I disagree with the letter from Patricia Mason (Dec 13) censuring breast-feeding in public. Breast-feeding is the best way to feed infants. As a nurse, Mason must know that breast-fed babies have lower risks for numerous ailments, from ear infections through childhood obesity to SIDS. Manufacturers of formula don’t dispute that breast milk is best.

If we want healthier, breast-fed babies, however, we have to accept breast-feeding. That means recognizing that breast-feeding is appropriate wherever bottle-feeding is appropriate.

Some mothers, of course, need or prefer to bottle-feed, or find a combination of breast and bottle works best for them. For others, switching back and forth does not work. For them, breast-feeding is the only way they have to feed their baby.

We cannot encourage women to breast-feed, on the one hand, while censuring them for doing so in public on the other. At best, this sends a mixed message. At worst, it confines a new mother to her house for up to a year.

A mother nursing in public most likely just hopes to sit and eat in peace for a few sleep-deprived minutes before her baby starts fussing. She deserves respect, not harassment.

My 3-year-old son understands that babies need special milk and thinks it’s wonderful that mothers can make it for them. If he can grasp this, surely Mason and her family members, ages 14-59, can, too.

Melissa Sundell, Auburn