Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Lactivists

This was a word used on The Bump in a forum today when somebody brought up a news story from yesterday where a breastfeeding mom in a Johnny Rockets in KY was asked to either use the bathroom or leave. So far, I am not militant enough to call myself an activist (or lactivist) but I might become one. KY laws allow mothers to breastfeed in public. If a woman is covered up, or like this woman, even made the effort of going out on the patio to breastfeed, what right did the manager have to come tell her to use the bathroom or leave? I can understand if she was sitting there with her top down, enjoying the breeze on her boobies. But, no, she was FEEDING her child. Out of view of their patrons.

I think beyond the argument over whether it should be private activity or not, it's the LAW, people. Except apparently for a few states (You can check your state's laws here), it's legal to breastfeed in public everywhere. Some states even exempt it from any indecency laws. Which means, in those states, the mother could sit around bare breasted and you can't do anything about it. Which I think, isn't what breastfeeding moms want. When we say breastfeeding in public is legal, I think most opponents are imaging some sort of a Playboy image with topless women holding babies in their arms. Most breastfeeding moms I have seen are very decorous. They usually have a blanket or cover up. They just want the ability to feed their baby in peace, without being asked to use a filthy public toilet. And, in most states, they have that right so you who think it's disgusting (it's feeding for heavens sake), shut up because it's the law.

2 comments:

Angie said...

Are you planning to breast feed? This is something I have debated pros and cons of in my mind... As for in public - if that is the worst thing you see, I think you are doing good... I have seen more "obsene" things at a public swimming pool...

Syl said...

Most probably. I don't see any reason not to at least try. Now, if for some physical/medical reason I can't breastfeed, I also have nothing against formula.