Breastfeeding in Public Wasn’t Legally Protected in All 50 States Until 2018
Mamas, I want you to let this sink in for a second...
Breastfeeding in public wasn’t fully, legally protected in all 50 states until 2018.
Not 1998.
Not 2008.
2018.
That means it took until 2018 for mothers across the United States to be fully protected while doing something as basic, natural, and necessary as feeding our babies. Honestly, that’s hard to wrap my head around. The fact that mothers ever even needed legal protection to feed our children says a lot about the stigma that has surrounded breastfeeding for previous generations. And somehow, even now, many moms still face judgment.
We are stared at, questioned, told to "cover up", even made to feel uncomfortable. All for feeding our babies.
Think about that for a second.
A mother can feed her baby a bottle in public without anyone thinking twice, but some breastfeeding mothers still worry about unwanted comments, awkward looks, or feeling like we need to hide.
Mamas, that’s a heavy burden to carry during an already super vulnerable season of motherhood. But, do you want to know the good news?
We have actually come a long way! Breastfeeding protection for mothers is stronger than ever, awareness continues to grow daily, and more mamas are helping normalize breastfeeding every single day simply by showing up and feeding their babies!
But there is still work to do, because no mother should ever feel ashamed, embarrassed, or unsupported for simply nourishing her child.
So if you’re currently breastfeeding and have ever felt uncomfortable feeding your baby in public, please hear this:
You are not doing anything wrong.
You are feeding your baby.
And that is something to be proud of.
Mamahood question: Have you ever felt uncomfortable breastfeeding in public?
I'd love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below and let's talk about it ♡
