I’m sure by now you’ve heard about Delta’s recent breastfeeding debacle in which a breastfeeding mother asked via Twitter about the airline’s policy and she was informed she must cover or feed a bottle. I knew right away no such policy exists and that it was just an undereducated customer service rep misspeaking.
And it may come as a surprise, but I’m probably the only breastfeeding mother that wasn’t outraged by the whole thinge. Why? Because I know my rights and I know better than to ask a question to someone who doesn’t know anything about the topic. It’s like asking the person who does the admission paperwork at the hospital about the pros and cons of Pitocin, they may have their opinions but probably don’t know the real answer. (Yes, Delta employees should know their airline policies and the customer service agent should have checked before sharing an opinion, BUT I’m sure breastfeeding is not something that gets asked about very often and is only relevant to a very small proportion of their passengers and I’m also sure that employee has since been informed of the proper answer!)
I’ve flown with my breastfeeding babies on more flights than I can count on all my fingers and toes (plus all of theirs!) and I have never had a problem with breastfeeding. I have flown Delta, other large American airlines, large European airlines and small European airlines and I never even thought to ask if breastfeeding was permissible. Why? Because I know it’s legal and that no company in their right business mind will have a policy preventing a woman from breastfeeding because as many companies have learned, all that gets you is a bunch of angry moms who show up at your establishment, boobs ready!
I just do what I need to do for my baby because as one of my friends pointed out on Facebook “Don’t people understand, if you prevent a mom from breast feeding, a very upset loud baby is what you get!” Trust me, I’ve had my share of loud, upset babies on flights I’ve taken (see “Baby Screaming on the Plane”) but never because I couldn’t breastfeed. Sure, I usually TRY to use a cover (and honestly that’s for my own comfort while squeezed between a toddler car seat and a laptop wielding man in a business suit) but usually Sugarplum wouldn’t have it and Doodle is not much more agreeable to being covered so there has been plenty of boob flying round (haha, FLYING around!)
I don’t ask where or when I can feed my baby whether on an airplane or on the ground, I just do it if it needs to be done and am ready with my response should the need ever arise (which, luckily, it never has) which is: “I have a right to breastfeed my baby here. If you don’t think so, please call the police and while you do that I will call the local news. I’m sure your company will love the publicity this all gets.” Ok, so maybe I’m not that nervy. But maybe if it ever comes to the rights of my child, I will be, should I ever need to be.
I honestly don’t think breastfeeding in public needs to be a statement making event. When I nurse in public without a cover, I don’t do it to say “screw you establishment, look at me being bold!” I do it because it’s easiest for me and gets my child what he needs. I notice the stares and looks and I can’t say they don’t bother me (see “Learning about Lactation”) but it doesn’t change the way I feed. It doesn’t make me cover up or retreat to a corner or turn my back to the world or grab a bottle. Truly, it makes me sad that it’s seen as wrong, gross, inappropriate, obscene, or disturbing.
All I want to do is feed my baby, gosh darn it! What is the problem with that?
I agree with you wholeheartedly – there should be nothing wrong with breastfeeding your baby!!
I just wish more people were educated on the topic to know how important it is for both mommy and baby!
Right on! I loved your comparison to the Delta service worker & the front desk clerk at a hospital. So spot on..lol! Nice article..Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Mia. I think it’s important in ALL situations to remember when someone is an expert and when they’re not. If you ask a question of a non-expert (or one that leaves room for personal opinions) you need to be wary of the response you get.
I heard about the scandal but didn’t think much about it. Your post/points make sense. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be a public spectacle.
Love this. I was also kind of frustrated that this woman seemed to take the employee at his word and not do the research into her legal rights first.
Sometimes I think women get so lost in the fear of public breastfeeding. What’s the worst someone is likely to do about it, especially on an airplane? Make a rude comment? Have you change seats? I feel like women stop breastfeeding in public simply because they were “told not to”, and while I understand the challenge in overcoming harsh words, we have to be bigger than that. Would we tell our children to cower away from the words of a bully? No. We’d tell them to do what is right, even if someone makes fun of them. So why are we letting the fear of rude comments prevent us from breastfeeding if that’s what we think is right?
While I think the rest of the world should be more understanding of breastfeeding, those of us who are actually DOING the breastfeeding have the greater responsibility to know our rights and to take care of our child. If that means facing a few rude comments, if that means explaining to a security guard our legal rights, or if that means doing the research to understand those rights, it’s what we need to do.
I wholeheartedly agree, Brittany! It’s just like anything else with your child, you need to research your options and rights and then do what you feel is best for your child. Hopefully in the future breastfeeding won’t be a big thing but until then we all just need to carry on and get the job done!
Thank you so much for this post. I’m flying for the first time with my baby girl in a couple months and was nervous about nursing on the flight. I can now nurse my baby in confidence.
I can say from a lot of experience, Elizabeth, that nursing will probably be the easiest part of your journey! Take advantage of the “breathing” time nursing gives you!
A million loves for this article! I also treated it like, “What is the big deal?” and never once was questioned. With my first it never dawned on me to get her used to being covered up so when we ventured out she rebelled and loudly!!
Oddly, the only time I ever felt uncomfortable was in the presence of a dear friend who was clearly uncomfortable. No reason not to feed a baby though!!
Thanks for this post!
Thanks! I’ve luckily never had anyone say anything to me about nursing in public (other than positive) but after three babies I have gotten more than my share of looks, stares and whispering!