A breastfeeding mom in Georgia is furious at chain restaurant Applebee's after she says a manager told her that she could either stop feeding her 20-month-old son or she could go into the bathroom to do so. The altercation became ugly and both sides called the police.
In fact, Dawn Holland was in the right. Georgia has laws which allow mothers to nurse anywhere, so the officer who responded to the call didn't even file an incident report. Good on him. But bad, bad, bad on the manager. Seriously, what is the problem with a nursing mom needing to feed her child? And why on Earth do people still think breastfeeding in the bathroom is normal?
One of the first rules of living in the animal kingdom is don't poop where you eat. Duh.
These stories just get more and more ridiculous. It's just a BOOB, people. Look away if it bothers you so much.
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A restaurant like Applebee's that bills itself as good for families ought to be better acquainted with the state breastfeeding laws. If a breast is really so offensive, then maybe the law would be different. Diners who don't want to see a baby eating could ask to be moved. Or THEY could take their meal in the bathroom? How about that?
Oh wait. No one would even consider asking an adult to eat in the restroom. So why should a baby?
I have been a nursing mom and I can say that sitting on a toilet in a lonely public restroom was depressing. Sitting at my table, under a nursing cover, holding my baby, and talking to my husband was a much more pleasant experience for everyone. Sure, I had a cover. But not all moms can use one. And that's OK, too.
Babies need to eat. And boobs are where they get their food. The next time you find yourself in a chain restaurant thinking about ways to hurt new mothers or offended by the suggestion that we are, indeed, mammals who suckle our young, I have an idea. Take your chicken quesadillas and go to the bathroom. Shut the stall door.
Now you can't see anyone!
Have you ever fed your baby in the bathroom?
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Comments 57
there is a difference between breastfeeding an infant in public vs a toddler in public. when infants want to eat they will cry until they do. theres nothing wrong with discreetly feeding your baby at the table. however, a 20 month old toddler, almost 2 yrs old, does not need to nurse in public. they are capable of eating off the kids menu. babys that age eat solid foods for breakfast lunch dinner and comfort nurse at naptime/bedtime. i nursed both my kids, my 2nd i nursed til she was 22 months. im all for breastfeeding but hate it when mothers make spectacles out of it like this STUPID article. no need to breastfeed a 2 yr old at a restaurant. she shouldve ordered something off the kids menu.
sometime around or after her first birthday, my daughter only wanted to nurse at home anyway, when we were comfortable and relaxed. she never gave clues to nurse at a restaurant or while out n about. what if that woman in the article didnt breastfeed. would she be giving her 2 yr old child a bottle of formula in place of a meal?? nooo i hope not. at that age kids need FOOD. breastfeeding is for comfort, usually done at naptime/bedtime.
Three kids, not a single one breastfed.
I think this is ridiculous. If a restaurant has a problem with public breastfeeding, they should reconsider being in the business. I hope that this particular manager gets fired. I know it's harsh but not knowing the laws as a business manager.....that's more harsh.