Lactivists (breastfeeding activists) Archives

Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009

June 18, 2009

Time to get politically active folks... the Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 was introduced in Congress on June 11 by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). So what will the bill do? Here's Maloney's press release:

“This bill will bring breastfeeding mothers under the protection of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, require employers with over 50 employees to provide a private space and unpaid time off during the workday for mothers to express milk, and sets standards for breast pump manufacture. It also provides for tax incentives for employers that establish private lactation areas in the workplace and tax credits for nursing mothers,” said Maloney.

And here's more information, including a link to the bill on Maloney's website.

So how can you get involved? Here's an email tool from the United States Breastfeeding Committee. Use it to automatically send emails to your representatives and senators asking them to co-sponsor the bill.

Angela of Breastfeeding 123 has started a Facebook group to help spread the word. And she has a letter you can mail or fax to ask your state representatives and senators to co-sponsor the bill.

This is the fifth time the bill has been up for consideration, so it's time get it passed!

New Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign

June 02, 2009

So what do you think of this?! It's a new breastfeeding awareness ad, brought to you by Best For Babes. BfB is a non-profit focused on raising awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding.

I've gotten to know the founders Danielle and Bettina over the past couple of years, and I can tell you, these are two dedicated breastfeeding advocates.

You can get a look at this ad in print if you pick up the latest copy of Fit Pregnancy magazine.

A Report From the Denny's Nurse In in Asheville, NC

February 22, 2009

I found this blog post on Babyfingers, describing the nurse in at the Denny's in Asheville, NC today. This was to protest the way a mom, Crystal Everitt, says she was treated while trying to nurse in the restaurant.

Here are some links:

Statement from Denny's representative. Video from YouTube. I think he did a good job of clarifying Denny's position that breastfeeding moms are welcome in the restaurants.

Some photos from the event.

Protest Planned Against Denny's Restaurant After Mom in North Carolina Asked to Cover Up While Breastfeeding

February 18, 2009

So, here we are once again. A mom goes to a restaurant. Takes her baby. The baby needs to eat. The mom proceeds to breastfeed. An employee asks the mom to cover up. And the brouhaha begins.

Crystal Everitt was at the Denny's restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina when this very thing happened to her. In fact, when she refused to stop breastfeeding or leave, the police showed up at the restaurant and said she could be arrested for trespassing.

Here's a video interview on the local news with Crystal.
Here's a link to her story about what happened:

Everitt said she told the manager she had the right to breastfeed and thought the incident was over until she saw an Asheville police officer and the manager walking towards her table.

The manager told her she could not stay if she continued breastfeeding, Everitt said.

The officer told her she could be arrested, not for breastfeeding but for refusing to leave the restaurant, she said.

North Carolina law allows breastfeeding in any public or private place where the woman is otherwise authorized to be. But it does not forbid business owners from asking mothers to move or cover up, said Natalie Wilson, professional liaison for the Le Leche League of North Carolina.

So now, Everitt is planning a protest at the restaurant on February 22nd. A breastfeeding advocacy group called First Right is backing Everitt. And there is even a grassroots movement to organize protests at Denny's outside North Carolina.

Here's the link to a Yahoo Chat group about this nurse in.
Here's the North Carolina law about breastfeeding in public.
And laws in every state about breastfeeding in public.

And here's a link to Breastfeeding123 which has Denny's corporate statement in response to this incident.

So here's my take on this: Laws protecting women's right to breastfeed in public are a good start. And a necessary one. But it's just the beginning. And we see this over and over again when moms are harassed for breastfeeding in public. We are still a far cry from a society that truly accepts breastfeeding. We are so conditioned to think of breasts as sexual... boobs are used to sell everything from lingerie (think Victoria's Secret) to restaurants (think Hooters!) to perfume (check out this Calvin Klein commercial with Eva Mendes). But breastfeeding isn't sexual. Don't forget... we're mammals. And mammals breastfeed in order to nourish their young.

So... where does this leave us? In a place where moms like Crystal Everitt need to speak out, to make their voices heard, and ultimately, to protect babies' rights to eat, wherever and whenever they need to.

CBS Early Show and The Facebook Breastfeeding Story

December 31, 2008

Of course I had insomnia last night... and I NEVER have a problem sleeping. And I somehow managed to drop and crack my hair dryer this morning... but I made it to the CBS Early Show studio on time. It's amazing how easy it is to get around Manhattan at 6:45 a.m.

