Pasco 'lactivist' campaigns for breast-feeding

Breast-feeding rights weren't at the top of Chris Yourdan's mind last week.

But after being approached by a Pasco woman advocating for mothers and babies, the manager of Richland's Espresso World joined other Tri-City businesses that will post international breast-feeding symbols.

"It's not something I've ever really thought about," Yourdan said. "We haven't ever really had a problem with (customers being uncomfortable with breast-feeding mothers). I'm planning to read this (brochure) and find out how to deal with someone who is uncomfortable with it."

About 10 local businesses have been receptive to self-proclaimed "lactivist" - breast-feeding activist - Brittany Hansen's message and posted the breast-feeding signs.

"I want mothers to walk up to a door, see that (sign) and feel totally comfortable," said the 23-year-old mother of two. "If they're comfortable, they'll (breast-feed) for longer and our babies will be healthier."

Though breast milk and formula have similar nutritional components, there are elements like enzymes, hormones, anti-allergens and more that are only found in breast milk, said Carla Prock, a public health nurse and lactation consultant at the Benton-Franklin Health District.

"There's so many great, wonderful things above and beyond formula," she said.

And there are benefits for both mother and baby when babies are fed from the breast, Prock said. These include a better milk supply and the development of antibodies that can protect babies from illness.

"There's a reason for the actual contact at the breast," Prock said.

But society - especially in more conservative areas - hasn't embraced the idea of mothers breast-feeding in public, Prock and Hansen said.

"Everybody now knows that breast-feeding is best, but not everyone is comfortable with seeing it yet," Hansen said. "Society needs to catch up."

Prock says the international breast-feeding symbol can be found nearly everywhere in places like Seattle, Portland and even Moses Lake.

"It is much more acceptable," she said. "Our community isn't quite there yet. I definitely think it needs to be promoted a little bit more in this community."

Hansen wants businesses to back breast-feeding mothers by making them feel welcome to feed their babies at their establishments. She's approaching them with the symbols and asking how they handle situations where a customer feels uncomfortable with a breast-feeding mother.

"I want them to see that it's a normal, natural thing, not a shame thing," Hansen said. "It's not about my right to breast-feed, it's more about my child's right to eat. Be supportive because the mother's just doing the most healthy thing for her baby."

Hansen's campaign has been met with agreement by many businesses such as Sterling's restaurant, Greenies, New 2 U Kids clothing store, Desert Gymnastics and a couple of local Applebee's restaurants.

Hansen plans to continue approaching businesses in the coming weeks, she said.

"My goal is for mothers to be able to confidently feed their baby with nature's best food," she said.

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Information from: Tri-City Herald, http://www.tri-cityherald.com