Reply to Breastfeeding Protest Prompts Mall Policy Change
This story upsets me as I am opposed to this policy change. I am a breastfeeding mother and understand it is nice to be able to feed your baby pretty much anywhere and I support this except in this case. My concern is with the fact that this area is probably not easily cleaned, infants/small children tend to taste every surface they can get their mouths on, and that breastmillk is a bodily fluid which can spread blood-born pathogens such as Hepatitis and HIV. Breastmilk is not just food. And one mother commented that breastmilk does not pour out of breasts... my breasts must not have gotten that memo because they can leak without any physical stimulation and can shoot milk up to three feet whether my baby is latched to eat or not... and sometimes it gets everywhere (embarrassing but true).
So in response to not being able to watch your child play while you breastfeed, either learn to stand while breastfeeding and watch your child from outside of the play area or have your older child learn to wait a couple of minutes while you take care of your younger child's needs.
Patience is a virtue and learning to wait is something we should be teaching our children anyways.
Rae-Anna Dery
Prince George