If you were fortunate enough to be asleep at 7:40, here's what you missed. The show did a story about the online protest of Facebook's decision to ban some breastfeeding photos from the site. As of today, more than 95,000 people have joined the group "Hey Facebook, Breastfeeding is Not Obscene." And during the virtual nurse in on December 27th, roughly 11,000 people put breastfeeding pictures on their Facebook pages. According to the protest organizers, the Mothers' International Lactation Campaign (M.I.L.C.), Facebook is still pulling down some pictures. Here's a link to those pics. And here's the video from this morning's show:

Watch CBS Videos Online

Facebook is clearly trying to have it both ways here. The site says it won't take down all breastfeeding photos, just the ones that users complain about and that show a visible nipple. Does Facebook really want to put itself in this policing position?

A fun footnote to the day... I was on with media guru Jeff Jarvis who runs the blog Buzz Machine. (Waiting to see if he posts anything on this). He has a new book out called "What Would Google Do." Today, maybe Facebook is asking itself the question, "What should we have done?"

What's Best for Babes?

November 30, 2007

There are a lot of organizations, professionals and moms-on-a-mission who are devoted to promoting breastfeeding. They all do good work. Now here's another group that is taking a unique approach to increasing breastfeeding rates in the U.S. Best For Babes is a non-profit founded by two moms who are trying to harness the power of mainstream media. I had a chance to talk to the founders Bettina Forbes and Danielle Rigg about their plans. Here's what they had to say:

What is Best For Babes?
Best for Babes is dedicated to increasing breastfeeding rates and making breastfeeding mainstream. To accomplish this, BfB is the first and only entity to bring together celebrities, corporations, foundations, fashion, advertising and the media to give breastfeeding a makeover. Our motto is “inspire, prepare, empower”: BfB is providing inspiring images and role-models, smart info on how to avoid the "booby traps," and how to have a game plan for breastfeeding successfully. Our research and experience have convinced us that this strategy is the best antidote to persistently low U.S. breastfeeding rates.

Why did you start BfB?
Because new moms don't need more pressure or more guilt! They need solutions, and the inspiration to succeed at nursing. We are two moms who endured unnecessary breastfeeding problems ourselves and heard many similar stories from our peers. Danielle took her personal struggle and passion for breastfeeding and turned it into a degree as a CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor) in 2002. Bettina was more recently certified. In our work we kept finding the same problem: too many moms weren’t being motivated, prepared or supported properly. At a time when breastfeeding is being encouraged as never before, women are still being set up to fail.

On the motivation side, we found that many women were being turned-off both by existing breastfeeding groups and by images with which they did not identify. Many moms also were scared-off by stories they heard about breastfeeding problems. The saddest part is that 95% of these problems are easily avoided with the proper guidance.

What are your goals?
We’d love to see the U.S. have the same breastfeeding rates as Sweden—where 99% of women initiate and 79% are still mostly breastfeeding at 6 months. In the U.S., the initiation rate is 64%, and only 14% are breastfeeding exclusively at 6 months. One of our most important goals is to provide celebrity and everyday role models. Many women have never seen another woman breastfeed and don’t know where to turn for support or inspiration.

We also want to simply get the most accurate information into women’s hands. Mainstream articles are not always evidence-based, and put little emphasis on prevention. So, we are educating women on how to be better prepared before birth—which hospitals have the best breastfeeding track record, how to find a pediatrician who is trained in lactation or has an IBCLC on staff, which health insurance covers lactation specialists; which employers provide pumping accommodations and on-site daycare. Women also need social support from families and friends. They need positive media images and stores and restaurants that are nursing-friendly. All of these make a huge difference in breastfeeding success We will also be asking for volunteers: Moms are a powerful force and we think the time is right to harness their energy. Moms deserve to be pumped up, geared up, and to feel fabulous about giving their best mom-made wonderfood™ to their babes.

What celebrities are on board with this idea?
Marilu Henner is one of our founding board members and has been terrific. She immediately “got” our concept and is tremendously supportive. Henner is a well-known actress and a New York Times bestselling author who has dedicated herself to helping people improve their health. We’re expecting other celebrities to jump in soon too.

