By Colleen M. Richmond

When my daughter, Lucy Abigail, was just three months old, she accompanied us for the first time. As a strong advocate of breastfeeding, I didn't think twice about nursing her when she needed before the race started. So, when Lucy let me know she was ready to eat, I found a grassy spot, got comfortable and proceeded to let her nurse. 

Shortly into it, a young woman walked by me and noticed what we were up to. She proceeded to give me a thumbs up sign and said "way to go, I'm with you on that!". I said thanks and gave Lucy a little smile. I was thrilled to receive the positive comment. 

Shortly after the first woman passed, two older ladies were walking by and stopped when they saw the two of us. I was preparing myself for some nasty comments, but they proceeded to tell me how great it was to see a mother doing what "nature intended". Again I thanked them and Lucy continued to eat, as if she knew just what was going on. 

Well, as Lucy was finishing and I was, as I say, "putting myself together", another woman approached me and said she couldn't think of a "better way to celebrate the breast" at the race. Again I thanked her (still a little stunned at all the positive feedback) and we went our separate ways, but at that moment I was never more proud of my choice to breastfeed.