Is breastfeeding in public a taboo?

A lot of people share their own views on this, but as a mom, I've dealt with this issue personally.

19 years ago when my first child was born, I decided to breastfeed. Back then the formula companies were just starting to take on some steam and were really pushing doctors to promote them. The TV was constantly showing ads and the 'working mom who bottlefeeds' was the "in" thing. I was a stay at home mom (SAHM) and wanted to give the best for my child.

One day, I had taken her to the mall for a walk in her stroller. She began to get fussy and I knew it was feeding time. The maternity store would offer their changing rooms to any mom that wanted them, but I wasn't really in the mood to sit in a closet while feeding. I sat down on one of the benches in the center aisle. You've all seen them... two or three benches about 10 feet apart yet facing each other.

Well, I was very discreet. I covered myself and my daughter with a large blanket and began to feed. Honestly, no one paid me any attention, that was until these two older ladies sat on the bench across from me. I was relaxing and feeding, minding my own business, and then distinctly I heard them talking about me. The comment that I remember most was "I can't believe she's not in the bathroom to do THAT!"

I was infuriated. It was as though someone slapped me. I turned to those women and said "Right after you eat YOUR lunch in the BATHROOM!"

They, of course, walked off in a huff. I was a bit embarrassed and figured I had probably gone overboard, but that was the turning point for me. I became a breastfeeding advocate. I joined LaLeche League and spoke to every pregnant mom or new mom I ran across.

Now, 2008. I sit here as my 19 year old has a baby of her own. She, thankfully, chose to breastfeed. She knew my story about her mall lunch. I told her that if anyone said anything to her, *I* would handle it.

To this day, almost 6 months of public breastfeeding, and not a single soul has said a word or even given a dirty look. I see the doctor's offices promoting breastfeeding. Even on TV, you see the formula and baby food commercials talking about breastfeeding.

I think times have changed and the tide has shifted, again. We are finally back to an age where a mother can feed her child in the healthiest way possible and not fear backlash. It may have been taboo 19 years ago... but it's an event that brings smiles of approval now.