Breast-feeding mom takes on Applebee's

[OzmO]

Why would someone be uncomfortable with someone breast feeding?   It's a natural thing we as humans do.  People need to get over it.  It's part of life, it's part of having babies, it's part of living.

I can understand a BIG fat "naked" boob hanging out in the middle of a restaurant as being offensive to some so i don't think it's unreasonable to insists on having a blanket to cover it.   And I don't buy Appleby's not having a dish towel they could have given the lady.

But for it to be illegal or get thrown out of a restaurant isn't right either.

There has to be compromise here.

[Dos Equis]

it's defined by the courts as obscenity. Look it up Juris Doctor...I have a right not to turn my cheek to not look at a fuzzy nipple in a public place right?

I just threw up my steak, applebee's now owes me $25, right after I pull out my law book and show them...haha

What's "Juris Doctor"? 

What courts have defined breastfeeding as obscenity?  You have a link? 

[Dos Equis]

Why would someone be uncomfortable with someone breast feeding?   It's a natural thing we as humans do.  People need to get over it.  It's part of life, it's part of having babies, it's part of living.

I can understand a BIG fat "naked" boob hanging out in the middle of a restaurant as being offensive to some so i don't think it's unreasonable to insists on having a blanket to cover it.   And I don't buy Appleby's not having a dish towel they could have given the lady.

But for it to be illegal or get thrown out of a restaurant isn't right either.

There has to be compromise here.

I agree, although I think the compromise for the most part for the dummies who are offended by breastfeeding is to not look. 

[ieffinhatecardio]

Why would someone be uncomfortable with someone breast feeding?   It's a natural thing we as humans do.  People need to get over it.  It's part of life, it's part of having babies, it's part of living.

I can understand a BIG fat "naked" boob hanging out in the middle of a restaurant as being offensive to some so i don't think it's unreasonable to insists on having a blanket to cover it.   And I don't buy Appleby's not having a dish towel they could have given the lady.

But for it to be illegal or get thrown out of a restaurant isn't right either.

There has to be compromise here.

I agree and as I said in another post a little discretion and this wouldn't have been an issue.

Nice job being the voice of reason.

[youandme]

What's "Juris Doctor"? 

What courts have defined breastfeeding as obscenity?  You have a link? 

I can't look em up right now. A Juris Doctor (JD) is a method of legal study in society law, business, government and public affairs, promotes etichal values and concepts of justice....after you get your JD you can take the Bar Exam.

[CQ]

I think it all goes both ways. I wouldn't, but breastfeeding in public discreetly is not such a big deal.

But let's look at what she is wearing in the pic. Not to get graphic here, but she has her shirt pulled up. Think about that from a side view...that means her body from waistband up to breast is showing...as in rolls and rolls of fat, huge saggy boob etc. She is not wearing attire that would allow her to feed, while still being modest.

It's this particular circumstance that seems poor etiquitte. She cannot carry a $3 tiny little feeding baby bonnet to cover up, cannot wear a feeding shirt - but she can take the time to obtain a copy of the law and carry it with her?

And then have the AUDACITY to compare her circumstances, of whipping out her gross saggy boob in a restaurant, to one of the most legendary civil rights women ever, who worked for change for millions of people who were being denied basic civil rights?

She had an agenda it appears...

[youandme]

I think it all goes both ways. I wouldn't, but breastfeeding in public discreetly is not such a big deal.

But let's look at what she is wearing in the pic. Not to get graphic here, but she has her shirt pulled up. Think about that from a side view...that means her body from waistband up to breast is showing...as in rolls and rolls of fat, huge saggy boob etc. She is not wearing attire that would allow her to feed, while still being modest.

It's this particular circumstance that seems poor etiquitte. She cannot carry a $3 tiny little feeding baby bonnet to cover up, cannot wear a feeding shirt - but she can take the time to obtain a copy of the law and carry it with her?

And then have the AUDACITY to compare her circumstances, of whipping out her gross saggy boob in a restaurant, to one of the most legendary civil rights women ever, who worked for change for millions of people who were being denied basic civil rights?

She had an agenda it appears...

See I just got back from eating, and CQ goes on in detail of her, and my stomach is now uneasy. If it was some hottie with a body, whole other story but come on

[24KT]

I think it all goes both ways. I wouldn't, but breastfeeding in public discreetly is not such a big deal.

But let's look at what she is wearing in the pic. Not to get graphic here, but she has her shirt pulled up. Think about that from a side view...that means her body from waistband up to breast is showing...as in rolls and rolls of fat, huge saggy boob etc. She is not wearing attire that would allow her to feed, while still being modest.

It's this particular circumstance that seems poor etiquitte. She cannot carry a $3 tiny little feeding baby bonnet to cover up, cannot wear a feeding shirt - but she can take the time to obtain a copy of the law and carry it with her?

And then have the AUDACITY to compare her circumstances, of whipping out her gross saggy boob in a restaurant, to one of the most legendary civil rights women ever, who worked for change for millions of people who were being denied basic civil rights?

She had an agenda it appears...

