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  • Essay / Breastfeeding in Public Should Not Be a Legal Issue in America

    Breastfeeding in Public Children should be fed. They need the right nutrients to be healthy, starting just moments after birth. This is a point that almost the entire American population can agree on. So why isn't it legal to do it everywhere? South Dakota and Virginia have laws specifically stating that mothers are not allowed to breastfeed in public because it is public indecency, and Idaho is the only state that has not passed a similar laws (Samakow 1). Even in the other 47 states where public breastfeeding is legal, breastfeeding is so stigmatized that mothers are often asked to leave public places or “cover up” if they are breastfeeding (1). Since the purpose of a woman's breasts is to provide nourishment and nutrients to her child if she wishes to have one, all women should be legally allowed to breastfeed in public and should be provided with a comfortable space ( which is not a toilet) for breastfeeding. if they prefer to do so in private, because a woman's life should not be scheduled around when her baby needs to be fed, and since the sexualization of women's breasts should not prevent a child from be nourished when he needs it. Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay Breastfeeding is the most complete form of nutrition for infants and babies, providing an abundance of proteins, fats , energy, immunoprotective proteins, omega-3 fatty acids and more (Dalzell, Rogerson and Martindale 118). Breast milk is unique in terms of nutrients and cannot be adequately replaced by any other food substance (Benefits of Breastfeeding 1). Breastfeeding has incredible health benefits for both mother and child, strengthening both of their immune systems (Benefits of Breastfeeding 1). Infants are naturally susceptible to illness, and breastfeeding helps reduce this susceptibility not only early in life, but also later, reducing the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The risks for breastfeeding mothers of developing osteoporosis as well as breast, uterine and ovarian cancer are reduced; Breastfeeding also makes it easier to lose weight after pregnancy and childbirth. Breastfeeding is also an effective form of natural contraception, 98% more effective than condoms. A mother's mental and emotional health can also benefit from breastfeeding; a mother's emotional health and confidence are improved through the development of a personal and intimate relationship with her infant(s); this interaction between mother and child helps to establish “the health and psychological foundations for the years to come”. That being said, since breastfeeding is the best option for both mother and child when it comes to feeding their baby, it is logical to assume that a mother should always have the option to breastfeed her child, it doesn't matter where it is, especially since babies' breastfeeding schedule and breastfeeding conditions must be specific to ensure optimal health and comfort for babies (50 reasons...1). Infants aged from birth to six months should be fed approximately 6 times per day, and as the infant grows from six months to one year, approximately 4 to 5 feedings are required per day (Feeding Guide...1 ). It would be very difficult for a mother to maintain this feeding schedule if she is out in public, where some places may not.