The breast is best… except in some situations?
When Little Elvis is born I plan to breast-feed. My mom breast-fed me and my grandmother always said I was the healthiest grandchild when I was little because of it. Who knows if that’s correct? It sounds good, though. I’ve also heard it helps you lose weight more quickly and can foster a great bond with your baby. These make the practice sound great.
Now, would I whip out my breast on a flight and feed Little Elvis? I’m not so sure.
But according to the USA Today, Emily Gillette is suing Freedom Airlines (operated by Delta Airlines) for discrimination on a flight from Vermont to New York because a flight attendant asked her to cover up while breastfeeding her 22 month old daughter, River.
Gillette says she wasn’t exposed, but the flight attendant handed her a blanket to cover up. When she refused, Gillette says she was booted off the plane.
The flight attendant has since been disciplined.
This isn’t the first story I’ve read like this about women who want to breastfeed their babies being moved or asked to stop. Has this happened to any of you? Do you agree with the lawsuit?
Now, would I whip out my breast on a flight and feed Little Elvis? I’m not so sure.
But according to the USA Today, Emily Gillette is suing Freedom Airlines (operated by Delta Airlines) for discrimination on a flight from Vermont to New York because a flight attendant asked her to cover up while breastfeeding her 22 month old daughter, River.
Gillette says she wasn’t exposed, but the flight attendant handed her a blanket to cover up. When she refused, Gillette says she was booted off the plane.
The flight attendant has since been disciplined.
This isn’t the first story I’ve read like this about women who want to breastfeed their babies being moved or asked to stop. Has this happened to any of you? Do you agree with the lawsuit?
posted by Pregnantly Plump at 9:01 AM
5 Comments:
Now that I'm pregnant, I've wondered about this too. From what I read on the case, I don't think she should have been booted off, it sounds like she was trying to be discreet. Personally, when the time comes to have to make a choice like that, I would do my very best to be as discreet as possible by going into another room if its an option, if not, perhaps feeding with a bottle can be an alternative, I wouldn't feel too comfortable breast feeding around strangers anyway. I think most women who breast feed try to do it modestly, but if you're in a situation where it's necessary, then oh well, life will go on!
However, I saw something worse a couple of years ago. My husband and I were out for a lunch at a restaurant, there was a large family of 10-12 people having brunch next to us, grandparents, parents and children. One of the women had a baby and proceeded to put the baby on the ground (on a blanket) and change its diapers in front of everyone during dinner. Now THAT was bad!
I breastfed my daughter on a plane once. I was discrete (likely as this woman was), and had no problems. If a woman choses to breastfeed her baby, then she should be able to expect to be respected for her decision. If you happen to be on a flight, then so be it. The baby has to eat.
I once heard a story about a woman who was in a restaurant with her young infant and other family members. The baby became hungry and so she discretely began feeding him at her table. A customer approached her and told her this made him uncomfortable and asked her to stop. She replied that she would not, because her baby needed to eat.
A staff member then approached her and requested that she take the baby to the bathroom to feed. She replied that she would not, and then asked the staff member how he would like it if he had to eat *his* lunch where people took care of their bodily functions.
The point is, most women at some point in time may come across people who feel uncomfortable with their breastfeeding. But the fact remains that it is a natural process and that babies do need to eat.
Why should a woman be punished for chosing to breastfeed her baby, when it's a natural, healthy, and convenient way to nourish her child.
I think that the law suit is perfectly reasonable. It is acceptable for a baby to eat whenever and wherever they need to. I would put a nasty, reused airline blanket on my baby, either! Lets remember that a breastfeeding baby isn't screaming and annoying other passengers.
(Just to note: I'm not a mom, I'm not pregnant, just know rights when I see them!)
edit, would NOT put a nasty, reused airline blanket on my baby!
I was worried that no one would comment on this one. I think the situation was completely mishandled and am glad to know that even women who haven't been pregnant are in support of breastfeeding when it's needed.
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