What did you do before BFB?
Well, immediately before BfB, both of us were trying to figure out how to tend to two small children (apiece), our husbands, our homes, and still find time to change the world! Before that, Bettina worked in corporate philanthropy for Merrill Lynch where she managed a highly successful scholarship program for inner-city youth in ten major U.S. cities. The program received numerous awards, including the nation’s highest honor, the President’s “Points of Light” Service Award, in 1999. Danielle was an employment and labor lawyer working at a prestigious NYC firm, and, later, for a large corporation. She gave all that up when she found her calling to help women learn to breastfeed Danielle’s diagnosis with breast cancer at age 37, has motivated her even more to tout breastfeeding’s protective effect against breast cancer – especially the lesser-known benefit for breastfed baby girls.

What should we watch for next from BFB?
In August we were on the cover of Stork Magazine. This was the first in a series of gorgeous images plus smart info that we have planned for our advertising/media campaign. Look for interviews with us in prominent mainstream magazines, and cross-marketing projects with our partners. Also tune in to the “Boob Tube” at www.bestforbabes.com where we set the record straight on latest breastfeeding-related articles, research and products.

Breastfeeding Video for the Virtual Nurse in on October 10th

October 10, 2007

Moms are mobilizing for the virtual nurse in today, organized by the lovely ladies over at The League of Maternal Justice. Read more about the Breast Fest event here.

And now, watch this video The League of Maternal Justice put together, with input from lots of different moms. It's a little fuzzy, but still beautiful.

Virtual Nurse In On October 10th

October 04, 2007

Two superhero moms have banded together to form The League of Maternal Justice. They've donned their masks, capes and super-powered breast pumps, and are tackling their first mission...they're taking on Facebook for banning photos of moms breastfeeding. And they want you to join in. They're organizing a virtual nurse in on October 10th, at 10:00 a.m. Here's what they have to say:

We're asking women around the world to speak out - and squirt out! - against the banning of breastfeeding pictures on Facebook, as well as against the constant onslaught of negative attention toward breastfeeding mothers in public spaces and in the media...

On October 10 at 10am, women around the US and Canada and - we hope - the world will breastfeed for justice. We'll nurse our babies or bottle-feed our babies or reminisce about doing either of those things and we'll post pictures and video, all together, and let the world know that there is no shame, only power, in caring for our children.

Spread the word by placing a button on your blog, and then set up your web cam to live broadcast on your blog on October 10 at 10am (your time). If you don't have a web cam, but have a video recorder, post some breastfeeding video! Load it up on YouTube and tag it "The Great Virtual Breast Fest" on October 10!

You can also submit photos to the group's site by Friday, and get included in a photo montage they're putting together. Head on over to their site for more details.

Applebee's Nurse In

September 04, 2007

This story has been brewing for a while and I've been a little slow on the uptake. Sorry about that.

So a quick summary: There's a national nurse in on Saturday, September 8th at Applebee's locations across the country. It all started when an Applebee's employee in Kentucky asked a mom to stop nursing. Here's a good summary of the incident at Breastfeeding123. There's also a fantastic map of the nurse ins...so far there are 51 locations in 27 states.

Now, if you want to see if there's a nurse in near you, you can check out this Yahoo Group formed for the event.

Earth Day and Boston Breastfeeding Nurse Out

April 20, 2007

Calling all Massachusetts nursing mamas-- get your nurse on. Go to a nurse out to celebrate Earth Day this Sunday in Boston. After all...isn't breastfeeding the ultimate environmentally friendly food?! Reusable container, no waste, and no production, manufacturing or transportation costs! (For more on how breastfeeding is good for the environment, see this post on The Motherwear Blog).

Here are the details.
Click on this link to the group that's organizing the nurse out: The South Shore Breastfeeding Club.
Date: April 22
Time: 12- 5
Location: Boston Common near the Soldiers and Sailors Monument
Rain Location: South Station Commuter Rail Terminal

Pennsylvania Nurse In Update

February 26, 2007

Roughly 150 people gathered at a Pennsylvania shopping mall this past weekend to support a mom who was forced to stop breastfeeding her baby in public. Leigh Bellini says a security guard asked her to put a blanket over her baby's head, feed her baby in the bathroom or her car, and even threatened to call the police.

