Those Negative Comments
If you are breastfeeding, or thinking about breastfeeding, you have probably encountered at least one person who has been confused - or maybe even offended - by your choice. Sometimes it seems that your nursing relationship is up for debate, even among strangers. But responding to these situations can be made easier if you take a deep breath and speak your mind with dignity.
For example, let's say you are grocery shopping with your little one. While standing in the cereal isle, your baby starts fussing. You know she is hungry, and you have no problem with feeding her in the store. After all, it is freezing in the car and she isn't comfortable being cramped in the back seat anyway. You find a chair at the pharmacy and park your cart. As you have been nursing for a few months now, you are a pro at being discreet. But alas, even though it looks as if you are just holding your baby, the pharmacist spots you and asks if you need help.
You reply that you and your baby are just taking a minute to relax and then you will be on your way. He stares at you and then realizes you are nursing. He seems embarrassed by his revelation and then makes this remark: "Miss, this is not an appropriate place to do that. I suggest you go out to your car and I will watch your cart for you."
Hold it! Before you jump down this poor confused man's throat, or leave the scene in tears, collect yourself accordingly and respond with an arsenal of tactful words you have planned for just this type of remark. Yes, you need to plan your responses. You may be the queen of tact when it comes to other situations, but you just might be at a loss for words when someone discourages or insults your feeding practice while in mid-session. So what can you do to prepare for such situations?
First, and most importantly, know your legal rights!! Many states have laws protecting the right to breastfeed in public. Get a copy of your state's laws regarding breastfeeding in public and read them. In fact, memorize the title of that law. Knowing that you have a legal right to nurse wherever you wish is the best defense of all. And when someone asks you to leave a public area or actually accuses you of indecent exposure, you can assure them that you are not breaking any laws (Californians might say: "According to Assembly Bill #157, Section 43.3 to the Civil Code...) and have every right to feed you baby wherever you please.
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