In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, city council member Linda Carter has encountered significant limitations regarding her right to breastfeed during council sessions, following complaints from fellow lawmakers about feeling “distracted.” A petition initiated by the advocacy group MomsRising advocating for Carter’s right to breastfeed has already amassed over 14,000 signatures, contributing to a wave of support that has seen the hashtag #SupportLinda trend on social media platforms.
Carter first brought her infant son to council meetings when he was only nine days old, breastfeeding him from the audience. After nearly 11 months of this practice, she recognized that being separated from her colleagues on the dais hindered her ability to serve the citizens of Eau Claire effectively. After consulting legal counsel, she was reassured by a 2010 Wisconsin state law that guarantees the rights of women to breastfeed in public, stating plainly, “Breastfeeding is distracting.”
Opponents within the council argued that Carter’s breastfeeding from her official seat contradicted their “standards of decorum.” Council President Mark Thompson noted that four members expressed discomfort about the situation. During a heated public hearing, fellow council member Sarah Johnson asserted that a child could indeed be a distraction. However, the council could not clarify why Carter’s presence on the dais would be more distracting than if she were seated a few rows back in the audience; the primary distinction was her access to a microphone and the ability to voice her opinions directly.
In an effort to sidestep direct conflict with the state statute supporting breastfeeding mothers, council members opted to prohibit children from the area where council members sit. This decision effectively made it impossible for Carter to breastfeed her child in that space.
You might wonder, why not just pump? In a candid Facebook post prior to the ban, Carter shared her reasons against pumping: “Pumping during a legislative session isn’t always practical. I would have to step out for an extended period, missing important discussions and votes. I also ruled out using my pump at my seat because it’s quite noisy!”
The presence of women lawmakers can significantly influence legislative priorities. Cities like Boston and Washington, D.C. have seen a surge in young parents winning seats on their councils. This demographic shift has led to the introduction of new laws aimed at benefiting families and children. For instance, the Washington, D.C. council has introduced measures to enhance access to affordable childcare, while in Boston, council member Jessica Lee, who recently had a child while in office, has been vocal about advocating for paid family leave for all city employees.
Erica Hudson, director of the group Emerge Wisconsin, which trains progressive women candidates, emphasized the importance of women’s perspectives in governance: “Women’s voices are essential, and we need more representation in decision-making spaces. It’s crucial that we facilitate rather than hinder women from fulfilling their roles as both mothers and public servants.”
Despite various laws protecting breastfeeding in 49 states (Idaho being the exception), the debate over breastfeeding in public remains contentious. Major health organizations, including the CDC, advocate for breastfeeding due to its numerous benefits for mothers and infants alike.
As many women juggle family responsibilities and careers, the challenge of balancing both is real. A 2016 Pew Research study revealed that women are the primary earners in 40% of families with children. Adding to this complexity, the U.S. is the only nation among 41 developed countries that doesn’t mandate paid parental leave, forcing many women to choose between nurturing their newborns and securing financial stability.
Globally, women in leadership roles have demonstrated that breastfeeding should not obstruct their ability to serve. Unnur Brá Konráðsdóttir, a member of Iceland’s parliament, once noted, “My child was hungry, and I wasn’t slated to speak at that moment, so I began to feed her. It felt more appropriate to care for my child than to leave her crying with someone else.” She aptly summarized, “Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world; you just have to do what you have to do.”
As countless mothers can attest, a fed baby is a happy baby, and the unique experiences of women engaged in meaningful work enrich the public service landscape. For those interested in family planning, check out this cryobaby home insemination kit which offers helpful resources. For more insights on this topic, visit Modern Family Blog’s authority article. For comprehensive information about artificial insemination, refer to this Wikipedia page.
In summary, the struggle for breastfeeding rights in public spaces highlights broader issues of women’s representation and support in both legislative and family roles. As society evolves, it is crucial to foster environments that accommodate the needs of mothers and their families.