their babies and congratulate them on a job well done!
For more information or support, check out the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition, click on ZipMilk, or visit ProMoM.

If you have tips for new moms on how to breastfeed with ease in public, we would love to hear from you!

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This post has been republished with the kind permission of the MA Department of Public Health, and was originally published on their public health blog, Commonwealth Conversations.