Why is it that every time nursing / nurse in public comes up, someone suggests the mom could easily pump and bottle feed as an alternative? I’d bet money that you could find a comment in every recent news story on the topic with this helpful hint.
Well, of course we could do that, but ask any breastfeeding advocate and she’ll give you a laundry list of reasons why this is less convenient and less healthy than just nursing baby. But have you ever stopped to consider that nursing in public is the greenest way to feed your baby on the go?
Let’s consider the process of pumping and bottle-feeding:
- Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples.
- Use electricity or battery power to pump milk.
- Store milk in disposable bags.
- Refrigerate or freeze the milk.
- Use water and soap to wash pump pieces.
- Optional: Sterilize parts by using microwave energy or boiling water.
- Freeze ice pack to transport milk safely while out.
- Use warm water to defrost or bring milk up to temp for consumption.
- Put milk in bottle and throw away disposable bag.
- Feed child.
- Wash bottle and nipple using either a sink of heated water or dishwasher.
Compare that to:
- Sit down or sling child.
- Feed child.
Nursing / Nurse in public isn’t only best for baby, it’s the best choice for our planet!
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Jennifer Albin was on her way to a PhD in Literature and Women’s Studies when she took a detour into motherhood. Using her academic and teaching background, Jennifer advocates for breastfeeding, attachment parenting, and natural birth – all from the comfort of her living room with children at her feet. She is the founder and editor of Connected Mom, a website that encourages natural mothering.
