Back by popular questioning

Many are still asking to read the letter about breastfeeding I sent to the Commanding Officers of the base, legal and the hospital (along with about 30 other people) back in June. Well here it is. At least now I somewhere to refer the nosy questioners to. *Note- I did remove the names...only because I thought it would be the right thing to do. And yeah it's long.


Captain _____,

Good Day. My Name is Averi. I called Commanders Corner this month in regards to breastfeeding in the CPO club. I spoke with CMC ____ via phone mid May regarding an issue involving one of my friends breastfeeding in the club on Mothers Day. I provided him with all my contact information and have yet to hear anything. Since this seems to be an ongoing problem at the CPO club, I felt the need to contact you.

In hearing your response on Commanders Corner, it is my understanding, that if a child is breastfed in the club, it is to be done tactfully. A nursing mother needs to be respectful of those around her, by making sure that her breast is covered, and nothing is showing . In regards to that point, I am in total agreement. I respect the fact that others do not share my passion to use the gifts God gave me to bear and sustain my child in his first years. I am a conservative woman who hardly likes to wear shorts because they show skin. That being said, I am also a conservative nursing mom working toward my BA in Maternal/Child health concentrating in Lactation. I wear nursing shirts most of the time to avoid my stomach or back showing. I understand the many benefits of breastfeeding. I am NOT willing to compromise my child's health and well being by submitting to someones demand that I feed him in an unsanitary location.

On June 21st, I was in the CPO club enjoying my favorite salad with a friend. I was approached by an Assistant Manager named ____ who was pregnant. She asked me to feed my child in the restroom lounge to avoid offending others in the dining room. What about offending me and my child? We are patrons as well, right? All you need to do is stand at the ladies room door, open it, and smell why I won't sit in there, let alone feed my child there. Do you realize that a flushed toilet can have an off spray of up to 20 feet? I scold my children when they take food into the bathroom. What message does that send to them, when I agree to feed my son there? It would never be demanded that a mother feed her child in the bathroom if the child ate food or drank a bottle. Yet, this is what was demanded of me.

My response to the Assistant Manager was "When you start serving everyone else in the restroom lounge area, I will consider feeding my child in there. Until then, he is eating where I am". She then asked me to cover up if I choose to stay in the dining area. Sir, mind you I was wearing a nursing shirt that was specifically designed to feed discreetly. The club was not busy. Tables immediately surrounding mine were unoccupied. My friend and I looked down and realized you could not even see my son's face. My shirt covered everything but his ear. How much more does she want me to cover? My arms and legs were the only skin showing! My breast was not out on a platter! When my children were under 6 months I was able to throw a blanket over my shoulder and cover the whole child. Now that he's bigger, he pulls it off. Can you blame him? When was the last time you ate under a blanket in the middle of summer?

After the manager left my table I was approached by a father who had his children with him. He commended me, and felt I did nothing wrong. He saw I was upset and informed me that neither he nor his children were uncomfortable. He dropped me his business card which I would be glad to provide you. I'm sure he too will tell you nothing was visible.

The Manager soon returned to the table 'clarifying the rule'. She said, if it's staff complaining, they will handle it; if it's another patron complaining, they will address it. So, what exactly is the rule? Where can I find this 'rule' in black and white? Where does it state that a manager can ask a covered breastfeeding mother to feed their child in an unsanitary restroom area? From the circumstances, I gather that someone who works there is unhappy with the 'act' of breastfeeding. Our waitress' service was less than commendable. Maybe, she has the issue. I don't know.

It appears the CPO club is the only place my fellow breastfeeding friends and I have had issues. According to FFSC Breastfeeding Basics class, a mother can breast feed anywhere on base. I have spoken with NLSO and was informed there is no law against breastfeeding on base.
Am I not protected by "breastfeeding on federal property?"

You mentioned on air, if there were any breastfeeding mothers that would be interested in discussing this with you further, you would be glad to meet with us. At this time, I feel the need to do so. After speaking with a few nursing friends they would also welcome the discussion. Ultimately, I would like this base known as a breastfeeding friendly base. Of course, I acknowledge that it needs to be done while respecting others. Please contact me at any time. I would like everyone to be crystal clear on this topic that has unfortunately become an issue.

By the way, I was told by several people in Labor & Delivery that the hospital is working on a baby friendly initiative, encouraging breastfeeding. I welcome this initiative, and believe that breastfeeding should be encouraged, not hidden!

Respectfully,
Averi ____


So if it's not about a mothers' right to breastfeed, what is it about?
It's about a baby's right to eat!