(Editor’s note: This letter is in response to the story “Local mothers facing discrimination – Two Orcas mothers asked to stop breastfeeding in public despite laws to protect them” in the Islands’ Sounder March 25 edition.)

I personally feel nothing but warm appreciation for women openly breastfeeding their babies. I don’t find it titillating, or showing a lack of modesty. I find it practical and life-affirming.

I believe that the more women nurse openly, the sooner some folks will have to get over it, accept, and eventually normalize this activity.

When I see a nursing mother, I feel thankful. Breastfeeding is a choice that leads to healthier babies, helps prevent childhood and adult obesity and decreases the incidence of allergies, ear infections and tooth decay.

As a health care provider, citizen and human being, I support a mother’s right to feed her baby amongst us all, without separation, and hopefully feeling nothing but appreciation from her community.

Melinda Milligan, R.N., C.N.M.

Eastsound