Claridge's asks breastfeeding mother to cover up Post Reply

[ExitPursuedByABear]

The issue for me is more the principle that someone would go up to a breastfeeding mother and make them feel self conscious about feeding their baby. I personally had babies that never stopped feeding for the first few months. At first I was house bound (I literally didn't leave the house for the first six weeks) and when I finally got my act together I would panic about being caught somewhere and having to breastfeed in public. Some of the comments to that article are so disheartening - I hope they're not representative of the general view on this type of thing!

Very much agree jg75. When I first had my bubba, I felt quite vulnerable and would run home like a deranged Cinderella to feed her in time. It took me weeks to feel brave enough to do it in public.

They should have a separate room for people with colds who want to sniff without tissues, as that actually impacts others.

[pie81]

"Breast feeding covers and muslins are available and so easy to use so why not use them?"

I found it impossible to feed with a cover for the first few months as my baby didn't latch very well and I needed to be able to see exactly what she was doing.

I also think they draw more attention than a brief glimpse of nipple which is rapidly covered by a baby's head.

[KasiaT]

I agree with dinosaur, it is a public place and a nice one too and maybe not everybody appreciated watching breastfeeding. I do not see any harm in a mother doing it in a discreet corner or covering up a bit - to be honest I would be embarassed to whip my boob out in Claridges myself. It is a question of respect for other peoples feelings too.

[Mrs Contractor Mum]

I still don't understand this issue about worrying what others think when its against the law to ask a woman to stop breastfeeding. The law is there to protect the baby and mother not your feelings, or other people's feelings if they are uncomfortable at the sight of a woman feeding their child.
If Claridge's are so uncomfortable at the thought of one paying customer being offended by another paying customer, then they should inform potential customers that the venue isn't suitable for babies at point of booking rather than challenging a mother in the midst of feeding her baby.

[LP73]

Following on from comments about breast overs not allowing a mum to see their baby whilst breast feeding - there are so many covers out there with amazing designs where mum can see the baby and baby can see mum.
Look on Amazon or a company called Freedom Babe.

[Pud1]

Mrs Contractor Mum - I don't think they did ask her to stop did they? I'm with Claridges on this one.

[LP73]

They 100% didn't ask her to stop feeding!

[juliantenniscoach]

Just for the other opinion, I'm with Contractor Mum on this. Times have moved (rightly) on. If I was in Claridges at the time, if I'd have noticed, I'd have just carried on with my lunch and company.

[pie81]

Yes, I'm with MrsContractor and Julian too.

Times have changed.

In past times (and possibly still in present times, sadly) some people would have been offended by - for example - a gay couple holding hands or kissing. You wouldn't expect their views to be listened to would you? You wouldn't think it was ok for Claridges to tell the gay couple to stop holding hands, or do it only under a napkin?!

The same applies to breastfeeding in my view. If someone is offended by it then they need to learn their views are out of date - not expect the breastfeeding mother to stop feeding or hide it.

[LP73]

We were obviously watching different news programmes Mungo!
The young ladies Twitter feed told the same story, not many people would have gone to the press about this.

Claridges clients are mainly European and American, rarely do I see Middle Eastern clients when I am there.

At the end of the day it's all down to different levels of discreet and personally I cover up when breastfeeding. I respect all views and cultures and in public wouldn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable, especially the older generation.

[Mrs Contractor Mum]

LP73 - let's put it another way.
You like to maintain a discreet profile when breast feeding your child. How would you feel if you were minding your own business discretely feeding your child under a wrap that you find comfortable using in public and a member of the public or staff member comes up to you to tell you that you're feeding your baby wrong and you shouldn't wrap them up as you can't tell if the baby has latched properly and your child is overheating etc etc etc?
How would it make you feel in the process of trying to feed your baby? Does that person have a right to publicly admonish you for the way you are feeding your baby because of their sensibilities?

[LP73]

Wowzer some very angry people out there

To answer your question if an employee came up to me and asked me in a polite manner and asked me to change something I was doing then I would of course listen and respect what they asked. I would be after all in their building under their rules.
I tested my breast feeding cover before using it outside so I wouldn't have been in that situation. I would have found something I was comfortable with.

As for my surname, for you think you're getting a little bit angry and bitter for saying something like that.
Now trot off, tend to your cats and enjoy your forth glass of wine

[LP73]

PS I am female so have no idea who you think I am?!!

[pie81]

"I respect all views and cultures and in public wouldn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable, especially the older generation."

But LP - surely there must be limits on this. There are people whose views are that women's hair should be covered, surely you wouldn't cover yours up just because they think this. And as I say there are people who are homophobic/feel uncomfortable seeing gay affection, you wouldn't expect gay people to behave differently so as not to make those people uncomfortable. Would you?

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