Bostonist: Ask Bostonist: Breastfeeding and the Law

also a mom

Sat, 08 Jul 2006 19:50:18 -0500

Freedom to nurse in public is nothing that the government should get involved in. It should be the private choice of every private establishment how they want to handle it. If I was a 4-star restaurant, I wouldn't want some mom whipping it out and feeding their kid just like that. And I, as the restaurant owner, should get to make that choice. And look, it's not that hard if you're in the coffee shop to just step in to the bathroom and nurse there. No one said motherhood would be easy, ladies. Everyone acts like it's unfair that motherhood is exactly what you would expect it to be. Yes, babies need to be fed.

another mom

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 13:21:59 -0500

I think Bostonist missed the point of the campaign here. Breastfeeding moms in this area are not afraid of being arrested for indecent exposure. They are concerned about being harassed or asked to leave public establishments like coffee shops where they go just to get out of the house. Since little babies nurse quite frequently, the threat of harassment in public places de facto forces moms to stay inside their homes with their small infants. I'm not sure whether the proposed legislation addresses arrest or harassment, but freedom to nurse in public is the big deal for moms.

Chris

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 18:45:21 -0500

Only if we can have Barrios spearhead it. He's interested in advocating issues that allow for him to be easily lampooned, right? In fact, I'm smiling right now just thinking of potential Herald headlines.