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I'll never understand how a repressed yet sex crazed culture is OK with tiny bathing suits that cover nipples but the moment a mother wants to breast feed it's offensive. You're damn right it's a "family affair..." she's feeding her family! Lactivists unite! 
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I'm all for breast feeding (we BF our son for 15 months), but there is still an appropriate time and place for it. I am perplexed that Universal has been in the business so long and has "no policy" on it. The majority of parks I've been to welcome nursing mothers but politely ask that they go into restrooms to do so. I know Holiday World even has a dedicated facility for women who want to nurse. Though calling security was definitely overkill, I don't think it was over the line to ask the lady to be a bit more modest for the sake of the other guests. But then again, the bare bones swimsuit policy makes this argument barely worth fighting...
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I don't think a bathroom is a very nice place to feed your baby. Would you eat your lunch in a bathroom?
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Hey it's personal preference. I'm not offended by breast feeding, however if you're going to breast feed in a public place and not cover yourself, it's fair game, I'm going to stare! I mean... they are boobs! How can you not look at boobs? Boobs make both boys and girls happy. My wife breastfed our son and she had to do this a few times while at Cedar Point. However, we would go back to the car and would feed our son, meanwhile I could get food from the park and bring it out or have a cooler in the car so that we can eat too. It's discrete and while she doesn't have a problem showing off her boobs after many drinks, she does have a problem showing them off in public when she's trying to feed her son. One thing that Kings Island has (Emiroo mentioned this as well) is a "family center" that provides a place to take care of things like this as well as changing. I wish I knew that since I was looking up and down all the men's rooms in the park and couldn't find a baby changing station. So I found a hidden spot covered by bushes to change him. Not 30 seconds after I got him dressed did a security guard let me know of the "family center." Doh! Hopefully other parks will start offering facilities like this. ~Rob Willi
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Do you eat in the crapper, Emiroo? If not, then why would you expect someone to feed their child there? "Modesty" has nothing to do with it. Mammals have fed their children this way for all of time and it's something to celebrate, not something to hide out of embarrassment. What is wrong with people?
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Disney has had an issue with this too as of late, but it is acceptable for mothers to breast feed their children within the Disney parks.
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Point taken about eating in the crapper everybody. :-) That's not my personal policy...just what I've seen suggested in parks. The real problem is the perception of breast feeding of all the non-parents out there. Most adults will understand and be respectful of what's going on, but the average 13 year old is going to snicker and could potentially stare and cause a scene. That would cause a problem for everybody involved. I think "family centers" are the way to go at each park. Then again, a ride full of topless Mothers breastfeeding could provide some interesting promotional material...*** This post was edited by Emiroo 11/2/2007 3:03:36 PM ***
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So you think it's a mother's responsibility to parent someone else's child too? That's what it amounts too. I'm not that religious, but I firmly believe that giving life and feeding it in this way is a miracle.
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Gosh Jeff, this topic has you stirred up! Let me first be clear that I am 100% in favor of breast feeding and a Mother's right to breastfeed in public if needed. With that out of the way, I must say that it is society that is dictating a certain modesty level while breastfeeding in public. And yes there is a terrible double standard in play. Go to a waterpark and it's all smiles if a woman walks by in a skimpy bikini. But if a Mother opens a few shirt buttons and exposes her breast to feed her child, people get uncomfortable. Maybe that's the problem; people don't have a problem with the breast, it's what's the breast is doing that freaks them out. I don't know. I have no problem here, but I know from personal experince with my wife and son that for whatever reason, there are a lot of people out there that just don't want to see a woman breastfeeding. This puts park operators in a corner. You legally cannot tell a Mother that she cannot breastfeed her baby, but you don't want to alienate the your patrons who might be offended by this. Again, I believe 'family centers" are the way to go for all parties involved.
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That's when you stand up against society and tell it to kiss your ass. Someone has to take a stand, and if I were in charge, that's what I'd do. Fortunately, it appears that Universal will be doing just that going forward, and that's the right decision. Anyone who feels "alienated" by this has their own problems.
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I grew up in a place where women would breastfeed when their baby was hungry, and people didn't care. Restaurants, on the sidewalk, and just anywhere the baby decided it needed food. It wouldn't be such a taboo if most women did it. It's just a nipple after all, not a sexual act.
