Home Made Healthy: #opfeedthebabies

Yesterday I was extremely proud to be a part of a group of wonderful women, men, and children trying to make a positive change in our community. I am not usually one to participate in these sort of happenings, but this was something I feel strongly about and I knew I had to show my support!

About a week or two ago, a mother was enjoying the Centennial Hills YMCA pool with her children. Her baby was hungry so she did what any mother would do... she nursed her child. One of the employees then came up to her and told her she was "not permitted" to do that there. She then left the pool. Because of this happening, and other happenings similar to this going on all the time in the Las Vegas Valley, a group of women got together to do something about it.

Nevada law states that:

NRS 201.232

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a mother may breast feed her child in any public or private location where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether the nipple of the mother’s breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breastfeeding.

Around 2pm yesterday a large group of mothers, including myself, walked in to the Centennial Hills YMCA and proceeded to nurse our babies in the lobby. We are trying to spread the word that it is legal to breastfeed your baby anywhere you are allowed to be, and you don't have to cover up while doing so!

I was a new breastfeeding mother 2 years ago, and I felt insecure. It's situations like these that could hinder a mothers choice to continue to breastfeed her child. A lot of new moms are not aware of the law and that's another reason we need to spread the word about this. It's normal. Not indecent.

Everyone met up at the park across the street. Then, with babies and signs in tow, we made our way over to the YMCA and sat inside calmly, and nursed our babies. It was a very peaceful, yet very strong movement. Three out of four of the local news stations covered the story. And the local newspaper published it on the front page today.

I'm hoping with as much coverage as we had, that we made a difference. If we helped even one person change their negative opinion of breastfeeding, then it was all worth it. I would like to personally thank the women who made this happen and everyone who supported.