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Breastfeeding moms protest at H&M
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Last week, a group of breastfeeding mothers and their supporters gathered in an H&M clothing store in downtown Vancouver for a nurse-in. The protest was prompted by the experience of Manuela Valle, who recently attempted to breastfeed her two-week-old child in that store, only to be told that she could not. The store clerk told Valle it was their policy to prevent customers from being offended and suggested that Valle feed her baby in a special fitting room, out of the sight of others. Valle was not happy. "I told them I would publicly campaign against their policy because it is wrong and discriminatory. It punished me for breastfeeding by putting me in seclusion and thus confirmed the idea that public breastfeeding is offensive and shameful."
Valle kept her word and on Thursday, a group of women, children and fathers packed the store to draw attention to the situation. One of the organizers of the event, Veronica Polanska, says the protest wasn't specifically aimed at H&M, but at any business that would suggest that nursing a child in public is shameful and should be hidden.
"It's about every business, whether it's an airline or whether it's a restaurant, whether it's a pool ... it doesn't matter where it happens, it's not acceptable.
Considering that an estimated 90 to 95 percent of Canadian mothers breastfeed their babies, it is no wonder that the issue has been officially addressed by the British Columbia Human Rights Commission. In 2000, they issued a policy and procedure manual that says public facilities are to accommodate lactating women and specifies that mothers are allowed to breastfeed or express milk in public places.
I guess it is going to take a more than a policy and procedure manual to convince certain people that breastfeeding is not sexual, offensive or in any way inappropriate. Just what will it take?
Valle kept her word and on Thursday, a group of women, children and fathers packed the store to draw attention to the situation. One of the organizers of the event, Veronica Polanska, says the protest wasn't specifically aimed at H&M, but at any business that would suggest that nursing a child in public is shameful and should be hidden.
"It's about every business, whether it's an airline or whether it's a restaurant, whether it's a pool ... it doesn't matter where it happens, it's not acceptable.
Considering that an estimated 90 to 95 percent of Canadian mothers breastfeed their babies, it is no wonder that the issue has been officially addressed by the British Columbia Human Rights Commission. In 2000, they issued a policy and procedure manual that says public facilities are to accommodate lactating women and specifies that mothers are allowed to breastfeed or express milk in public places.
I guess it is going to take a more than a policy and procedure manual to convince certain people that breastfeeding is not sexual, offensive or in any way inappropriate. Just what will it take?
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ReaderComments (Page 3 of 3)
8-16-2008 @ 10:22PM
Ellen said...This entire subject is an American subject.
Not every child is on a schedule when it comes to eating. Do you get hungry at the same time every day? Breastfeeding doesn't equate to exposing a breast.
It seems that it's ok to feed a baby a bottle or a jar of baby food in a store, but not to breastfeed.
OK, so make all people go to a private place to eat. How many times have you eaten a snack in a store? Interesting perspective. Huh?
8-16-2008 @ 10:01PM
Stefanie said...I understand that women need to breastfeed but that doesn't mean I have to be exposed to it regardless of how natural it is. I'm a female but it makes me uncomfortable because I think it is something that should be done discreetly and in private.
Reply
8-16-2008 @ 10:22PM
Ellen said...I breastfed all three of my children well beyond the "normal" time frame. Most people never knew I was breastfeeding as I went about my daily routine. Using a baby sling kept us private and we never missed a beat. Bathrooms are disgusting...Would you eat in a bathroom stall? Not all children want to be in a quiet place, separated from all that's going on. My children liked to be in the middle of all the goings on.
My biggest problem with women who breastfeed, is putting a blanket over their shoulder while feeding. If women would realize that they need to lift their shirt to feed, versus unbuttoning from the top, less skin is available to be seen by the "public".
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9-29-2008 @ 6:49AM
Lucia said...Hi Renee,
my comment wrognly went to you, please desconsider.it should have be sent to the "Si" Lilly.... She is a godness to the ignorant thoughts.
Best Regards,
lucia
Reply
9-29-2008 @ 11:45PM
Helen said...I have 2 year old boy and 4 month old daughter. I breast fed my first and now i'm breast feeding my daughter now. When my boy was 2 month old I breast fed him in the restaurant at the little corner and i prefer that seat. But one of the man came up to me and told me i should go to lady's room ,it's unsanitize for public.I was so mad then my pediatrician friend stood up for me. She gave him a few words in loud voice so he won't forget, Everyone at restaurant stood against my side. I was so relieve that not all people are against breast feeding in public. Now i just breast feed my daughter whenever ,wherever she's hungry when i'm outside at open public. my husband is the one who told me to feed in public and he supports me all the way. :)
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