Breastfeeding In Public

I distinctly remember the first time I breastfed in public. I will never forget the comment I was given. In a few words I entered into a world of controversy I never knew existed. The comment a woman made to me was actually positive but it still took me off guard.

It was 2012 , Sam and I went on our first family outing to to a local taco shop with our new baby. Right on cue Waylon began to cry so we quickly ordered and I found a table outside the restaurant that was located by a busy street. I retrieved my nursing apron from my fully packed and neurotically detailed diaper bag and discreetly nursed my newborn. A woman walking by stopped, looked at me and said, “thank you for breastfeeding in public”. I replied with… “your welcome?”, in a confused voice. I was preparing myself for a much different comment in which I would have had to defend myself and my right to feed my child wherever.

From that moment on I became keenly aware that how you feed your baby, where you feed your baby, and if you cover yourself… have become issues. They have become topics of debate at the expense of a delicate and intimate relationship forming between a mother and her child. Had that first comment I received been a negative one I might not be so carefree in nursing my babies and more anxious when doing so.

I, like most women who nurse their babies, am aware that barring one’s breasts in public is awkward, however with discretion and some modesty I have been able to enjoy nursing my newest little one without always worrying if I’m fully covered.

I am not a vigilantly or bra burning feminist, but I am a feminist, I am for women and I am especially for women feeding their babies (bottle or breast) on demand with or without a cover. This second time around it is even more clear how my body was made to do this- made to sustain life in my baby. If you see me or another mother out in public feeding her child please know we are not trying to be sexy, we are not making a statement, and we are not asking for attention. Know that we are busy, we are nurturing, we are doing what our bodies are created to do, and we are enjoying a precious short-lived time in our lives. Nursing my children will always be one of my greatest treasures.

Okay I’ll step off my tiny soapbox now and show you one of the most innovative nursing dresses around by Mitera Collection. I love this look for work, dinner out, and or special occasions. I paired it with flat heeled booties, which make it easier to run after my track star almost 4 year-old. Also use code “BREASTFEEDING” at checkout for 20% off the Mitera Collection on their site.