Letter to the Editor:
Rec Center fails to facilitate breast-feeding
Published March 19, 2010
I am an MU graduate student, and I would like to publicize an experience I had March 5 at the MU Recreation Center's "Family Night."
Sitting poolside while my family swam, I nursed my 2-month-old son under a discreet nursing cape, until we were rudely interrupted by an employee. She (told) me not to breastfeed there by the pool, and suggested a high-traffic locker area with no seating instead. Flustered by the confrontation, I chose not to press the issue.
Since then, I have looked into Missouri law regarding breastfeeding in public: "MO Rev. Stat. ยง 191.918 (1999) allows a mother, with as much discretion as possible, to breastfeed her child in any public or private location."
As I was thoroughly covered by a nursing blanket, I had a legal right to breastfeed him there by the pool, as I fully intend to do again in the future. Alternatively, if the Rec Center would set up a temporary Lactation Area on Family Nights, with a chair and a privacy screen, I would be happy to use it.
Today's mothers face an unfortunate double standard: doctors recommend breastfeeding our babies, yet doing so continues to be "frowned upon" by some people, and we end up feeling ashamed for making the healthiest choice for our babies. What else is the purpose of Family Night at the Rec Center, if not to promote healthy family activities?!?!
Well, I am not ashamed of nursing my son, and I will not be marginalized into silence by any ignorant staff person again.
Comments (6)
6:59 p.m., March 19, 2010
Susan Aldana said:
This is an unfortunate episode but is indicative of society's unease with the nutritive use of breasts. You can show breasts to sell beer, cars, movies,and nobody complains, but heaven forbid the baby is seen accessing them. Fundamentally twisted.... I am so glad this mother , after reflection, refuses to be further intimidated.
3:04 p.m., March 23, 2010
Jacqui Crissey said:
I am SO with you Ericka! I have nursed my son many times at the Rec Center during Family night! Do you want to stage a "nurse-in" ?
8:28 a.m., March 24, 2010
Heidi Stallman said:
Thank you for speaking out. I believe we can create a more family friendly atmosphere at Mizzou and in our culture in general if we keep standing up for what we know is best for babies and mothers.
7:58 p.m., March 24, 2010
Ericka Alten said:
I think a "nurse-in" would be fantastic! How about April 2nd from 6:00 to 6:30 at the Tigers Grotto? Strength in numbers... see you then, hopefully! Ericka
11:40 a.m., March 19, 2010
bronwyn millar said:
i had a similar thing happen to me. i went to the papers and caused a huge stir. what was great was it turned me into an unabashed lactavist and i now dont bother to cover up. the more we see breastfeeding, the more normal it will become. why is it ok to stick a bottle of crap (formula) in your baby's mouth when it's hungry and not the food your body makes for it?