Breastfeeding Discrimination

by Christie Haskell | June 18, 2012 6:57 pm

Nursing Harassment Hotline 1-855-NIP-FREE

Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing — it facilitates an amazing bond between mother and child, protects a baby’s small body from many illnesses and diseases and provides protection against many long- and short- term illnesses in both mother and child - including cancers, diabetes, asthma and heart disease.  Not to mention, it can save parents a lot of money and time.

However, the act of breastfeeding still is considered taboo by many in some countries, like the United States. Women have to fight constantly just for the right to breastfeed their child in a situation where no one would bat an eye if a bottle were used, or to be able to take a break at their workplace to pump milk for their child. Unfortunately many moms are faced with negativity, whether from individuals, or sometimes, businesses and employers.

But take heart — there are things you can do if faced with discrimination to help not only defend your own rights, but to help prevent problems for other mothers in the future. We’ve put together some guides to help you along in the process of amicably dealing with discrimination in a way most likely to get positive results and policy changes, and even an apology.

First, make sure you know your legal rights. Simply printing those out, laminating them and keeping them in your diaper bag or purse can easily help quell some problems, as many times, people just aren’t aware that there even are laws protecting breastfeeding women.

We encourage any Babe who has faced discrimination to go through those steps first (or even read up on them just in case you are put in that position) before considering any type of Nurse-In or other demonstration. Most often, the issue is merely a misunderstanding that can be resolved pleasantly.

If you’re nervous, confused or just need some help, please feel free to e-mail us at TakeAction AT BestforBabes.org and we’ll help guide you on your way to an apology or even policy change.

Source URL: http://www.bestforbabes.org/take-action/breastfeeding-discrimination