I have yet to blog about the issue of nursing in public (NIP). The reason is because it has been blogged about so much that I have struggled to find my own voice on this issue. I have instead spent time in Facebook threads defending women who choose to breastfeed in public. I have engaged in soul crushing arguments with trolls and defended my own photographs on sister pages that have been so kind as to share my message. I have decided that I must stop doing this. My heart hurts, my soul is dark and my energy is draining. I think I have heard every argument against NIP, so I never need to engage in another discussion to learn where the opposition stands. Instead I need to write my own piece on it and allow it to stand on its own. Ladies and gentlemen, please go get a cup of tea or coffee. Cancel all of your appointments and turn off your cell phone. Sit back and relax. Here is my official statement on NIP.
Breastfeeding is normal and natural and no one needs an excuse to do it. We can breastfeed in public because we are allowed to be in public. I do not have to cover myself if I do not want to. I do not have to do anything to make anyone else more comfortable. It is my responsibility to care for my child, it is your responsibility to manage your feelings about that.
Abby Theuring, MSW
**If you would like support nursing in public read my blog course Become a Badass Public Breastfeeder in 7 Days.
