11 years ago we were living in Logan, UT. We had recently moved there from Salt Lake. At this time I was nursing my 3rd child (2nd living). In Salt Lake I would nurse during sacrament meeting without anyone batting an eye. I would stay in the chapel if it was close to the sacrament so I didn’t miss it. I also nursed in RS as well.
So imagine my shock when I am pulled into the bishops office in Logan and told I am making the young men uncomfortable because I am nursing during the sacrament. My husband told the bishop that he was sure the young men aren’t paying attention to me, but if they were it’s good prep for their missions. We discussed how this is a great opportunity to teach the youth what our bodies are made for and that they are in charge of their minds, not me. I told the bishop that under the law, I had the right to breastfeed anywhere I had the right to be and if he wanted to push the issue, I would just stay home. The bishop couldn't understand why I didn't want to be in the Mother's room. I asked if he had ever eaten his lunch in there, it is hot, smells like gross diapers, zero ventilation, and i can't take the sacrament in there. After a LOT of back and forth it came out that the RS president was who complained about me nursing during RS. It was ridiculous and I never felt comfortable in that ward again. I went on to be in several other wards and was always very cautious about breastfeeding in church after that. My confidence was shaken and it made me angry. I was in the YW presidency and nursed my babies in front of those girls all the time. I brought my baby to camp and she nursed whenever she wanted. The only time it was ever an issue was with the one RS President who took it upon herself to shield the YM of the ward. -Logan, Utah, United States
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