" Why is it awkward to explain to a child that a mother is feeding their baby? The only one that it is awkward for it you.

There will always be people who have a distorted view of public breastfeeding...that is why we have a STATE LAW that PROTECTS us from peoples ignorance.

I find it interesting that it seems to be people who do not breastfeed that have all the troubles with those of us that are secure enough to do so in public.

It is all a moot point.....we have a LEGAL right to breastfeed....wherever we may be.....get over it. "

" Thanks for the advice ginger, meanwhile I have to explain to my 4 year old nephew that the lady walking around the store, not covered up, isnt doing anything wrong, but she could have been a little more discreet about it like his mother is- and I would have been able to avoid the awkward explanation to a little boy. I have so much compassion for others; I am excited and looking forward to starting my family in the near future; and I will make sure to be discreet when I breastfeed my children in public. "

" ClancyGirl I don't think that breastfeeding mothers are waiting for the chance to show their breast to you or anyone else. With your choice of the slang terms for naming the female body shows how insecure you are about even your own body.

There are going to be times in your life that you will be uncomfortable but a women breastfeeding her child should not be one of them. Why not use this as a learning experience on showing compassion and tolerance for others. "

" Seriously, this has nothing to do with nourishing your child, my sister-in-law breastfeeds her child in public; she goes to her car, and covers the baby and herself with a light blanket. This is a very respectful way to breastfeed in public and saves the rest of us from witnessing something that we do not want to see. I understand that it is inconvenient for breastfeeding mothers, but you were the ones to decide to have a baby and breast feed (and I applaud you for that) but show some respect for the rest of us that do not want to see your boob hanging out. Lastly, thank you, mothers, who are like my sister-in-law that use a dressing room to feed their babies using a baby-blanket to cover up. "

" Let me just clarify, I was not suggesting that Elizabeth use a bathroom.....I was simply saying that I was more comfortable in a dressing room. You can allow your younger children to walk around and there is a semi-comfortable bench to sit on. Not only that....but it keeps people from staring and wondering. I was just trying to help with a suggestion. I hope I did not offend anyone. "

" If you see a woman breastfeeding in public and it make you feel uncomfortable - DON'T LOOK - it's as simple as that. The law is written to protect mother and baby in every public situation. To all you who say - take it to the changing room or the car or the restroom - next time you are in a restaurant and your food comes, take it to the restroom and lock your self in the stall and eat your meal there. If a store has such a problem with nursing mothers then they need to create a private nursing room for their customers. I for one would love for Elizabeth to tell us what store it was so we could have an Al Bundy moment and stage a nurse-in in the store and make that manger so sorry that he/she ever opened their mouth! "

" So...for you that think that this wonderful mother should go to the don't hbathroom to feed her baby(ick factor off the scale...would you take your lunch to a public restroom)...or you think that just because it is "legal" to do some things in public...it shouldn't be done.....are you all as offended with someone bottle feeding there baby in public.
It is mind blowing that breastfeeding is somehow offensive to anyone. Breastfeeding does not have a sexual connotation for either the mother or the baby. It is not gross or disgusting. And just like feeding with a bottle, it is not always a deep emotional bonding time....sometimes it is just a functional act of feeding a child.
You don't even notice a propped bottle...so avert your eyes and carry on with your day if breastfeeding is that offensive to you. To suggest a mother should stop her shopping and find somewhere to feed her baby (and possibly try to manage other children at the same time)is absurd.
As a point of correction, Elizabeth does not say if she was or was not "walking around the store"...it says she was shopping. Even if she was walking, she may have been using a baby sling (which are a great solution for being mobile and feeding at the same time...kind of like when other mom prop bottles and keep shopping).
Bottom line we have a state law (it is sad that we need one) to protect the rights of families who breastfeed. Elizabeth is right and the store was wrong. To say that "Businesses and offices generally ave to say anything because most Mothers are feeding their babies with discretion." is exactly the point of Elizabeth's letter.....businesses and offices are prohibited by state law from saying anything at all. This is not a subject that they get to decide when to address. "

" Congrats on choosing breast feeding--I hear it is better for the child than other options...However, I think there is a time and place for most things. It could be that this was not the time or the place for such activities. I don't think they asked you not to feed your child--just not to do it in the store. There are many things which are legal for people to do--but I would not want to see them being done in wally world (for example) while I was shopping. "

" Can you tell us which store it was? I'd love to never go there again! Please tell!! They should be arrested...the store owners. "

" Breastfeeding in public can be done VERY discretely. Whether you want to admit it or not, even mothers who've breastfed their own children can be made uncomfortable by blatant displays of breastfeeding in public.

So while breastfeeding is a natural & beneficial act between Mother & child; using decorum to do so discretely is considerate to everyone else. And lots of mothers choose to feed their babies in restrooms, dressing rooms, or other safe & comfortable environments because of their choice for privacy. Businesses and offices generally don't have to say anything because most Mothers are feeding their babies with discretion.

Probably this business was not telling you they didn't appreciate your patronage, but out of respect for others, truly hoped they wouldn't have to even say anything to you. It comes down to respect of others on both sides. "

" Elizabeth,

I am so sorry this happened to you. I truly hope that you left this store and have serious second thoughts about going back. Too bad you didn't name the store so that the rest of us "breastfeeding mothers" would know to stay clear of it. This manager was way out of line and should be seriously repremanded. I wish more women would breastfeed as it is so important to an infants begining.
Stores should provide mothers with an area to feed our children. I usually use a dressing room. They work wonderfully. "

" "It is highly inappropriate to ask a mother not to feed her child......breastfeeding a baby is an important and basic act of nurturing".

I agree, When an infant needs to eat, then the mother needs to take care of that in a nurturing way.
Walking around a store just doesn't seem to fit that idea.

It is inappropriate to breastfeed a child in a store.
If your child is hungry, please take into consideration others and take yourself back to your car or restroom and take care of the child’s needs there.
Would you change your child’s diaper in view of everyone in the store or would you take him/her to the restroom for privacy??

Please understand that you are not being asked to neglect your child, but to consider others around you.

I do applaud you for choosing to breastfeed. It is such an intimate time with your child. A time to impart love and bond with your baby. "

" I am shocked that people are still so ignorant and closed minded about feeding a baby.....or a toddler for that matter.
I sit her speechless....would that manager rather have a screaming, hungry baby in his store. I would like to know what store it is so that I can use my "power" by shopping elsewhere.
Breastfeeding is best for mother, baby and society. It promotes bonding and nurturing. It saves taxpayers money(millions are spent each year of our tax dollar to provide formula through WIC). Way to go Elizabeth....I hope that the manager is now educated. Of course I am sure he will try to use his tactics on someone who does not know their rights.
It is sad that we have to have a law to be able to feed are babies. "