HOBOKEN - Once or twice a meeting, school board member Theresa Minutillo discreetly drapes a pink receiving blanket over her shoulder and breast-feeds her 3-month-old daughter, Gabriela Italia Gross.

The infant has been nursed at four board meetings, apparently without objection from board members nor the four or five parents who regularly attend the meetings.

But at least one Hoboken resident says the practice leaves a sour taste in her mouth.

On an Internet forum sponsored by the nj.com, a comment was posted by someone identifying herself as Hoboken resident Monica Cardella: "What is wrong with Hoboken Board of Education trustee Theresa Minutillo? I thought she had some class."

Cardella continued, "She has shocked the sensibilities of other trustees and the public by nursing her infant during the meetings in front of everyone. Hasn't she ever heard of a bathroom?"

Minutillo expressed shock that someone, especially a woman, would be taking her to task for engaging in what she considers the most natural of activities. Plus, what she does at board meetings hardly qualifies as a peep show, she said.

"I'm extremely conscious of what's going on at the board meetings," Minutillo said. "I have a blanket covering myself. It's not as if I'm exposing myself.

"We all know the benefits of breast-feeding," Minutillo added. "It is recommended that we breast-feed our children throughout their first year of life, which is what I plan to do."

The Jersey Journal was unable to find Monica Cardella.

Before she decided to go public in breast-feeding Gabriela, two other options were explored, Minutillo said.

The board, which meets tonight at 7, considered having Minutillo participate in the meetings via a telephone hook-up, but that proved logistically unworkable, she said.

Then the board offered to provide her with another room. But that would have delayed meetings that already can stretch four hours, she said.

Ultimately, the board decided to go along with whatever she found comfortable, Minutillo said.

"It's very inconspicuous," school board chairman James Farina said. "No one sees anything. And I appreciate her having the courage to do it. She is a very responsible board member."