Lactivists in Forest Park

Just a few weeks ago there was a demonstration in Forest Park of mothers. One thing I’ve learned in the past few years is that one group of people you don’t want to upset are mothers. This group was particularly upset about new city limitations in Forest Park that would ban public breastfeeding for children over the age of 2, labeling it an act of public indecency. 

Breastfeeding itself can be a controversial topic, and women find themselves on either side of a Mommy War battle. Breastfeeding in public makes things even more crazy. Our society and even the medical profession have had mixed feelings on the topic. When my grandmother had my mother in the early 1950’s, breastfeeding was not encouraged and feeding formula to babies was more the way to go.

Many cultures even feel that breastfeeding is unnatural and not the best option for new babies. I don’t quite follow that logic. Why would you feed your baby something made in a factory when you’ve got the best set of nutrients, antibodies and protein right there, and it is always ready and always the right temperature.  I mean, what did you think your boobs were meant for anyway?

Despite this, I don’t think that the real issue in Forest Park is as much about breastfeeding as it is about breastfeeding children over the age of 2 in public.  I’m not sure if public indecency is the right term, but there is something a little strange about nursing a toddler that walks, has a full set of teeth and can ask for it on demand.  I’m a true advocate for breastfeeding, I did it until my child was 13 months and probably would have nursed longer if she hadn’t bit me, but breastfeeding a walking and talking toddler in public does feel a little out of place to me.

The World Health Organizations suggest that mothers breastfeed at least two years or beyond.  However, this recommendation is more appropriate for developing countries where nutrition levels are generally low. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that babies be exclusively breastfed for six months and then as long as 12 months or until mutually desirable. 

This is where Forest Park has stepped in and, siding with AAP, says just do it at home and not in public. The local municipality is simply asking mothers who choose to breastfeed a toddler to please do so in the comfort of their own homes.  For me, if I were still breastfeeding a toddler, I wouldn’t want anyone to know that, and I’d keep my boobs at home and out of Forest Park view.