Breastfeeding Awareness Month

Breastfeeding in public can be intimidating for some people. You want to give your baby the benefits she deserves, but just the idea of pulling out your breast to feed your baby may make some moms feel a little timid. Imagine being out to dinner at a crowded restaurant. The wait is longer than you expected, and it's getting close to feeding your baby. Sometimes, a hungry baby is not a patient baby. What do you do? Rest assured it is your right to breastfeed in public. In fact, 43 states have laws that specifically allow women to breastfeed in any public or private place. Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana are among those states. Kentucky also exempts breastfeeding mothers from public indecency laws, and from jury duty.

Now that you know it's your right to breastfeed in public, and if you still feel apprehensive, there are a few steps you can take to protect your modesty.

Some malls and larger department stores have separate rooms off the side of the restrooms for nursing moms. Babies R Us, for example, has a special baby changing room with a nice glider and coach to sit and breastfeed.

If you can't find one of those rooms, a fitting room is always a quick place to dash and feed. Most of the time, the fitting room attendant is very understanding, that is, as long as there isn't a wait to try on clothes.

Another suggestion: sneak off to the baby department or furniture department, and see if there is a glider or comfy recliner where you can sit for a while to breastfeed.

Also consider using a cover-up. A blanket works just fine here. Unless you want to buy a special cape, or apron looking garment made specifically for nursing in public.

According to the New York Times, about 70 percent of mothers start breastfeeding immediately after birth, but less than 20 percent of those moms are breastfeeding exclusively six months later.
It is a national goal to increase the proportion of mothers who breastfeed their babies in the early postpartum period to 75 percent by next year.