When nursing mothers in the church experience repeated, documented discrimination over the last decade without appropriate corrections or teachings given to local church leaders for how to avoid it, it is time to take action to advocate for mothers and babies. Let Babies Eat advocates for clear statements which guarantee that local church leaders will not impose additional guidelines or punishments on breastfeeding women than reasonably exist in the state or country where she lives, particularly any restrictions which are at odds with the protections given women in local laws. We advocate for improved conditions in "Mothers' Rooms" in LDS church facilities. We advocate for women in the church to mentor and support new mothers in the many challenges they face, including feeding their babies.
In support of women, babies, and families, we invite action from general church leaders, local church leaders, parents, women, and anyone concerned with the health and wellness of mothers and children.
It is our hope that church leaders at the general level will clarify that nursing women may publicly breastfeed while on church property, in accordance with local law, without additional restrictions. With such clarity, parents will be assured of reliable, respectful treatment by local leaders and members, regardless of church location, and will benefit from the consistency of church policy that aligns with local law. Additionally, local leaders and missionaries will be relieved of creating and enforcing inconsistent local policies.
We encourage local leaders to:
We invite individuals to:
In support of women, babies, and families, we invite action from general church leaders, local church leaders, parents, women, and anyone concerned with the health and wellness of mothers and children.
It is our hope that church leaders at the general level will clarify that nursing women may publicly breastfeed while on church property, in accordance with local law, without additional restrictions. With such clarity, parents will be assured of reliable, respectful treatment by local leaders and members, regardless of church location, and will benefit from the consistency of church policy that aligns with local law. Additionally, local leaders and missionaries will be relieved of creating and enforcing inconsistent local policies.
We encourage local leaders to:
- talk to the mothers of babies in your unit to find out how you can better meet their needs
- ensure that all feeding mothers receive the Sacrament
- provide baby changing tables in all men's and women's restrooms
- improve accommodations for feeding babies by making them more comfortable and better equiped
- educate missionaries and members on how to avoid discriminating against breastfeeding mothers
- write to general authorities and auxiliary leaders, on behalf of the women in their units, asking for support and clarification on policies for feeding babies on church property
We invite individuals to:
- take the survey and share it with others
- make recommendations to local ward and stake Relief Society presidents about the unmet needs of mothers and babies, thus enabling leaders to better advocate for remedies in ward and stake council meetings
- offer suggestions to local leaders for improved baby feeding accommodations
- speak with their local bishop or stake president to inform them of the unmet needs of mothers and babies in their local units
- encourage their stake presidents to write to general church leaders for clarification regarding nursing mothers at church.
- request Stake Presidents to forward letters requesting area or churchwide policy to the First Presidency (CHI 21.1.24)
- share their stories of baby-feeding at church and read the stories of other parents throughout the church
- write to general authorities and general auxiliary leaders, asking for clarity regarding the protections afforded women when publicly nursing on church property, as well as for their general support of mothers in the church.
- offer support, encouragement and mentorship to mothers who feed babies at church
- like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.