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Breastfeeding
Sending breastfeeding mothers to the toilet has not gone down well in New Zealand after an American lifestyle magazine said feeding babies at the table in top restaurants was not on.
In a list of 10 commandments for eating out in restaurants with young children Better Homes and Gardens magazine proclaimed "Thou shalt not breast feed at the table".
The "commandment" outraged New Zealand mothers and breastfeeding advocates, The New Zealand Herald reported today.
Heather W, from the magazine, said if possible mothers should take their babies to the "ladies room" for feeding.
The newspaper said her rules for eating out with children included keeping children in their seats, trying to quell high-pitched screaming and leaving noisy toys at home.
Marilynn McLachlan, publisher of the New Zealand website Mums on Top, told the Herald the magazine article was insulting.
Within days, following a flood of criticism, the magazine had withdrawn the suggestion, apologised and said it supported breastfeeding mothers who wanted to include their children in their public lives.
Breastfeeding in public in New Zealand is a right and the Human Rights Commission said it was illegal for someone to stop a mother breastfeeding at work, in a place of study, on public transport, in government departments, in public places and in restaurants and shops.
What do you think of mothers breastfeeding in public
places? Have your say on our messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentAnnie87 said on 2011-05-28 @ 16:16 NZDT: Report abusive post
I have breast fed my daughter and my son in public with no blanket as i had them both in summer and it was hot they would cook under the blanket. I have never had neone tell me to cover up let alone even notice. i always see women who are breast feeding with cover on. how would you like to eat ur food on a hot day with a blanket over your head. Id like to see you try it. you have to think of the babies not the people who have personal issues with the human body.
big2al said on 2010-05-26 @ 16:17 NZDT: Report abusive post
I am a male & have no issues with breastfeeding if it is done discreetly with a throw or shawl covering things up. There is nothing more natural. As with the other respondents, it is damn annoying to go out for a meal & you have screaming kids running around a restaurant. Yes I do have two kids of my own.
Aggie said on 2010-05-26 @ 16:05 NZDT: Report abusive post
I hate going to restaurants where useless parents can't control their children. They have NO respect for other people trying to enjoy there meal and if parents have screaming kids, then leave the restaurant until you can shut them up! I don't want to see some other women's breasts while trying to eat my meal. That is why American's call them rest rooms. So you can rest and feed your baby there if you have to expose your breasts to the world. A covering is fine but what ever happened to modesty!
leftsidemafia said on 2010-05-26 @ 15:20 NZDT: Report abusive post
titties out no matter what the circumstances at the dinner table is uncalled for. If you want to feed your baby go find a seat away from food. Body fluids and food just dont mix.
lauzyeah said on 2010-05-26 @ 13:34 NZDT: Report abusive post
I'm a mother of 2 and never breastfed in public, not because i felt like it was taboo, but beacuse, well im not really comfortable getting my breasts out in public. I dont believe there is anything wrong with breastfeeding in public as long as you have a wrap or throw covering yourself so nothing is showing.Not everyone has children, so mothers who sit at cafes not covering themselves while patrons are trying to eat aren't taking into consideration other people. It goes both ways