The nurse in got its share of media attention. To watch a new clip from a CBS affiliate, click here. (Make sure you go to the right hand side of the page that pops up to find the link to the video). The piece has an interview with Bellini who says her goal is to get Pennsylvania to enact a law that would protect breastfeeding in public.

Angela at Breastfeeding 123 reports that a Pennsylvania State Senator has introduced a piece of legislation that is moving things in that direction. The Right to Breastfeed Act would allow a mom to breastfeed in any public or private place that she is otherwise allowed to be.

Pennsylvania Nurse In Saturday February 24th

February 22, 2007

A mom and her hungry baby are behind a nurse planned for Saturday in Pennsylvania. Leigh Bellini says she was at a shopping mall, trying to feed her son, when she had a little run in with mall security. She says they told her to cover her baby with a blanket, feed him in the bathroom or sit in her car outside.

PA moms, take note--
Pennsylvania doesn't have a law protecting a woman's right to nurse in public or private. But Philadelphia does have a city ordinance allowing women to breastfeed in public places. A State Representative, however, is pushing two pieces of legislation that could help breastfeeding moms. (via Breastfeeding123)

If you want to go to the nurse in, here are the details:
Center Court at the Berkshire Mall in
Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.
Saturday, February 24th at 1:00p.m.
The nurse in is being sponsored by Mothering And More and Birth Without Boundaries.
Check both of these sites for details about the event.
As for Leigh's story, you can read the whole thing here. In part, she writes:

My husband and I took our 2-year-old daughter and 6 month-old son out for a day of shopping and errands. While at the mall, my son became hungry. I found a bench near an indoor tree and parked my stroller directly in front of me. As discretely as possible I began nursing my son. After about 10 minutes or so I was interrupted by a security guard, who asked me if I could put a blanket over my son and cover up better. I informed him that I did not have a blanket nor would I like him to get me one and also that I had no breast exposed anyway....

Moments later we were confronted by another security guard. I immediately told her that I had no intention on listening to what she had to say. My husband told her that she had to back away from my son and I and speak with him further down the hall. While I continued to feed my son, my husband dealt with this person. She asked why they couldn't provide me with a blanket or buy me a new one. My husband explained to her that we weren't going to use a dirty blanket or use a new one that hadn't been laundered. At this point the first security guard came back to get involved. He asked why I couldn't move the breastfeeding into a more private location like the bathroom. My husband asked him if he liked to eat on a toilet seat in a public bathroom. The security guard replied that I didn't have to sit on a toilet. My husband asked where should she sit, on the floor. The security guard replied that I could stand in the bathroom. My husband laughed and said "obviously you've never breastfed." Then the security guard suggested I go out to my car to breastfeed. IT WAS 30o OUTSIDE!!!!!!

Pork Board vs. Blogger Is Over

February 07, 2007

It's done. They've settled the matter, and Jennifer over at The Lactivist is quite pleased.

You may remember this story from last week, when the National Pork Board threatened Jennifer with trademark infringement suit. They said her t-shirt slogan, "The Other White Milk" infringed on their slogan, "The Other White Meat."

The Board apologized, and employees are actually digging into their own pockets to make donations to the Ohio Milk Bank. (Jennifer donates money from t-shirt sales to the milk bank).

You still can't buy "The Other White Milk" t-shirts. But Jennifer does have a new one that should make you smile: "Breast: The Original White Milk."

Dallas Nurse In Rescheduled For Friday

November 30, 2006

A long, long time ago, I lived in Dallas. I was there for a summer job during law school. During my stint in "The Big D" I discovered that the cowboy motif was alive and well. I learned to say "inn-surance" (emphasis on "in") instead of "in-sur-ance" (emphasis on "sur"). And I realized I was essentially considered a foreigner since I was from Boston.

So, why in the world, you ask, did a New England girl who wore a lot of black and didn't have big hair go to Texas? I went there for a guy, of course. And once that relationship ended I never went back. Since then, I've only passed through the airport on a cross-country trip. And from what I remember, that is one big airport.

So those ladies in Dallas have their work cut out for them tomorrow. Last week, during the nationwide nurse-in, police at the Dallas/Fort Worth airport turned away the moms and babes who showed up. Well now they're coming back on Friday and holding another nurse in at 10 am at the Delta ticket counter. To see a copy of the press release, click on the word "comments" at the bottom of this entry.