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Saying that breast feeding has something to do with modesty still implies that it is sexual in nature. My wife has as much need to modestly breast feed as I do to modestly give my son some Cheerios.
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When I worked for Cedar Point and for Disney, the policy was always very clear. If a mother asks you where they can go for privacy to breastfeed you tell them First Aid. If they choose to breastfeed anywhere else, that is completely acceptable too. Under no circumstances were we to approach anyone breastfeeding, tell them to move, or ask them to stop; at any time, in any place, ever. Simply provide suggestions if they asked.
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Wow, this is like the SFGAm incident a couple years back. If you can't handle the sight of a woman breastfeeding their kid, turn the other way and don't look. Simple as that.
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The day that it is legal to go topless on our beaches, is the day that I'll accept breast feeding in public. For the record, in California it is illegal to wear a thong bathing suit on most public beaches.This lady was being tactless. She should have sought a place that was more secluded, out of public view, and made an attempt to cover herself. No one would've said something had she done that. I'd like to see her try the same at a dinner table inside a restaurant like Nobu, Morton's, Flemings or any other first class establishment. Let's see what kind of reaction she'd get there. Having we gotten to the point where manners and being considerate of others has completely gone out the door?What if you were sitting right next to her on plane? Watch out you might get wet and if they were too big one might end up in your lap.
*** This post was edited by egieszl 11/2/2007 8:27:47 PM ***
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Wow. That gets the post of the day award.
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egieszl. If you click here, you will see that California is a state that has laws in place that allow mothers to breastfeed in any public or private place. So that includes these first class restaurants that you mentioned.
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There's nothing wrong with breast feeding, but why can't mother's use some discretion? Cover up with a blanket or towel or something. I really don't want to see your breast hanging out in public. That's just tacky.
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How about you cover your eyes if you think it's tacky?
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And why is it so hard to just use some discretion, eh? Unlike the intro to this news story, the woman was not asked to stop breast feeding. She was simply asked to cover up. I really don't see how that's a big deal. She wasn't kicked out, she wasn't told to stop, she wasn't told to breast feed in the bathroom or behind a fence. She was asked to cover up. WTF? Why is that so bad?
*** This post was edited by halltd 11/2/2007 11:44:03 PM ***
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She was asked to cover up or threatened to leave the park. The park apologized because they knew they screwed up. Are you that offended by a breast? I have seen overweight guys with breasts. Are you offended on a beach when you see an overweight guy with no shirt on and breasts hanging down? Should they be escorted off the beach?
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Wow, Eric... not the post I'd expect from you. This is Universal Studios we're talking about here, not a five-star restaurant. Tim, on the other hand, no surprise there. Seriously, what is so offensive about breast feeding? Why is it all men here who seem to have a problem with it?
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What were you saying in another thread about personal jabs, huh? Nice to see you lead by example. When you go to a beach, you expect to see shirtless guys, girls in tiny bathing suits, overweight people that should probably have more on than they do, etc... You don't expect to see topless chicks unless you're at a topless beach. When you go to a theme park, you do not expect to see the same type things. Are you allowed to walk around Universal without a shirt? Nope. Are you allowed to walk around Universal in a bathing suit? Nope. Why do you think this is? Because it is offensive to some people. I have no problem with the woman breast feeding. But, why is it that hard to cover up? I've seen plenty of people voluntarily cover up when they are breast feeding because they respect the people around them.
*** This post was edited by halltd 11/3/2007 12:15:48 AM ***
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I would hope you don't have a problem with a woman breastfeeding in general. It's a natural thing. It's not hard for her to cover up, but at the same time she shouldn't have to if she chooses not to. If people like yourself don't like it, just walk away from it. A park is huge so you don't have to be subjected to it.
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There's a LOT of things that are natural that you don't want to see while walking around a theme park. There's plenty of things you do in the bathroom that are natural. Why can't I just do that on a bench in the park? Nothin' wrong with that. It's natural, right? Sex is natural. Why don't we just do that in the middle of the park?
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You are going to compare feeding a child with going to the restroom and having sex? Different strokes I guess.
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There's lots of natural things people do in the park as well...like eating. Babies eat too. Comparing a baby being fed to taking a crap on a bench or bumping uglies in the middle of the park? Sigh.