CQ, according to the article, she was very discrete about it, and was in the back booth.

In any event, as to other peoples' uncomfortableness, they ned to get over it.
There was a time when the sight of an interracial couple made people uncomfortable.

As an aside, the Region of Peel is holding a "feed-in" on September 29, 2007.

They intend to break the record for the largest number of women breastfeeding their babies in 1 place at the same time. Thank Goodness I live in a municipality that recognizes the rights of all it's citizens to both feed, and be fed the way the Creator intended it, and with the willingness to raise awareness and educate people about this.

[24KT]

See I just got back from eating, and CQ goes on in detail of her, and my stomach is now uneasy. If it was some hottie with a body, whole other story but come on

To hold true to that line of thinking, it would have been permissible for me this past week in Orlando, to have asked the waitors at the poolside bar to ask the family at the next table to leave. They were fat, saggy, obese, and absolutely turned my stomache.

I was sitting with a group of our delegates from Norway, and it struck me that all the Europeans were lean, trim, and fit, ...while the Americans were fat. It was truly shocking & disgusting to watch them chowing down on all the greasy food, watching the fat jiggle on their triceps and chins everytime they raised those greasy burgers and pizzas dripping with cheese to their mouths. Should I have asked the waitors to inform them they were too fat to eat in public, that the sight of them was offensive to the other hotel guests, or should I have simply looked in the other direction?

[drkaje]

Next time someone says fat people don't have fat babies... show them that pic.

A person does something like that for one reason: attention.

[Dos Equis]

I think it all goes both ways. I wouldn't, but breastfeeding in public discreetly is not such a big deal.

But let's look at what she is wearing in the pic. Not to get graphic here, but she has her shirt pulled up. Think about that from a side view...that means her body from waistband up to breast is showing...as in rolls and rolls of fat, huge saggy boob etc. She is not wearing attire that would allow her to feed, while still being modest.

It's this particular circumstance that seems poor etiquitte. She cannot carry a $3 tiny little feeding baby bonnet to cover up, cannot wear a feeding shirt - but she can take the time to obtain a copy of the law and carry it with her?

And then have the AUDACITY to compare her circumstances, of whipping out her gross saggy boob in a restaurant, to one of the most legendary civil rights women ever, who worked for change for millions of people who were being denied basic civil rights?

She had an agenda it appears...

I see two issues.  One is whether a woman should have the right to breastfeed her baby in public and whether others have a right not to see a mother breastfeeding her child.  I say a mother should be able to breastfeed her baby pretty much wherever she wants.  I could care less if some people are offended by breastfeeding.  It's actually quite absurd. 

The other is (as you mentioned) etiquette.  I do think a woman should take some reasonable measures to cover herself. 

That said, if she doesn't, the people (probably men) who have a problem shouldn't look.  Pretty simple. 

[youandme]

To hold true to that line of thinking, it would have been permissible for me this past week in Orlando, to have asked the waitors at the poolside bar to ask the family at the next table to leave. They were fat, saggy, obese, and absolutely turned my stomache.

I was sitting with a group of our delegates from Norway, and it struck me that all the Europeans were lean, trim, and fit, ...while the Americans were fat. It was truly shocking & disgusting to watch them chowing down on all the greasy food, watching the fat jiggle on their triceps and chins everytime they raised those greasy burgers and pizzas dripping with cheese to their mouths. Should I have asked the waitors to inform them they were too fat to eat in public, that the sight of them was offensive to the other hotel guests, or should I have simply looked in the other direction?

Did you laugh, and give them a tricep jiggle handshake?

[ieffinhatecardio]

I think it all goes both ways. I wouldn't, but breastfeeding in public discreetly is not such a big deal.

But let's look at what she is wearing in the pic. Not to get graphic here, but she has her shirt pulled up. Think about that from a side view...that means her body from waistband up to breast is showing...as in rolls and rolls of fat, huge saggy boob etc. She is not wearing attire that would allow her to feed, while still being modest.

It's this particular circumstance that seems poor etiquitte. She cannot carry a $3 tiny little feeding baby bonnet to cover up, cannot wear a feeding shirt - but she can take the time to obtain a copy of the law and carry it with her?

And then have the AUDACITY to compare her circumstances, of whipping out her gross saggy boob in a restaurant, to one of the most legendary civil rights women ever, who worked for change for millions of people who were being denied basic civil rights?

She had an agenda it appears...

The key word being discreetly. What is the purpose of not being discreet? Clearly it makes certain people uncomfortable while they're eating so why flaunt it?  I've seen women breast feeding in public and unless you actually looked very closely you couldn't tell they were breast feeding. No one seems to have a problem with those women.

All this other nonsense is people trying to make a statement.

[24KT]

I see two issues.  One is whether a woman should have the right to breastfeed her baby in public and whether others have a right not to see a mother breastfeeding her child.  I say a mother should be able to breastfeed her baby pretty much wherever she wants.  I could care less if some people are offended by breastfeeding.  It's actually quite absurd. 

The other is (as you mentioned) etiquette.  I do think a woman should take some reasonable measures to cover herself. 