You probably recall that this was all started when Emily Gillette was kicked off a Delta commuter flight (operated by Freedom Airlines) for breast feeding her daughter. During the nationwide nurse in, roughly 850 people gathered at 40 airports across the country.

After tomorrow, we should be able to add the Texas crew to the rally tally. So ladies, since everything-- especially the airport-- really is bigger in Texas, make sure you go to Terminal E. Remember, don't mess with Texas!

Blogs Report on the Nurse In

November 22, 2006

As expected, the blogosphere has been buzzing all week about Emily Gillette getting kicked off a plane for breast feeding. I've found some interesting posts after yesterday's nurse in and I'll keep adding to this entry throughout the day if I find more.

Jennifer at The Lactivist writes about a run-in with an airport representative in Port Columbus, Ohio.

Chris Musser, The Reluctant Lactivist, was one of 40 moms and kids at the airport in Portland, Oregon. She describes the scene:

We got a warm reception from travellers who happened by and from the Delta employees we spoke with (I made a point of urging them to speak with their bosses about getting a written breastfeeding policy in place, which Delta is currently refusing to do). One woman...I'm guessing a former breastfeeding mom...walk by us chanting, "Yay! Breastfeeding!" I saw a number of people stop and give moms kudos to their advocacy. The director of the Port of Portland approached us about our plans and was quite positive. I had stickers with the breastfeeding icon on them which I was handing out to participants and the press...I offered him some, explaining the purpose of the icon, and he asked for multiple copies. Perhaps PDX will be one of the first airports to adopt the icon!

The Mommy Blawg, which is about the intersection of motherhood and the law, examines what happened at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport. Moms were turned away by the police. She writes:

Texas Health & Safety Code § 165.002. RIGHT TO BREAST-FEED. A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be.

Ah, how simple. Is it really to much to ask that police officers be familiar with the law? The statue was only enacted eleven years ago, so maybe the word hasn't gotten out yet.

Ms. Booty Homemaker was at the airport in Nashville, Tennessee. She writes:

With the exception of perhaps two or three quizzical glances, we nursing families were met with great welcome, kindness and support. Two older women who’d nursed their babies years ago stopped to congratulate us and cheer us onward. One even was interviewed by the news. Another older couple stopped to speak with some mamas; the gentleman worked for Delta and wanted to express his support of us. An airport employee gave stickers to all the kids and an American Airlines flight attendant stopped to tell us that not all in her profession were offended by breastfeeding, that she herself was so glad to see us.

On The Huffington Post, Erin Kotecki Vest writes an entry called "My Tits and My Toddler Fly The Unfriendly Skies":

I'm curious as to why those of you squeamish types can't seem to handle a little boob. Is it because you want it to stay stuffed in a Victoria Secret bra instead of in a baby's mouth? Does it make you uncomfortable to see what God clearly intended as man's plaything and not a tool of nutrition used in such a vulgar manner?

Here's another good one from The Huffington Post. Russell Shaw writes, "Bless The Moms Who Breastfeed in Public Places":

The height of hypocrisy is that some of the same people who totally object to a mother breast-feeding her child in a public place are some of the same people who vote for "family values" conservative politicians. Although discretion is certainly appropriate in some crowded public places, and a concealing blanket isn't a bad idea, I cannot think of a "family value" more basic than a mother feeding her child.

Finally, Jeff Jarvis at BuzzMachine actually linked to Mama Knows Breast when I wrote my entry about how the internet enabled all of these moms across the country to work together. The phenonemon is known as a smart mob, so he aptly titled his piece, "A Mob of Moms."

Nurse In Round Up

November 21, 2006

The two babies are asleep, the dishes are done, "How I Met Your Mother" is playing off our TIVO and I ate nearly a pint of Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk. So at long last I was able to sift through emails, news reports and random internet ramblings. And here's what I've come up with, some highlights from today:

* Forty airports across the country...from Las Vegas to Vermont.
* Roughly 850 moms, babes and supporters.
* International (Pakistan ), national (The Washington Post), and local news coverage (watch this video from a New Mexico TV station and see an interview with Emily Gillette, the woman who was kicked off the plane).
* Plus an apology from Delta.
But I think this photo, says it all. Look very closely at what she's doing.

Nurse In News Reports

So here are early reports from different news sources...

