First, rest assured that you have the right to breastfeed wherever you need to. Oregon, like more than half of the states in the US, has a law that protects the right of a woman to breastfeed in public. There is also a federal law that protects a woman's right to breastfeed in any public federal building, such as a post office.

Breastfeeding in public is not indecent exposure or obscene behavior. However, every breastfeeding mother has to make her own decision about breastfeeding in public. So, ask yourself, "How do I feel about nursing my child in public situations?" Then listen to your answer and plan accordingly. Know that with a little planning ahead, you should be able to honor your own needs for modesty or privacy.

Tips for Breastfeeding in Public
Here are some tips to make breastfeeding in public as easy as possible:

• Wear clothes that allow you to breastfeed discreetly.
• Bring along a light blanket to cover you and baby while nursing.
• Look for a more private table in a restaurant and sit with your back to the door.
• Go to your car and put up the sun screen, or sit in the back of the van.
• If uncomfortable when visiting friends or family, ask for a private place to nurse.
• If people are visiting you at home, let them know if you need time alone to nurse.
• Plan you schedule so that you are not in public at feeding time.
• Frequent breastfeeding friendly places like family restaurants, Nordstrom's, or movie theaters with crying rooms.

For those of you who are comfortable breastfeeding in public, go ahead and nurse wherever you need to. Know that you will be setting a great example for other families and educating those who see you nurse.

Because the right to breastfeed in public is protected in Oregon, you can complain to the Oregon Health Division if you are told you cannot nurse in a public place. If you have been bothered or asked to leave a public place by an employee or other official representative of an organization, you can file a complaint by calling 1-800-SAFENET (1-800-723-3638). The Oregon Health Division will send that organization a letter reviewing your complaint(your name will not be used) and reminding them that the right to breastfeed in public is protected by law in Oregon. You can also use the same process to compliment an organization that is breastfeeding friendly and supports a woman's right to breastfeed in public. The Oregon Health Division will send a letter complimenting that organization on their support of breastfeeding families. Together we are building a community that supports breastfeeding!

by Dixie Whetsell