That said, if she doesn't, the people (probably men) who have a problem shouldn't look.  Pretty simple. 

You're going to have to stop agreeing with me... I'm skeered it's a sign that hell is going to freeze over soon. 

[drkaje]

I see two issues.  One is whether a woman should have the right to breastfeed her baby in public and whether others have a right not to see a mother breastfeeding her child.  I say a mother should be able to breastfeed her baby pretty much wherever she wants.  I could care less if some people are offended by breastfeeding.  It's actually quite absurd. 

The other is (as you mentioned) etiquette.  I do think a woman should take some reasonable measures to cover herself. 

That said, if she doesn't, the people (probably men) who have a problem shouldn't look.  Pretty simple. 

So you're saying a breastfeeding mom has more rights than the people around her?

My girlfriend giving me head is perfectly natural but I doubt Applebees is the appropriate place. If it had to be done there, I'd at least put something over her head. 

I'm not saying breastfeeding is a sexual act but it can be done in a discrete, unobtrusive manner.

[Eyeball Chambers]

as in rolls and rolls of fat, huge saggy boob etc.

HAHAHAHAHAHHA
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH

 

[Dos Equis]

You're going to have to stop agreeing with me... I'm skeered it's a sign that hell is going to freeze over soon. 

What?!?  You're agreeing with me.     No worry.  We have plenty to disagree on.  I think I'll start another abortion thread . . . . 

[CQ]

See I just got back from eating, and CQ goes on in detail of her, and my stomach is now uneasy. If it was some hottie with a body, whole other story but come on

I do apologize, it was totally unintentional and in the spirt of debate only. In hindsight, I do think I went a bit too far

[Beefjake]

Also, to get all motherish on you guys there are so many options nowdays, apart from the obvious of excusing yourself and covering up...

-Express the milk with a pump and bottlefeed when in public
-Keep baby on tight 3/4 hr feeding schedule and arrange outings with that in mind
-There are large baby bonnets available for the purpose of fully hiding the mothers breast while feeding, they are like $3
-There are special feeding bras and shirts that serve the same hiding purpose.

Basically, with all options, the only reason to blatantly breast feed in public nowdays is because you want to.

As an European ( if it needs to be mentioned here? ) and a father of 2½ and 8month olds I first tought, what an asshole. Now that you clarified your point with those - lines, I agree.

Altough I too find screaming babies as a lot more nuisance.
Its always nice when you're in a public transport or in a shop or something and your kid gets a fit. 

[24KT]

in re-reading many of the comments posted here, I'm getting the impression most everyone is arguing the same thing. I'm perceiving the big objection to be a lack of discretion... however, the article clearly stated this woman was "discretely" breastfeeding in a private back booth. So what is the big deal?

And Jake don't be such a naughty little troll. There's just no comparison between a mother feeding her infant,
and your girlfriend providing you with a little oral gratification.

[Dos Equis]

So you're saying a breastfeeding mom has more rights than the people around her?

My girlfriend giving me head is perfectly natural but I doubt Applebees is the appropriate place. If it had to be done there, I'd at least put something over her head. 

I'm not saying breastfeeding is a sexual act but it can be done in a discrete, unobtrusive manner.

I'm saying the people around a breastfeeding mom don't have the right not to see the mom breastfeeding.  There is absolutely nothing offensive about breastfeeding.  And it isn't obscenity like someone said (still waiting for that link).   

I'm not even going to comment on the breastfeeding/blow job comparison.  That's silly. 

[WOOO]

you americans are so puritan.... do you all fuck with the lights off?

[Cap]

If a customer complains then you have an issue you have to deal with.  Either way it is a lose-lose for the company because you run the risk of pissing a customer off, but the establishment does have the right to ask someone to leave, refuse to serve them, etc.  That woman would certainly make me lose my appetite.  IMO, whether a natural act or not, you are in an air-conditioned place where using a towel to cover your breast is not unreasonable.

Edit:    

2006 Ky. Acts, Chap. 80 Permits a mother to breastfeed her baby or express breastmilk in any public or private location; requires that breastfeeding may not be considered an act of public indecency, indecent exposure, sexual conduct, lewd touching or obscenity; prohibits a municipality from enacting an ordinance that prohibits or restricts breastfeeding in a public or private place. (SB 106)

[WOOO]

i would throw the whining bitch client out and tell the mother to bare her tit with pride...

[drkaje]

I'm saying the people around a breastfeeding mom don't have the right not to see the mom breastfeeding.  There is absolutely nothing offensive about breastfeeding.  And it isn't obscenity like someone said (still waiting for that link).   

I'm not even going to comment on the breastfeeding/blow job comparison.  That's silly. 

Hyperbole, LOL!

My point is that the people around have the right to not see someone breastfeeding. If they started leaving en-masse places would go out of business. Your argument is basically that the breastfeeder's rights supercede the restaurant's and its patrons.

Breastfeeding can easily be done in a discrete manner. I'm not suggesting they stay home or be ostracized only do it in a manner that is considerate of other's sensitivities and the restaurant's ability to make money.