When did breastfeeding become legal in public?

The Legalization of Public Breastfeeding in the United States
Breastfeeding in public has been a topic of considerable debate and evolving legal frameworks in the United States. While the act of breastfeeding itself has been a natural practice for centuries, the legal recognition of a mother’s right to breastfeed in public spaces has undergone significant changes, culminating in a nationwide acceptance.
Historical Context and Early Laws
Historically, breastfeeding was a private affair, often conducted in the home or secluded areas. However, as societal norms began to shift, particularly in the late 20th century, the conversation around public breastfeeding gained momentum. The first significant legal protections for breastfeeding mothers began to emerge in the 1990s. In 1999, California became the first state to explicitly allow breastfeeding in public, setting a precedent that would inspire other states to follow suit.
The Push for Nationwide Legality
By the early 2000s, many states had enacted laws protecting the right to breastfeed in public. However, the legal landscape remained inconsistent, with some states lacking explicit protections. This inconsistency often led to confrontations between breastfeeding mothers and business owners or patrons who objected to the practice.
The turning point came in 2018 when Idaho, the last state without a law protecting public breastfeeding, finally enacted legislation that exempted breastfeeding mothers from indecent exposure and obscenity laws. This landmark change meant that, as of July 2018, breastfeeding in public became legal in all 50 states, providing a unified legal framework for mothers across the country.
Cultural Shifts and Ongoing Challenges
Despite the legal protections, public breastfeeding remains a contentious issue. Many mothers still face stigma and discomfort when breastfeeding in public, often feeling pressured to cover up or relocate. High-profile incidents, such as the 2013 case where a mother was asked to leave a store for breastfeeding, have sparked widespread protests and highlighted the ongoing challenges that nursing mothers face.
The legal recognition of breastfeeding in public is a significant step towards normalizing the practice and supporting mothers. However, the cultural acceptance of breastfeeding in public continues to evolve, with advocacy groups working tirelessly to educate the public and reduce stigma.
In conclusion, while breastfeeding in public is now legally protected across the United States, the journey towards full acceptance and support for nursing mothers is ongoing. The legal framework established in 2018 marks a crucial milestone, but societal attitudes will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of public breastfeeding.

When did breasts become sexualized?

It was only from the fifteenth century that breasts came to be viewed primarily as erotic. By the sixteenth century, it was even fashionable for women to wear gowns that exposed their breasts.

Did people breastfeed in the 1970s?

In 1985 35% of US infants were breast-fed until at least age 4 mo whereas in 1971 the corresponding figure was only 10%. Breast-feeding is less common among lower income than among higher income groups. In 1985 10% of infants aged 6 mo were fed fresh fluid cow milk–down from 70% in 1971.

Do royals breastfeed their babies?

But, not one to follow tradition too strictly, the Queen set her own standard and breastfed her four children, something which her daughter-in-law Princess Diana also decided to do as well, and later the Duchess of Cambridge.

When did breastfeeding become legal in the US?

U.S. legislation governing breastfeeding varies from state to state and a limited federal law only applies to federal government premises. A United States House of Representatives appropriations bill (HR 2490) contained an amendment specifically permitting breastfeeding and was signed into law on September 29, 1999.

When did breastfeeding become legal in all 50 states?

July 2018
As of July 2018, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands have passed legislation that explicitly allows women to breastfeed in public.

What culture breastfeeds the longest?

Guinea-Bissau. In Guinea-Bissau, the average length of breastfeeding is 22.6 months.

Why were queens not allowed to breastfeed?

Wet-nurses meant that the contraceptive properties of breastfeeding were not open to a royal mother, thereby allowing her periods to return and with them, the possibility of more pregnancies, maximising the chance of prospective unborn heirs.

When did breastfeeding in public become taboo?

During the early 20th century, breastfeeding started to be viewed negatively, especially in Canada and the United States, where it was regarded as a low-class and uncultured practice. The use of infant formulas increased, which accelerated after World War II.

When did breastfeeding become common?

Rates of breastfeeding have changed markedly during the twentieth century. Incidence and duration of breastfeeding in the United States fell during the 1950s and 1960s and then rose during the 1970s. In the early 1980s, rates peaked, and they have steadily decreased since then.

How long did mothers breastfeed in biblical times?

Some books in the Bible (Maccabees and Chronicles) note breastfeeding lasting for three years, and later sources from the first millennium AD such as the Quran and the Babylonian Talmud estimate this period as two years.