July 15, 2007

Be careful out there . . .

Breastfeeding in a moving vehicle? I just learned today that it's legal in Michigan (and one other state) to remove a child from a car seat to nurse! The law reads "(1) . . . each driver transporting a child less than 4 years of age in a motor vehicle shall properly secure that child in a child restraint system that meets the standards prescribed in 49 C.F.R. 571.213. (2) This section does not apply to any child being nursed."

I have mixed feelings on that law . . . but it does need to be changed to keep MOTHERS FROM NURSING BEHIND THE WHEEL!! I just read an article about a mother who was nursing her son while driving. That seriously makes talking on your cell phone while driving seem harmless. I applaud her ability to do so because I still need about 7 strategically placed pillows to nurse Jackson, but I'm stunned by her total lack of concern for her child's safety. Did I mention that she was also driving with a suspended license? Sometimes I think people should have to get licenses before they can have children.

I had to nurse Jack in a bathroom stall at Macaroni Grill tonight. I haven't quite mastered the art of "discrete public nursing" so I still have to hide every time he gets hungry. I brought a bottle along, but it looked a little gross and smelled funny. I can't wait for the day when it's as common for most public places to have "nursing rooms" as it is for them to have restrooms.

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