There used to be a time when nursing mothers were confined to their bedrooms. Fortunately, that restriction is no longer prevalent, but breast feeding in public still remains a topic of controversy. Even though breast feeding is one of the most natural things a mother can do to keep her baby healthy and well-fed, it is also a cause of embarrassment for other people when done in public.



It should be remembered that every time a woman breast feeds her baby, whether in public or otherwise, she is giving her baby the required antibodies the baby needs to fight infections and illnesses. She is giving her baby all the nutrition comprising all the vitamins and proteins it requires to remain vital and in good health. Why then, do people object to this, even if it is done in public?

Each baby has the right to be well-fed and this right is exercised when breast feeding occurs. It should not matter, there fore; where it is that the breast feeding happens. All those people who claim they feel uncomfortable should be protesting against much more harmful things that do happen in public, violence, for instance.

Where does all this modesty go when they do not care to protest against the half naked women on every ramp, magazine and billboard on the streets? Breast feeding is not harmful to the public and does not cause any disturbance to any one. It is not offensive to children either. Millions of women breast feed everyday, yet they are made to feel embarrassed about it. This is very unfair.

If you are a woman who faces discrimination due to breast feeding in public, try keeping a blanket over your shoulder or going into non-crowded places to feed the baby in public. Many women breast feed in public to stand up for human rights.

Nursing mothers who need to breast feed in public should be aware of their rights, in case some one comes up to them when they are breast feeding in public and asks them to stop or leave. In such a situation, the nursing mother can exercise her right to feed the baby, regardless of the location. She should be aware that she can protect herself and her baby from this kind of discrimination.

She can lodge a complaint to her local human right commission; write to the government, join lobby groups for breast feeding in public and write letters to local newspapers.