Normalize it
The ideal is that breastfeeding becomes the norm, not something that requires legislation. My hope is that some day breastfeeding is something that women just do, not something they feel embarrassed about, debate about on message boards, call others nazis over, or think is gross. Breastfeeding is how babies should be fed. Other food sources should be used if breastfeeding isn’t possible, but breastfeeding should be the universally accepted way to feed a child.
Halton, a Canadian city, is helping to make that happen.
Halton opens arms to breastfeeding moms
Carmelina Prete
THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR
(Jun 25, 2008)
Halton has just become more welcoming to breastfeeding moms.
Breastfeeding Welcome Here is a new community program that encourages any business in the region to post signs saying it is a breastfeeding-friendly location — and be listed in a new website, babyfriendlyhalton.ca.
The campaign, which will have an official launch within six months, is more sweeping than a similar program announced yesterday by Toronto’s public health department.
Toronto’s program involves only restaurants, whereas Halton’s invites all businesses to join — from doctor’s offices to book stores, restaurants and coffee shops.
“Our mission in Halton is to make breastfeeding the norm,” said Eileen Chuey, a Halton public health nurse and co-ordinator of Halton Baby Friendly Initiative, a community coalition of health care providers, agencies and community members who work to promote and support breastfeeding.
“A lot of moms do feel comfortable breastfeeding wherever but it’s amazing how many mothers really need to almost have that permission.”
Hamilton has no immediate plans to launch a similar program.
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July 2nd, 2008 at 8:08 am
I saw a contest online where you were supposed to comment on the weirdest place you had ever breastfed. Honestly I couldn’t think of one. I breastfed everywhere and it didn’t seem weird to me at all.
Now pumping in a stall at Epcot, that was a little weird…