A Missoula woman was recently reported to the Missoula City-County Health Department and had been scrutinized for breast feeding her baby at a public place.

But, the law says she wasn't doing anything wrong. Back in 1999, a measure was approved in Montana that allows moms to breast feed in public.

Another law, which was passed last year says that all city, county and state agencies, including schools, must provide a privacy room for new mothers to breast feed in.

But one new mother told us that many businesses don't have a place where mothers can go and comfortably nurse their baby in a private setting.

"You should be able to sit out in a restaurant and nurse, and granted make it a natural environment, but you shouldn't have to feel like you have to scurry off and hide when you are nursing," said new mother Lisa Tims. "But, I felt I had too because I was embarrassed."

Officials with the Missoula City County Health Department encourage breast feeding because of the health benefits for the mother and baby. They add that they're glad the right is protected under state law.

Mother's who feel that their rights were violated can contact the Montana Department of Labor Human Rights Bureau for information on breast feeding in public and in the workplace.

Info via the Montana's News Station website - 7th January 2009