Brookfield Breastfeeding Debacle
Posted at 6:00 am on August 25, 2010 by Heather
This morning I read about a local mom getting harrassed by an employee at our beloved Brookfield Zoo for breastfeeding in public. This is unbelievable to me. I have breastfed all over that zoo without any problem. I’m so sad that this happened to her. I’m also sad this happened at the zoo…a family friendly place where we are supposed to get in touch with nature. A place where there are nursing animals all over the place. A place that is one of the best family friendly outings around!
Are you aware that a woman’s right to breastfeed anywhere, anytime is protecting by Illinois state law? The IL Right to Breatfeed Act states,”
“ 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 however, a mother considering whether to breastfeed her baby in a place of worship shall comport her behavior with the norms appropriate in that place of worship.”
That's right. a mother can breastfeed anywhere public or private and does not have to cover her breast or nipple. The only exception to this law is in places of worship where basically they tell women to use common sense about what is appropriate. Thanks for trusting us on that one.
Whether or not you chose to breastfeed your babies or chose to breastfeed in public you can still stand up for a woman's legal right to nurse her baby in public. If you would like to send an email to Brookfield Zoo you can use this address: member.questions@brookfieldzoo.org
Do you think the zoo should offer an official apology? Do you think the employee was right to ask the woman to stop? Have you have been asked to cover up or stop nursing? Do you think more men or more women are uncomfortable with public breastfeeding? Why do you think we as a culture are so uncomfortable with public breastfeeding?
We'd love to hear from you, but please refrain from attacking or personal comments. Healthy Debate is welcome!
I have been told that I should cover up before, but only by a fellow restaurant patron and not by anyone official. I was actually very covered when he approached me to tell me it was inappropriate to be nursing in this restaurant.
I think they were absolutely wrong to tell her she had to go to the bathroom to nurse. It seems like the last thing the zoo should be doing is trying to alienate MOTHERS or make their experience more stressful. I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of their business comes from moms who bring their kids to the zoo without anyone else to help besides their fellow moms who are doing the same. It seems that they should do all they can to make the zoo a very “mommy-friendly” environment, including giving mothers the space and freedom they need to feed their babies when and where they need to.
I have also nursed babies all over that zoo with no harassment. But I SOOOO hate it when things like this happen to further discourage moms from nursing their babies. We should be all about making it EASIER for moms to care for their children, especially when they are out trying their best to create fun memorable experiences for their children. Motherhood is hard enough without extra hurdles in the way. And who would EVER want to breastfeed in those HOT, STICKY, and sometimes STINKY bathrooms at the zoo. For pete sake…. they need to think this through and put themselves in the her/our shoes!!!
I wish more places would show care for the needs of mothers by creating mothers’ rooms where moms could feed their babies in peace–whether breast or bottle. I don’t mind nursing my baby in public, but she is at the stage where she’s easily distracted. And of course people would still be able to nurse wherever they wanted, but it would be nice to have more options than bathroom, car, or wherever you can find a spot.
I’m also surprised that the supervisor who reproached the mother said that “people walking by were offended.” Really? Look away and keep walking! Someone would have to be doing something a lot more offensive than breastfeeding for me to consider asking them to stop.
Anyway, thanks for the good information on my right to breastfeed wherever. I’ve been thinking of going to IKEA but wondering where I would nurse…and now I know I can legally feed my baby anywhere.
@Farrah, I think I remember you having that experience–@ a fast food restaurant right? Yes, bathrooms are NOT a place for anyone to eat…babies included.
@Lisa, the mother’s nursing room at the Hamil Family Play Zoo is lovely. It would be nice if there were more space like that in other establishments for when baby is distracted. Also, yes…feed your baby anywhere!
Here’s a great video for Breastfeeding Awareness Month (which was August) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qceifvgguE
Also, the zoo has apologized. Here’s a link to the facebook page explaining more http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150255226275398
I have yet to be asked to cover up or go to an unsanitary place. I have tried those nursing covers, but both my boys pretty much hate them. They would rather gaze into my eyes or watch what is going on around them, not at the back of patterned cloth.
I thought the world was changing and people were moving on and seeing what a great benefit it is for women to nurse their babies…I guess I was wrong. I mean, we have laws that protect us now…so why can’t people get over it?!
I do think men usually end up thinking it is inappropriate to nurse in public…but I think it is their own feelings of being uncomfortable to actually approach a woman and ask for her to cover up or move. I have to wonder, was the person at the zoo a man?