Breast feeding in public wins approval

GREEN BAY - When breast feeding mothers are out and about with their children, the need to feed the little ones can happen at anytime and anywhere. But breast feeding in public doesn't always turn out well.

"Many women have experienced discrimination when they are breast feeding in public especially when they are asked to move, to cover up," said Mindy Frank.

Frank is a leader with the Green Bay La Leche League, a support group for breast feeding moms. She is currently nursing her third child, and supports the Wisconsin legislature's effort to give mothers like her the legal right to breast feed anywhere.

"It is unfortunate we even need a woman's right to breast feed," she said.

Frank says with her second son she ran into trouble.

"When he was a baby I was asked to leave the Home Depot," Frank explained.

That was six years ago. Today Home Depot offers employee sensitivity training on topics including nursing mothers. Now Wisconsin legislation looks to spread that understanding throughout the state.

"What this bill would do is prohibit people from harassing moms who choose to breast feed their children," explained State Assembly Leader Tom Nelson, (D)-Kaukauna, about the unanimous approval of the bill in the Assembly.

According to the La Leche League, Wisconsin's legislation once signed into law would be one of the strongest bill of its kind in the country. Some though feel the legislature is getting side tracked.

"The politicians in Madison have got more important issues and problems to deal with," said Mike Edwards of De Pere.

Others say nursing mothers have a responsibility too.

"I think they also have to use common sense and realize there are places to be more discreet," said Mark Wilcox of Delafield.

Some who oppose public breast feeding are concerned the act won't be discreet. Frank says that isn't a real concern.

"Women do not breast feed in public to get attention they breast feed to nourish their child," said Frank.

Those who violate a nursing mother's right could face fines up to $200. A similar but not exact bill was previously approved in the state Senate. The two now need to me melded together and sent to the governor. Governor Doyle has promised he will sign the bill.