Support for NIP by non-moms

[<3mymom]

Hi I have a question for all the amazing women here on MDC (this is my first post so sorry if I put this in the wrong forum). I am not a mother (but do have an amazing mom) and don't know when/if I will be one but I strongly believe in women's rights including their rights to birth, feed and parent their children as they choose.

So my question is what can I do to support the rights of mothers to breastfeed their children whenever and wherever their children need? Besides informing people of the laws protecting mothers and lobbying when possible for better protection what can I do to help you? (you as in women who breastfeed their children)

Is it appreciated to be smiled at while you are breastfeeding your child in a public space? Is it appropriate for me to say how cool it is or is that just invading your privacy? Would you appreciate me standing up for your rights if I ever see you being harassed by anyone? and How could I best stand up for those rights?

I feel that as a woman but not a mother my attempts to be supportive could be misinterpreted or an annoyance which is the last thing I want to be to a mother and her child.

Thanks for any input.

Alex

Oh and if it makes any difference I am a female student in Indiana so we do have some laws protecting breastfeeding mothers.

[AislinCarys]

Personally I love getting a smile when I breastfeed my toddler in public. Sometimes I've even gotten comments, like "That looks cosy" or "Someone needed a snack!", or, often from older women: "I breastfed all my children and they are now big strapping men! You are doing the best thing for her!" Someone even said "Thank you for giving your baby such a good start" (which felt a bit odd, to be honest, but not a thing that bothered me).

I guess the positive reactions are smiles, and comments that assume that breastfeeding in public is completely normal, nice and sweet.

If somone was harrassing me I guess you could say something nice to me in front of the other person, like "Aw, isn't that sweet...".

[proudmomof4]

How wonderful you want to show some support!
I think most people will appreciate a smile and mothers are often in need of one...
About the comments: as the pp said, depending on what you are saying it can sound a little odd. Having said that: I always felt good about the "That looks cozy!" line.
So, maybe try to keep in mind that bf should be the norm - we're not awarding medals for super-moms here.