Of course moms and their babes were in Burlington, Vermont, where this brouhaha all started last week when Emily Gillette got kicked off a plane for breastfeeding her daughter. Today, about 25 people staged a nurse in at that airport. In Boston, five women gathered at Logan airport. Moms were also in Louisville, Kentucky...Indianapolis, Indiana (see photo above)...Bradley International Airport in Connecticut...Jacksonville, Florida....40 moms showed up in Portland, Oregon....and about ten moms were in Detroit, Michigan. Jennifer Laycock, of The Lactivist, was one of 12 women who were at the airport in Columbus, Ohio. She even got quoted in the local newspaper. Make sure you click on Jennifer's site to get a good round-up from other airports as well.

I'll bring you much more after I put The Bear to sleep, do The Bortski's bath, books, bed and crying routing, have dinner with my husband, clean up the kitchen and self-medicate with Oreos.

Nationwide Nurse In Today

It's 9:15 and as I type, moms across the country are gathering at airports for a nurse in. As I've been reporting here, they were motivated to stage this grass roots nurse in by the story of Emily Gillette, the mom who was kicked off a Freedom Airlines flight (a commuter flight for Delta) for breastfeeding. The nurse in kicks off officially at 10 am, local time.

To monitor the progress of the nurse in plans, I subscribed to the Yahoo chat group moms were using to coordinate their efforts. This morning I woke to find 182 messages in my in-box-- progress reports about t-shirts, press releases, and travel plans. From the site I found a list of least 33 airports where you can expect moms and their babes to be today.

As the day progresses, I'll be writing periodic updates on the events. Usually each time I write a new entry I send out an email notification of the entry. To save you from In Box clutter, I won't do that today. But do check back every few hours or so to see what's new on my site.

Right now I have to take a shower. Good thing it isn't de rigueur yet to use video to communicate over the internet.

Nationwide Nurse In on Tuesday

November 19, 2006

For the past couple of days I've been watching a grass roots movement in action. Moms across the country are getting together, via the internet, to organize a nationwide nurse in on Tuesday, November 21st. They've been galvanized by the story of Emily Gillette, the mom who was kicked off a Freedom Airlines flight (a commuter flight for Delta) for breastfeeding. Moms who have never met each other before are talking about meeting at 10 am, at Delta counters around the country. They're drafting press releases, making t-shirts, discussing logistics, even debating the merits of organizing the event. It's pretty cool to watch this unfold.

If you want to find specific information about the nurse in, you can check out this Yahoo Chat group. You can also check out ProMom and Mothering.

Click onto any of these links to see the internet -- and some spirited women-- in action.

Nationwide Nurse In on Tuesday, November 21

November 17, 2006

When The Bortsky was a baby we took him on numerous airplane rides and I had not a single qualm about breastfeeding him. He was hungry, so he ate. Plus, it had the added benefit of keeping him from screaming bloody murder. I'm sure it also helped his ears during the flight. So I can just imagine how I would have felt if a flight attendant had asked me to stop. Could I have found myself in the same situation as Emily Gillette, the mom who was kicked off a Freedom Airlines flight for breast feeding her child?

Now, it seems a nationwide protest is brewing. This grass roots "nurse in" is scheduled to be at Delta airport counters on Tuesday, November 21, at 10 AM, local time. Freedom Airlines runs some of Delta's regional flights.

To follow developments on the protest, check out the discussion boards at ProMom and Mothering.

To update you on Gillette's story, Freedom Airlines has written a public letter responding to the incident. The letter says the airline disciplined the flight attendant because she acted contrary to the company's policy which supports a mother's right to breastfeed. The letter also said the pilot offered Gillette the chance to get back on the plane. But she says that didn't happen. The dispute continues...

Mom Kicked Off Plane For Breast Feeding

November 15, 2006

File this one under-- you've got to kidding.

A New Mexico mom says Freedom Airlines kicked her off a flight for breastfeeding her daughter on board the plane. The plane was waiting to take off from an airport in Burlington, Vermont, when 27 year-old Emily Gillette says a flight attendant asked her to put a blanket over the baby's head. Gillette says she refused. That's when a Delta ticketing agent asked Gillette and her husband and daughter to get off the plane. Freedom was operating the Delta flight between Burlington and New York City.

