August 1st is the first day of World Breastfeeding Week, with events promoting and protecting breastfeeding going on all over the world.

A highlight of the week is the Big Latch On. On August 6th, at 10:30 am, women everywhere will attempt to set a world record for simultaneous breastfeeding. Organizers hope this giant “nurse-in” strengthens public awareness of breastfeeding as a natural, everyday occurrence.

Hard to believe anyone would object to a mother breastfeeding her baby, yet news reports regularly feature stories about women harassed for nursing in public places. When the general pubic was polled, 35% of survey respondents agreed that breastfeeding should only occur in private. The emphasis on tolerance is always placed on those who might glimpse a partially exposed breast, not on how a boob owner might feel about having to “whip one out” in a crowded place.

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Some women have no qualms about putting their lactating bosoms on view.  Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr, a regular on the lingerie catwalk, proudly tweeted her mommy and baby breastfeeding pics for all to see.  (One could argue that Ms. Kerr revealed less in those photos than in any of her VS ads.) Until I tried breastfeeding, I’d lived my whole life trying to keep my breasts in their place. Motherhood required me to follow a whole new boob rulebook.

Never being shy about my ample breast assets, I had mastered the art of cleavage with nary a nip-slip. But wrestling a squirming, hungry child was a bigger challenge. My comfort level was paramount when it came to where and when I nursed, not whether anyone approved or disapproved. If my boobs were suddenly and unexpectedly called into duty, I would take cover behind a thin, pastel receiving blanket. But there was always a risk it would slip off my shoulder, or obscure my ability to make a necessary mid-feed adjustment.

Today’s new moms have more options. One top-of-line choice is the Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover. Made of 100% cotton and available in a multitude of colors and designs, you won’t mind the privacy it affords when you’re out and about. Plus the open top design allows you to keep an eye on all the action. New mother and Breast Life product tester, Jen, also enjoyed the sun-shielding qualities it offered. Both baby and mama stayed well protected outdoors.

Whether up front or undercover, congrats to nursing mothers everywhere and to those taking part in the Big Latch-On. Thank you for all that you do. It is important and valued. Happy World Breastfeeding Week!