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Shouldn't this woman be buying formula from the park? Isn't there an official breast pump partner? No licensed character baby bottles? This kind of activity is harmful to parks' bottom lines. It is a business you know.
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RGB. Not sure if you were being sarcastic or serious so I hold a response to it at this time.
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Chitown, every thread needs to mention a park's business decisions. But you would even think talk about an "official breast pump partner" could be serious? (But if Shapiro announces one for SF next year, remember you read it here first.)
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Nah, you just charge to use the 'family center'  Don't make it more complicated than it need be, RGB.
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I wonder how good the ROI is on allowing breastfeeding these days....
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Jeff, I don't really have an issue with breast feeding. I was more amused with the thread and I'm all for topless beaches. In general, I just think that you need to consider the environment and then based on that be considerate of others who might take offense. Think of others before yourself. At the table of a fine restaurant - inappropriate. At a theme park - use some discretion and try to find a semi-private spot. At a mommy and me group - hang it all out. Just because the law says you can doesn't mean you should be inconsiderate of others.
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RGB. This is a coaster enthusiast site, and from the years I have been here, anything can be serious to someone no matter how ridiculous it is.
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WTF. It is a mother breastfeeding her child. I don't get the issue. WHY on earth ANYONE would take offense to something like that obviously has their own issues......BIG TIME! WHY on earth would anyone be staring anyway? Talk about repressed, let along ignorant. She's breastfeeding her kid, not running down the midway naked. I just don't get WHY people would have an issue with it. -Tina *** This post was edited by coasterqueenTRN 11/3/2007 5:05:29 AM ***
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^ Maybe because subconsciously they are sexually repressed? Maybe growing up, their mommies told them over, and over, how dirty sex was? Maybe they just don't want to take the time to explain to their children what that women is doing? Maybe they're jealous that the women who breast feed in public are more emotionally secure than themselves? If women had the babies and men had to breastfeed them, you'd see it happening on every corner. -Tambo
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But it's not even something sexual.
In general, I just think that you need to consider the environment and then based on that be considerate of others who might take offense.
Considerate of what? Why should you have to be "discrete" for something that's as common, natural and normal as breast feeding? To hell with everyone else in that case. I would never, ever make that concession. Your opinion presumes that some people would be justified in taking offense to this, and that's what I have an issue with. They aren't justified, they just have their head up their ass (in my arrogant opinion).
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Jeff, those who would take offense are as justified to be in their position as those who are pushing for it. Advocates for things would get a lot more accomplished if they wouldn't flaunt it and instead use some discretion. For discussion sake I asked my girlfriend (Robin) her opinion. She is completely opposed to public breast feeding. She only thinks its appropriate if you're completely covered with a blanket. She thinks it is a private, not public matter. It wasn't exactly the response I expected, but then maybe that is why I'm not for it since hot chicks don't put themselves on display. I have to call this one quits, since I'm going to get in trouble for my comments.
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Guys,This is a business, the Asian and Easter visitors do not like it, even in the Western visitors have no or little problem. The issue of the Christian far right groups and the influence that they have on what parks do is a little mentioned topic (Disney removing certain characters, Busch Garden changing theming).The issue of Breast feeding is a simple one, the policy at the park is keep it covered, but on this occasion park staff acted VERY badly, using wrong words (actually touched the woman), so that had to be apologized for. Of course the park has a policy on guest behavior, but wanted to down play the incident.Keep in mind guy's park marketing is PR for park, and not very factual. All the best,
*** This post was edited by editor 11/3/2007 1:09:57 PM ***
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I'm all for anarchy, public breast feeding for all! I like what some places have/do, they offer a private, quiet setting to nurse and direct people to there instead of yelling at them or such.
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I still don't get why anyone would be offended. It's NOT anything even REMOTELY offensive, let alone "sexual." Then again some people obviously see it that way and I think that's sick. They have made a fuss about it here in Charleston several times. I mean who cares? She's feeding her baby! Get over it. I mean it's just a BOOB! Are some people THAT immature that they have to make a fuss? I mean come on, GROW UP! It goes BEYOND repression. It's just ignorance. -Tina *** This post was edited by coasterqueenTRN 11/3/2007 4:17:19 PM ***
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(Edit) 11/3/2007 8:20:56 PM
And welcome to 1876...Oh wait, no - it's 2007 - WTF is wrong with a mother doing the most natural thing on the planet with her child? Tell you what, the first person to open a gas and milk station is onto a winner - just plug the gas pump into the car, plug mom into baby via pump and give the little blighter a half a gallon of semi-skimmed - not sure what the tax on that would be though...Of course this conversation wouldn't even be happening if the world was like this...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTe_zBg1uT8 Heaven forbid some of you guys see something really horrific like a disabled person using crutches in public - they should be locked away from public view. Or exterminated - maybe that'd make y'all feel better -Jimvy! (he's baaaaack...) ps - Jeff, LOL @ lactivists! Brill!
