[Breastfeeding] Nursing in Public

Today’s show is about nursing in public. This is a polarizing topic, where breastfeeding moms can be made to feel marginalized and ashamed, ultimately impacting their breastfeeding relationship. What can be done to support moms in feeding their babes wherever, and however they choose? Michelle Hickman tells us more.

What we talked about:

• Recap of Michelle’s 6000 people, multi-location nurse-in.
• Why do some people get so squeamish about seeing someone nurse in public?
• What’s the law for nursing in public in your state?
• Ways to hold companies responsible.
• The Nursing in Public hotline: getting your voice heard at 855-NIP-FREE
• Improving company policies – one company at a time.
• Ways to increase your confidence and comfort when preparing to nurse in public.
• Taking a deep breath: when dealing with the jerks.
• How hurtful comments can impact your breastfeeding relationship

More on nursing in public, and resources mentioned by Michelle:

• Breastfeeding in Public, Kelly Mom
• Breastfeeding in public: “You can do it?” International Breastfeeding Journal
• What to Do If You’re Harassed While Nursing In Public, Best for Babes
• Lansinoh Study Reveals Nearly Half of U.S. Moms Uncomfortable Breastfeeding in Public
• Breastfeeding in public ‘still frowned upon’: Mothers made to feel ‘marginalised and ashamed’, study finds
• Why I’m Glad Someone Told Me To Stop Breastfeeding In Public, HuffPost Parents
• How to Respond to (More) Breastfeeding in Public Criticisms, Motherhood and More
• 10 Steps to Breastfeeding In Public Without Fear, HuffPost Parenting
• What’s Hard About Covering Up To Breastfeed? Scary Mommy

Image courtesy of Michelle Hickman

About Michelle Hickman

Michelle Hickman is a wife, mother of four, small business owner, youth pastor, and breastfeeding advocate. Michelle’s passion for breastfeeding advocacy began with her nursing in public incident at Target in 2011 which led to the largest nurse-in to date with over 6,000 moms who participated in nursing their children at Target stores all over the U.S. Michelle currently sits on the advocacy board for the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), and is the Director of Activism for Best For Babes Foundation. Michelle created and manages the Best For Babes harassment hotlines 855-nip-free and 844-free2pump where she helps mothers across North America advocate for their right to nurse in public or pump at work.

Check out Michelle’s and the rest of the amazing people at the Best For Babes Foundation’s work on the Best for Babes website, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.