Protecting a normal, natural facet of humanity

This commentary from the Tri-City Herald is presented in place of the customary Spokesman-Review editorial.

Although breast-feeding a baby is natural, for some reason a lot of people just aren’t comfortable when a mom nurses in public.

That’s their problem.

Yet time and again it’s the nursing mothers who are made to feel like they are doing something wrong. Many women in this state can tell stories of breast-feeding in a store or restaurant and then suddenly being told by an employee they need to find somewhere else to feed their child.

Babies aren’t very reasonable when they’re hungry, so sometimes moms end up rushing to a public restroom to finish the feeding, which is not a pleasant option.

Now breast-feeding in public is a civil right, thanks to the new state law that took effect last month.

A previous law exempted breast-feeding from being considered indecent, but there was nothing to prevent businesses from telling nursing mothers they couldn’t breast-feed.

This new law gives breast-feeding moms the right to nurse their babies in public, no matter who might complain.

It’s unfortunate something so healthy for babies has ended up needing government protection.

Doctors overwhelmingly agree breast milk is the best for babies. It’s good for new mothers, as well. Breast-feeding often helps them bond with their babies and lose the extra weight they gained during pregnancy. It’s also free, which is a huge plus.

Washington is among 43 states that have some kind of law protecting nursing mothers.

Twelve states even go so far as to exclude nursing mothers from jury duty.

Rep. Tami Green, a Democrat from Tacoma, sponsored the bill and said she hopes it helps change the current culture.

“Women should feel as comfortable to sit down and breast-feed their child as they would be pulling a bottle out of a diaper bag,” she said.

Most new mothers are discreet when they breast-feed their babies. They wear tops with slits, carry babies in slings and cover themselves with baby blankets. Most of the time there is nothing to see.

And if a mom is less than discreet – or an older baby keeps pulling off a blanket – well, you don’t have to watch.