what to do if BFing is not protected by law

[breachaplin]

i live in south dakota and though we have been trying and trying to get laws in place to protect nursing in public like other states have, no luck yet. i am wondering what i could do in the mean time if i am ever confronted? i NIP everywhere and i mean everywhere and never use a cover so it is always obviouse what i am doing. what would i do if someone at a resturant, store or the mall asked me to cover up or leave. they can not have me arrested for indecent exposure because i know BFing is exempt from that law but they could make me leave because i am on there privet property right? anyone else live in a state without nip laws? what would you do in this situation. i have never had a problem yet, but want to be prepared if i do.

[~Heyokha~]

Originally Posted by breachaplin

i live in south dakota and though we have been trying and trying to get laws in place to protect nursing in public like other states have, no luck yet. i am wondering what i could do in the mean time if i am ever confronted? i NIP everywhere and i mean everywhere and never use a cover so it is always obviouse what i am doing. what would i do if someone at a resturant, store or the mall asked me to cover up or leave. they can not have me arrested for indecent exposure because i know BFing is exempt from that law but they could make me leave because i am on there privet property right? anyone else live in a state without nip laws? what would you do in this situation. i have never had a problem yet, but want to be prepared if i do.

There was a great article about NIP and state laws in the current issue of Mothering. It really is a sticky area isnt it?

:

[tuansprincess]

Well, I live in Idaho and the only nursing law we have let's us out of jury duty.

If I am ever confronted, I plan on stating my baby's right to eat and my right to nurse him. If they continue I will regretfully leave after getting their name. Then I would write a letter to the manager/company and perhaps write a letter to the editor of my local paper. Just try to get the word out and get people thinking. Start some momentum for new legislation perhaps.

Anyone else have ideas? : as well

[2lilsweetfoxes]

I'd NIP all the time in Oklahoma, even when it was not exempt from public indecency laws. I would just be so matter of fact, but not in-your-face, about it. Never had one person look askance (or maybe I'm just dense) but no one said anything to my face.

((prayers my leave comes through--3 weeks till I see my babies after 8 months))

[tuansprincess]

sweetfoxes - I just moved from Ok! I found it much more tolerant than Id. I miss it!

Prayers for leave! :

[velcromom]

There is a bit of a gray area, where there is no law... but if you are confronted, you can simply say, "And your name is?" and take down names of the person/people who are asking you to cover or leave. That way you have a good start on making a customer complaint, letting your state legislators know there is a real need for breastfeeding protection, or taking further action if the company doesn't resolve the issue. I know that having to defend your and your baby's right to breastfeed is something that causes many moms anxiety, no one wants to have to do that especially shy moms like so many of us are!, but really you don't need to stand there and argue. Just take names & any other pertinent info. Stay if you feel comfortable doing so or leave if you feel better not pressing the issue. Then come here and let us know how you would like us support you.

[breachaplin]

i guess i just wouldnt know wether to stay or leave if i were confronted. i know that if i was protected by a nip law i wouldnt leave for anything, they would literaly have to drag me out. but since the law is not on my side i guess i would have to leave and then make a BIG stink over it, maybe i would warn them as i go that i will be going to the local media ect. with the story.
thanks for the replies, i will have to let you know if i ever have any trouble.

[mamajake]

It is really important to make sure that the person who is asking you to leave is actually the owner or highest level of management. Remember that an employee is not usually authorized to rescind your right to be in a space.

Jake, the author of the Mothering article

[velcromom]

Originally Posted by mamajake

It is really important to make sure that the person who is asking you to leave is actually the owner or highest level of management. Remember that an employee is not usually authorized to rescind your right to be in a space.

Jake, the author of the Mothering article

Thanks for reminding us of that point, Jake, I think it's something most of us don't really consider. But it is certainly possible that going up the chain of command could solve the problem right then and there.

[sewaneecook]

I NIP in TN a lot and the law only covers BFing moms through the first year. DS just turned one a week ago. I haven't had any confrontations yet. Most people think DS is sleeping when he's actually nursing, so I'm not sure what I'd do yet. I'm definitely taking notes from this thread.