MARQUETTE -- "I don't see a problem with it.  Babies need to eat.  If people don't like it, don't look."

Dozens of people on our Facebook page agreed with James Martens.

Suzanne Johnson posted this comment:  "Breast-feeding is the best thing for a baby. Those who don't like it should get over it."

As the mother of a newborn baby boy and a two-year-old daughter, Melinda Britton says breast-feeding is the natural thing to do.  And if her son happens to get hungry in a public place, like the park she was at Thursday afternoon, then so be it.

"I think it's controversial in our country because of how people view breasts," says Britton.  "If you view breasts as sexual, of course you're going to be offended by breast-feeding.  I feel like breast-feeding's a beautiful thing."

But are you protected from breast-feeding in public?

This map, courtesy of Mothering Magazine, shows each state's law for nursing in public.  The states in blue prevent criminal charges from being filed against women breast-feeding in public.

If you're breast-feeding in an establishment, the owner of that establishment reserves the right to force a nursing mother to leave.

That was news to Melinda.

"Wow, no I didn't know that.  I've never been asked to leave for breast-feeding.  I think most times if women are covered, or at least trying to cover your breasts in some manner, then it's not offensive."

At Marquette General Hospital, the Women and Children's Center offers programs for new and expecting families, including a class on breast-feeding.  Center directors say there's a misconception associated with doing it in a public place.

"That's one of the reasons they may not want to nurse is because they feel that it restricts them, you know they have to stay home more, they have to be in private," says program director Cindy Ampe.  "And many women nurse in public and people don't even know they're nursing their babies."

August is World Breast-feeding Month.

M.G.H.'s Women and Children's Center is planning a variety of promotional activities in the community, including a breast-feeding flash mob.

If you want more information on the Center's services, you can visit their website.