Breastfeeding in Public is Protected by Law

I was recently approached by the principal of my daughter’s Peninsula District elementary school and asked not to breastfeed my son in public. This is in direct violation of the Washington state law protecting breastfeeding mothers.

No one can ask you to stop, cover, move, or leave a public place you otherwise have permission to be in while breastfeeding.

That made me realize more education is needed on this issue.

As a second-time mom, I am comfortable feeding my son wherever he needs it and have never had an issue in almost four years of breastfeeding both of my kids. Even knowing my rights, this encounter left me anxious and upset; it illustrated to me why these laws exist.

We are working with the school to resolve the issue, but I believe educating the community would be beneficial for all.

For more information, go to the Washington Human Rights Commission website at www.hum.wa.gov/public-accommodation-pa.