Yesterday evening I was breastfeeding my 3-day old son in a family-friendly restaurant in a private members club.
A family- husband and wife and two grown-up sons asked the waiter if there was something that could be done about our 'noisy children'- my husband was with my daughter and relatives so I was there on my own! I had just started to feed my son, and asked if they were offended by the feeding as it wounkd not be I compliance of the equalities act 2010- one of the sons turned around to me and suggested that he didn't care if my boob was out, keep your boob out (in a very offending tone)... It is the noise!
They continued their conversation and I could just here disgusting and appalling behaviour! I naturally became upset- my husband returned and asked them what the problem was- the mother said that she had breastfed her 3 children but never in public and always at home- that is was disgusting and appalling!
The staff approached them and said there is nothing within the rules of the club where this is not allowed!!! The family then said they didn't have a problem with breastfeeding, just with us using the club like a crèche!!! (just to be clear, this is where children can hang out). They suggested that we didn't know how to behave- breastfeeding in public and letting our daughter and cousins go to the loo on their own!!!!
I left the restaurant in floods of tears- I have never experienced such poor behaviour and blatant discrimination before- I am sorry that I removed myself, and Wouk have preferred to stay for dessert and give my 3 year old piles of sugar, but I was very upset!
My husband spoke with the manager and they will investigate it further- one of the staff did suggest however that there was an alcove that could be used- when I suggested that perhaps this family went to eat there, he suggested that sometimes it is easier for a quiet life - not my style I am afraid.
I am quite shocked about it, and needed to share it- very tempted to call up Women's hour this morning!
I can't believe this still happens today!!!
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Referred to as disgusting and appalling for breastfeeding in a restaurant
14 replies
BeckyBabs · 03/12/2012 11:11
OP posts:
quietlysuggests ·
03/12/2012 11:19
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