Breastfeeding Bill Becomes Nebraska Law

   Nebraska women can now breastfeed their children anywhere they go in Nebraska.

            Breast-feeding provides many benefits to mothers and children. In fact, breast milk has disease-fighting antibodies that can help protect infants from several types of illnesses. Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of some health problems, including breast cancer and Type 2 diabetes.

            Julie Garrido is a breastfeeding peer counselor for Douglas County WIC and the mother of an infant who is looking forward to a time soon when she can discretely address the needs of her child while going about her day.

            “A baby won’t wait when it’s hungry,” she said. “Now mothers can breastfeed everywhere!” 

            LB-197 simply states that a mother: “may breastfeed her child in any public or private location where the mother is otherwise authorized to go.”

            Dr. Thomas Tonniges, director of the Institute for Child Health Improvement at Boys Town National Research Hospital, said the change in law is long overdue because breastfeeding is a natural and very important aspect of early child development.

            “We know that breastfed babies are healthier, less likely to be obese as adults, and are less likely to be abused,” he said. “Besides all of the very important health aspects of breastfeeding, babies should have the right to feed when they are hungry, just like most of us adults.”

            The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Douglas County Extension have been awarded money to create a space for breastfeeding.

            “We’re excited about this opportunity for mothers who work at and visit the Chamber,” said Anne Branigan, Senior Vice President of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce

            Until LB-197 was passed, Nebraska had been one of a handful of states in the nation that did not have a breastfeeding bill.