This news item took my breath away and the mother’s response knocked me over – well not literally. Stories online indicate that Genine Compton was seen  breastfeeding her baby while driving. When police tracked down Compton, who had been reported by another motorist, she admitted to police that she had to feed her hungry baby. Not only was she breastfeeding, Compton, who is from Harrison Twp. was also chatting on her cellphone while taking her other three children to school. The 39-year old could face up to 6 months in jail and face a fine of between $1,500- $1,800 on child endangerment charges.

Published reports online quote Compton as saying, “If my child is hungry, I’m going to feed it.”  While I can’t fault her for that, why doesn’t she just pull over and feed the child instead of endangering not only the baby but the other children as well? What really surprised me about the whole story was Compton’s comment (according to what was reported) that she would possibly BWD (breastfeed while driving) in the future if she found it necessary.

I come from a country where most women breastfeed just about anywhere. Some, if in a very public place or if they are young and shy, will throw a towel over their breast while feeding, but I have never seen anyone breastfeeding while driving. But, then again you learn something new everyday. I hope this wont give rise to a new term, BWD, because other women feel that they too can try their luck.

I am happy that no one was hurt, although the mom’s defiance in that she would possibly do it again is sad.  A mother’s first instinct is to protect and care for her young, not to endanger them. Pull off the road; the few minutes it takes to assuage a child’s hunger will not put you that far off track from getting where you are going.