A mother of a newborn should have the right to BF anywhere she desires!
(some may not agree with the mothers decision, however she should have the right) and once again I'm sure commonsense would prevail. Women who are boilermakers aren't going to endanger their children by taking them to work, and we don't need legislation to enforce that.
I'm sure women are more then capable of deciding the appropriate environment for their children, with sensitivity and consideration for other people's needs.
Hi Darren and all....
this is a very interesting debate....I whole heartedly agree with you Darren. My argument is that BF is a public health issue aside from all the other many benefits of BF...and governments should be doing all they can to 'protect and support' women who choose to BF......Further to your comments on women's rights with regards to BF....and picking up on Debbie experiences and Pink'ys comments with regards to her daughters friend who has been told NOT to bring her babe to lectures at Uni.....
Women's rights to BF in public places is protected here in Victoria under the Equal Opportunity Act 1995....The Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against anyone because they are a parent caring for children, or because of characteristics unique to their sex such as the ability to BF. This protects women's rights to BF their babies in all main areas of public life, including entertainment and food venues, educational institutions, shops offices or workplaces that are providing you with goods and services.
(Equal opportunity Commission Victoria, www.eoc.vic.gov.au)
Women who feel that their right to BF has been infringed upon can lodge a formal complaint of discrimination with the Vic EOC...
Yours in breastfeeding in public...
Tina Pettigrew.
B Mid Student ACU Melb.
