We live in a society where hypocrisy regarding mothers nursing their children in public runs deep. People are quick to cry “I don’t want to see that!” or “why can’t she just cover up?” but then don’t bat an eyelash at life-sized Victoria’s Secret models papering the mall. So, when a business comes along that is friendly and welcoming to nursing mothers, it’s a step in the right direction.
I nursed my son for almost 18 months, and after, oh, about three months I gave up on nursing covers. They were hot, cumbersome, and frankly, I felt like I was wearing an adorably-patterned sandwich board that said “HEY LOOK SHE’S NURSING” – and while I had no qualms breastfeeding coverless in public, sometimes my son was too distractible so we sought out specific places to do so. Criteria? Comfortable chair, relatively quiet, no hostility from employees.
The first thing I recommend is to know your rights. Here are the relevant laws regarding breastfeeding in public in Missouri and Kansas. Unfortunately, they’re not as broad and inclusive as many states, but it’s a good starting point.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a mother may, with as much discretion as possible, breast-feed her child in any public or private location where the mother is otherwise authorized to be.
A mother may breastfeed in any place she has a right to be.
On my journey of breastfeeding across the metro, I found several “hidden gems” I thought I’d share – along with favorites from the rest of our contributor team.
My Picks
Nordstrom, Oak Park Mall: Nordstrom has a great mother’s room with sinks, couches, and a nice changing station. Also? Every time I go there, I meet really nice moms. Go figure.
Panera Bread, metro-wide: I’ve nursed at Panera Bread locations all over the metro area. They all have comfy armchairs, are clean, and are reasonably quiet in off-peak hours. Plus, cinnamon crunch bagels.
Other KCMB Contributors recommend …
Kansas City Zoo, nursing room in the Helzberg Penguin Plaza: Penguins don’t breastfeed, but you can!
Union Station‘s “nursing station”: A bit sparse, but if you need a bit of quiet away from the chaos, it’s available!
Wonderscope Children’s Museum: Wonderscope has a nursing mother’s room, as well as signs around the museum affirming that breastfeeding is welcome and encouraged anywhere in the museum.
Kauffman Stadium nursing room: At a Royals game? Check out their nursing room on the main level, right next to Guest Services, for a private air-conditioned room with chairs!
Grocery stores with a dining area: Contributor Katie B. says this is a great solution for moms with older kids as well as nursing babies — the older kids can have a snack and run around a bit while mom feeds the baby!
College football games: Need to beat the heat and stretch your legs a bit? Head to the first aid area at the stadium and you can usually grab a private cot and a glass of water while you nurse.
Now, let’s crowdsource: Where have you nursed in Kansas City that you’ve felt welcome and comfortable?
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Zona Rosa has a nursing room behind Gymboree/Yogurtini. It’s in the same area as the bathrooms (but a totally separate room).
I haven’t used it for a few years, but I remember a good size room with comfy chair and a changing station.
I’ve always felt very comfortable nursing at Paradise Park in Lee’s Summit. There are a variety of rooms/areas for the kids to play in and usually a nice spot to feed a baby in the same room.. Also, the cafe area has tables/chairs and is close to where younger kids can be. The staff there is always very welcoming.
Worlds of fun has a perfect family center. It is complete with family bathrooms, a changing room with two diaper changing tables, a playroom for older kids and a feeding room with two curtained off areas for nursing. The feeding room also has high chairs, a sink, microwave, and bottle warmer. The nursing areas have a rocking chair, small table, and outlets for pumping. They even have a staff member on site and sell diapers and a few other essentials. The whole center is air conditioned and located in Planet Snoopy.