September 4th, 2009
When Reporters Listen to Lactivists
Yesterday I complained to anyone who would listen about a Chicago reporter inaccurately stating Illinois breastfeeding laws in reference to a breastfeeding in public story. I was up at 2 a.m. this morning writing email exchanges with the reporter on the story in an effort to talk her into realizing the gravity of her inaccuracies. At first she felt that Illinois state law didn't apply here, but I explained how important it is that Illinois breastfeeding protection laws are accurately cited in any case of breastfeeding discrimination so those listening to the story know their boundaries, and realize that this issue is a matter of law, and should be treated with sensitivity.
Thankfully, she listened, and when CBS 2 covered the story again today, she changed her language to respect the protections afforded to nursing mothers in Illinois.
Today all of Chicago's major news outlets covered the Nurse-In organized by Lauren Trost, which was attended by 60 mothers as well as representatives of the Le Leche League. I think this has to be one of the most positive outcomes from an otherwise negative experience that I have seen in years. Perhaps the tide is turning – but I think we owe a lot of this to the power of strong legislation that grants freedom through protection. This couldn't have happened in a state that doesn't protect a mother's right to nurse in public, and it would have been a whole lot more debatable in any state that only has weak language on the subject.
But watch the video on the story – it will make any lactivist's heart swell up with pride over what Lauren & the Lactivists (that should be a band name) were able to accomplish. Take one breastfeeding bill, add one jerk who doesn't know their place, then multiply it times all the social media outlets who will make a rally cry go viral, and you have some serious social change. This is why I keep trying. Now let's get this Breastfeeding Promotion Act passed and we can really make some progress!
Man, I luvs me some law.
Click to Leave a Comment
Yay!!! I love it when people can make a difference through blogging!
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Did you see that the nurse-in made the front page of the Sun-Times today?! Pretty exciting stuff, I must say.
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Job well done girlfriend!
It is “La Leche League,” not “the La Leche League,” since “la” means “the.” And milk – leche – is feminine (obviously 
) so “la,” not “le.”
Have I annoyed you enough yet.
Again, great work hanging in there.
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Hooray! I was bowled over delighted the other day when one of my three-year-olds said to the other, “I’m the mommy and you’re the baby, so your milk comes from my breast if you’re hungry.”
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*watches video* Wow. That was a really positive story on it! 
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That is amazing!! Thank you for taking the time to write her a letter and discuss with her the importance of the law and its protection of breastfeeding in public. ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE and today that person is you!!
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