Breastfeeding in Public: In Australia, It's a Mother's Right, not Privilege!

Women have been asked to leave, thrown out and just verbally abused in public in the recent past for having committed the grave "sin" of breastfeeding in public, in "educated" countries! Here's what you need to know about breastfeeding in public in Australia

Australians are pro-breastfeeding. The law in Australia protects a mother from being discriminated against breastfeeding in public. This includes whether she is expressing milk by hand or with a breast pump to give to your baby later too. Simply stated - babies can be fed - anywhere and anytime!

Discrimination against a breast-feeding woman is discrimination against womenhood - since it's only a woman's natural characteristic to be able to breastfeed. According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, the former federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Pru Goward (2001-2006), stated that a mother's right to breastfeed is protected by the federal Sex Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, marital status, pregnancy and potential pregnancy. The Act also makes clear that discrimination because a woman is breastfeeding (or expressing) is regarded as sex discrimination because it is clearly a characteristic of women.

Her predecessor, Susan Halliday (1998-2001) too took a strong stand by stating that common sense dictates that hungry babies be fed and Australian parents have the right to choose the option of breastfeeding their children. For many years it has been illegal under federal, state and territory law to discriminate against breastfeeding women in the provision of goods and services, including service at restaurants, clubs, pubs and theatres and on public transport. It will be a particularly sad day when, in Australia, a woman is penalized for properly caring for her child in a public place.

And yet David 'Kochie' Koch remarked in January that women should be more "classy" and discreet about breastfeeding in public - though he himself parades in his Speedos at all pools. The managing partner of Addisons Lawyers, Laura Hartley, was unimpressed and remarked that this is the year 2013 and that she'd though that there would be more maturity among all about breastfeeding. She did also suggest that Koch keep his so-called expertise on such matters to himself.

So yes, in Australia - the baby does come first. And mothers have the right to feed their babies as and when they want, wherever they want! Happy Breastfeeding Week!