Now, imagine for a minute you are a passenger on this plane. Which would you prefer-- (a) or (b). (A) listening to a screaming, miserable baby on your flight, and maybe, by chance, feeling a little odd about the slight potential that you could see a little bit of the mom's boob. Or (B), contentedly-- in silence-- reading your trashy novel, working on your lap top, listening to your iPod, or trying to meditate to transport yourself away from the sardine box in which you are all crammed. I'm sure most of you picked (B), thinking, "Just feed the poor child and make the crying stop already!!" And if you picked (A), think about how you would feel if the flight attendant said, "Sorry, no pretzels for you on your flight today."

But back to the story at hand...

Here's what a Freedom Spokesperson had to say about the incident to The Boston Globe:

"A breast-feeding mother is perfectly acceptable on an aircraft, providing she is feeding the child in a discreet way," that doesn't bother others, said Paul Skellon, spokesman for Phoenix-based Freedom. "She was asked to use a blanket just to provide a little more discretion, she was given a blanket, and she refused to use it, and that's all I know."

Gillette has filed a complaint with the Vermont Human Rights Commission as well as Delta and Freedom Airlines. She told the Burlington Free Press she'd like to see the airlines change their policies. In addition, she'd like the airlines to make a donation to an organization of her choice and give her another trip.

Hip to NIP (Nurse in Public)?

October 08, 2006

Remember the brouhaha last month when Toys R Us in Times Square asked a breastfeeding mom to take it elsewhere? First there was the incident. Then there was the protest outside the store.

To see if anything has changed in Manhattan since then, a New York Daily News reporter went under cover--so speak-- taking her baby with her on a breastfeeding excursion around New York City. The assigment...figure out places where it's "hip to nip."

Her findings: An ultra fancy restaurant, Le Cirque? No problem. Public bus? Just fine. The Apple Store? Check. The Metropolitan Museum of Art? More or less fine. Babies "R" Us? Believe it or not, some bumps in the road.

So how do you feel about nursing in public? Comfortable? Uncomfortable? Personally, I've feed our kids anywhere and everywhere...as long as it won't completely offend the people around me. I've breastfeed while getting a pedicure; while the baby was getting an ultrasound of his hip; and while sitting in a parked car during a funeral at West Point.

But now I'd love to hear from you. Share your stories about your most unusual lactation location.

21st Century Mama

September 14, 2006

I've never done this blog thing before. In fact, I'm actually a very "analog" person. I don't own an iPod. I can barely program the TIVO. I don't know how to upload photos from our camera to the computer. I've taken hours and hours of video, but the tapes are sitting in my desk. And when our babysitter said she would be lost without Facebook, I felt compelled to tell her that I wrote most of my high school papers on a typewriter and went to college before there were cell phones.

And yet, this blog thing is becoming addictive. So here's something I've learned so far: it's cool when another blog references your blog. This happened to me yesterday. A blog called The Lactivist wrote a post about "Mama Knows Breast." You should check out this site. The author has some really hilarious t-shirts for sale. Here are a few examples of the t-shirt slogans. For moms, there's: "Milk Jugs." For babies, there's "nip/suck." And for dad's, there's "I Play With My Baby's Food." Hilarious, right?!

So humor me while I learn this blog thing. Your suggestions of ways to improve the site are welcome. I leave you now to check my Filofax and use my land line to call 411.

Nursing Moms Protest At Victoria's Secret

June 29, 2006

Victoria's Secret sells boobs. Let's face it. That's how they get men to buy lingerie. So their advertisements are far from prudish. Ironic then, that two women, one in Wisonsin and one in Massachusetts, who wanted to breastfeed at the store were told to take their baby and her breasts elsewhere. Victoria's Secret says the employees who told the women to leave were mistaken; the company allows breastfeeding in the store.

So what's a mom to do? Protest. There were nusing sit-ins at stores across the country this weekend.

Oregon Breastfeeding Mom Takes on Department Store

April 25, 2006

A mother in Portland, Oregon was breastfeeding her baby at the Fred Meyer grocery store when a store manager asked her to stop. Angered, she contacted the company. As a result of her complaints, Fred Meyer apologized and said it will take steps to make sure something like this doesn't happen again.

Here's the mom's blog about her experience.

Here's a local news story about the incident.

Here's the store, Fred Meyer.