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And frankly, if I had a kid and they saw a woman breastfeeding and questioned it I would tell them the truth.....that they ARE breastfeeding and it was totally natural and acceptable and to not listen to repressed/fanatical aholes. -Tina *** This post was edited by coasterqueenTRN 11/3/2007 4:34:49 PM ***
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Just one other thought that occurred to me - how many of the guys here being hysterically outraged at a woman feeding a child in public is quite happy to log onto certain websites or visit certain establishments to get a kick out of seeing those very same breasts? Personally I can take the moral high ground here. Well at least when it comes to girly breasts - a nice pair of pecs is another matter -Jimvy!
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I could care less about where and when women breast feed.
If they want to feed in public, let them.Now if they'd tried feeding on a Rotor or Round-Up, that'd be a totally differant thing. and yes, I saw a woman with a baby strapped to her at a fair several years ago riding rides...
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So, when people expect others to use discretion and tact when in public, they're automatically "repressed, fanatical, sick, immature, ignorant, sexually repressed and emotionally insecure"? I didn't see anyone in this entire thread say they were "appalled" or "hysterically outraged" by the woman breastfeeding in public. No one said she shouldn't be allowed to do it either. They were just saying the woman should have some couth and covered up a little. It's as simple as that. You guys can pull the right-wing Christian group or sexually repressed weirdo cards all you want. But, you're the ones blowing it out of proportion. Some people respect others and some people don't. I'm pretty sure it comes down to that.
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Some people respect others and some people don't. I'm pretty sure it comes down to that.
Agreed. So, why not just respect a woman's right to feed her child... ...even if you might have to see a boobie in the process.
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Just like they would tell us in school, if we ever got caught eating candy; "Did you bring enough for everyone?" Well I think the same principal could apply here, If she brought enough for everyone then whats the problem.
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Boobies are VERY VERY overrated anyway. Sheesh. -Tina
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Speak for yourself! -Tambo
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So, when people expect others to use discretion and tact when in public, they're automatically "repressed, fanatical, sick, immature, ignorant, sexually repressed and emotionally insecure"?
One of those things, yeah, probably, if they think that breast feeding is something that requires "discretion" or "tact." It's breast feeding, not public defecation.That's where the real disconnect here is. What about breast feeding is offensive that women shouldn't do it in a public place? I've yet to see anyone explain that.
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I've yet to see anyone say women shouldn't do it in a public place. Maybe that's where your disconnect is.
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It's the nudity associated with the breast feeding not the act itself that warrants discretion. Nudity for even the noblest of reasons is still nudity. And nudity is not a readily accepted thing (or even legal in many cases) in public places in the US. But hey, I'm one of a few who believes infants of that age don't need to be brought to places like Universal in the first place.
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Well if people aren't saying they shouldn't do it in a public place, then why are they saying anything? If nudity is the problem, why? I can walk around shirtless as a man, and many overweight men have larger breasts than "athletic" women. To me, that's gross. But at what point do you stop demoninzing the naked form? A lot of tribal cultures still walk around half-naked. Why do we consider that so "uncivilized?" It's like we're stuck in 18th century Europe or something.
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You see no more of a woman when breastfeeding than you see of the women at the waterpark - and that assumes no discretion at all.
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I agree, there is an inconsistency in the "rules" that apply to men and women in that regard. But that's not the only inconsistency on this subject. Quite frankly, I think having laws against indecent exposure that entail my walking around without my shirt being against the law unless I am breast feeding a child is extremely incongruent. The laws passed to protect a woman's right to breast feed in public were created to encourage a social acceptance of it. But it's hard to get my head around the idea that a naked breast is only acceptable if a child is nursing on it. I believe getting right about that is the place to start for the cultural changes you suggest.
