Thoughts on parenting in Ann Arbor.

We were out and about at our usual Saturday morning routine when it became abundantly clear that Maia was hungry, so we stopped in the beautiful courtyard of the Kerrytown District shops to nurse. As we were seated there, an older woman walked through and smiled and said "beautiful" as she walked by. I smiled back, assuming she was talking about the weather, and said, "Yeah, it really is a great day, isn't it?" After she'd left, Brian pointed out that she probably was talking about seeing Maia nursing. Upon reflection, I think he's right. How heartwarming and kind was it for her to say that?

I don't often find myself taking part in an activity that could be called "hot-button," but it seems that my insistence on nursing Maia in public places could be identified as such these days. Take a look at this article from Newsweek, if you'd like to get a taste of what I'm talking about here. In summary, the article basically states that after many years of increasing numbers, it looks like breastfeeding rates are on the decline again. Some believe that this is due to the fact that many moms don't feel comfortable with nursing their babies in public places. Because babies in their first few months eat so frequently--about every three hours at the most--a nursing mom who doesn't want to (or is pressured not to) nurse in public has to stay at home, frequently feels rushed to get home, or goes through the rigamarole of bringing along frozen milk that then needs to be thawed somewhere and bottled.

I happen to live in a city that has a local ordinance (this link is a PDF) which states my right to nurse Maia in any place where we otherwise have a right to be. That's a bit more strident than the State of Michigan's law, which exempts me from the charge of "indecent exposure." Women who've nursed in public for years in Ann Arbor--and who don't cover themselves with a blanket--say they've never heard a negative comment or gotten a dirty look, which is rare for this state, from what I understand.

I'm writing about this all because every day, I feel more and more that there's no place that I'd rather be raising my daughter. I feel so welcome here as a parent, in so many ways. We have parks and green spaces, unique businesses, great food and kind people, and all kinds of activities and organizations geared specifically towards parents and kids. Just this week and next, here's what we've done--and will do in the next few days--as a family:

1) Ann Arbor Farmer's Market
2) Coffee and treats at Zingerman's
3) Lamaze Family Center picnic at Lillie Park
4) "ArborParents" group picnic, also at Lillie Park
5) Walking with my Mother's Group at Gallup Park, by the Huron River
6) The Michigan Babywearers group meeting
7) Bringing Maia to an Infant Care class as the demo baby (Lamaze Family Center)
8) Dinner with our friends Jen and Steve, and daughter Rachel (1 yr.)
9) Picnic with our friends from childbirth class, Kitty and Cameron, and daughter Grace (6 mos.)

That list isn't quite everything, but I'm sure it gives you an idea of the incredible network of people and places that Brian and I are working quite hard to build here. And can I tell you what I love most about this? None of events took place in big box stores or malls or anywhere that you could find anyplace but here, in Ann Arbor. We are SO lucky!