So I was just roaming around the web, ya know dealing with the usual insomnia. And I cam across this article.
Breastfeeding in Public: A Right or a Privilege?
Posted by Jenny Erikson on June 3, 2011 at 8:46 AM
Last Tuesday, Nichole Eidsmoe wasbreastfeeding her 11-month-old daughterIzrael in a resale shop in the Chicago outskirts called No Strings Attached. The shop owner, John Rapp, reportedly suggested that she not breastfeed her child in his store in the future.
Cue the crunchy nurse-in. About 40 parents (with babies and toddlers in tow) calling themselves Crunchy Moms of DeKalbcongregated in the Chicago suburb outside of the store where Miss Eidsmoe was asked to cover up her nursing daughter or breastfeed elsewhere.
Through the Illinois Right to Breastfeed Act:
A mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether the nipple of the mother's breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breastfeeding…
From what I can tell, this mama was not denied the right to breastfeed her child on the premise. It was simply suggested to her that due to the clientele of the shop, it might be a better idea to nourish her child in another location. The owner stated for the record, “I support breastfeeding but I just think there’s a time and place.”
As a passionate advocate of both nursing mothers and limited government interference in the private sector, this story has led me to my Thinking Spot.
First thought: What happened to private property rights? Are ‘No shirt, no shoes, no service’ rules at fancy restaurants now banned as well? Shouldn’t a proprietor have the legal right to expect a certain behavior from his or her customers? After all, if the level of expectation is outside the realm of normality, no one will frequent their establishment and they’ll go out of business. It’s within a business-owner’s best interest to cater to their clientele.
Second thought: Just because something is legal doesn’t mean that it’s advisable. Breastfeeding is legal anywhere it’s legal for mom and baby to be. Does that mean I should walk through the aisles at Target with my boob hanging out and a toddler attached to my nipple? (I actually saw this once. Seriously.) Probably not.
The store-owner suggested that due to the kinds of people that frequented his shop, it might be a good idea for the mama to be more discreet about her nursing, or take it elsewhere.
What do you think? Should the store-owner have kept his mouth shut? Or should mom have been more adept at inferring the social acceptance of breastfeeding a near-toddler in a private business open to the public?
Image via Nathon O'Nions/Flickr
From here.
Now I know this subject can get pretty haughty. But I'm genuinely curious. What do you think? Did you breast feed? Did/would you do so in public? What would your reaction have been if this had been said to you?
3 comments:
I am so for breastfeeding! My mom breastfed me while it was frowned upon and not acceptable (even in privacy).
However, we live in a community. Breastfeed where and when you need, but cover it up for the curtisy of others! I do not need to see your vainy boob or stretched out nipple. There are very simple ways to cover- buy a cover, or put a baby blanket over yourself.
Please, breastfeeding mommas- It is a beautiful thing what you do, butt he bond is between you and your child. Leave me out of it!
I agree. Mothers should definitely be allowed to breastfeed in public, but there are easy ways to cover yourself while doing so. No one should stop you from feeding your child, but no should have to look at you topless either.
I'm glad we all agree here, ladies. :) There's just an appropriate time and place for everything. And while I agree that it is a natural thing that every woman should be able to do when they need to, there are ways to do so discreetly. They make covers specifically for such things now a days.
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