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Jeff said:
Well if people aren't saying they shouldn't do it in a public place, then why are they saying anything?
halltd said:
Unlike the intro to this news story, the woman was not asked to stop breast feeding. She was simply asked to cover up.
Jeff said:
If nudity is the problem, why? I can walk around shirtless as a man...
As far as I know, you're not allowed to walk around Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure without a shirt.
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halltd: Apparently you haven't been to Universal/IOA... they really could care less about a guy walking around shirtless. You also seemed to have missed the part about the park apologizing for the error. That means, the park admitted it and/or its employees were wrong and should not have said anything. to others: Have you actually ever seen a woman breastfeeding? I know in my case it jars me for a second and then I think to myself, how wonderful, how amazing, what courage it must take to do the right thing and feed a child naturally. Try to find a secluded spot at Universal/IOA... they don't exist. Stop Staring.
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Depending on when you are there, secluded spots do exist at Universal/IOA. We were there this past late January with my then 5 month old son. He needed to eat and we found a nice secluded area surrounded by bushes, etc. My wife started feeding him and I went to do (?? can't remember, maybe just chasing after our daughter). When I got back and my wife was done, she commented that after I left, person after person came into the area and started smoking. Yep, the secluded spot we found was a smoking section! My wife noticed the sign when she left, and figured that explained the stares she was getting--"She's feeding her baby in the SMOKING section?" We were more careful where she fed him after that. My wife has never had a problem breastfeeding in the parks or other public places we go. I don't know what this lady was doing, but the response by Universal--surrounding her with security, makes you wonder if they have a clue about the world we live in. Someone in that pack of employees should have realized the in-your-face breastfeeding zealots would make this public and put them in their place. Apparently this hasn't made it into sensitivity training yet.
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I'm far more offended by the shirtless, middle-aged, grey-chest-haired manfreaks in the water parks with their bellies hanging out, looking proud of whatever they imagine their chest looks like to the rest of us. And their piercings. Thank GOD for winter. I need a break. -CO
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My opinion, if your baby is that small why would you even want to bring it to a place like that filled with noises and hundreds of strangers. Kinda like bringing your baby to a movie theater, at least wait until they can enjoy it as well.
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MrD:
My opinion, if your baby is that small why would you even want to bring it to a place like that filled with noises and hundreds of strangers.
Carrie:
But hey, I'm one of a few who believes infants of that age don't need to be brought to places like Universal in the first place.
The first mistake is assuming the extremely young age. Check this: "The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that 'Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.' The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that babies be breastfed for at least two years. WHO reports that the world average for breastfeeding is 4.2 years."
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At what age is it appropriate to take my kids to an amusement park? Strangers and noise? Where can they go and not experience this? Am I expected to leave the kids home with a stranger while I/wife go, or do all of us have to stay at home until the youngest is "age appropriate"? (Not as easy to breastfeed a kid who isn't there with you.) This isn't a movie theater where my kids could disturb others, and it isn't a dangerous place for them--this is a place built for KIDS!
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Gonch: The first mistake is assuming the extremely young age. Check this: "The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that 'Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.' The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that babies be breastfed for at least two years. WHO reports that the world average for breastfeeding is 4.2 years."
No mistake made here. The article provided the infant's age as 10 months. But I will say I had no idea that 4 year olds can/do breastfeed. Interesting. *** This post was edited by Carrie M. 11/6/2007 6:56:37 PM ****** This post was edited by Carrie M. 11/6/2007 6:57:42 PM ***
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Not shure who made the point, but it is kinda a valid one, that most people here in America do care that much, unless they are just not right in the head. But one thing to consider is that the Orlando park are more International parks then CP or HW, though I think most Americans won't have that much of a problem, Universal and Disney Orlando get a lot of people from all over the world, people from Japan, China, The Middle East, or Europe. Could indeed find breastfeeding in public highly offensive, because that might not be something that is done in public in their home country. And before I get the... "You are in America, deal with the way we do things or go home." remark that are more then likly going to be said. The Orlando parks spend a lot of money trying to get a share of the international market, so spending a lot of money to get rich families from Japan to your destination park and then telling them "thanks for the money, now get out of the US since you don't like the way we do things here." is not the mentality that have made Universal and WDW, international destinations.
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