Handling "Breastfeeding complaints" Appropriately

[vbactivist]

Today I was wondering how many times a complaint about a woman nursing in public gets handled appropiately that we don't know about. While I was at the pool, I thought, what if someone complains about me? What would be the best thing the lifeguard or manager could do? And that would be to tell the "complainer" that I am legally allowed to breastfeed. And I probably would be none the wiser. I guess teh only other thing the place of businees or whatever could do would be to post a sign saying mothers are welcome to breastfeed wherever they are comfortable. But I do wonder, how many times someone complains and the manager does what they should. We only here about the 'bad' times.

[sapphire_chan]

We might not know about the good times though. One aspect of staff handling things well is that the nursing dyad isn't bothered.

I think there was a story or two about a mean person bringing in a manager or the police and being told that the nursing mom was within her rights, but mostly people seem to complain anonymously when they take things to an authority.

[KristyDi]

I happen to have overhead someone complain about me nursing my dd in a restaurant and the waitress supported me.
The complainer was sitting at the table next to me and complained loudly to her partner about my nursing. The waitress obviously heard and came over and refilled my already full drink and made a sweet comment about how cute dd was. (DD was latched) them moved to the complainer's table. The complainer said "Do you realize she's nursing that baby?!!" in a loud obnoxious voice. The server smiled and said "Yes, isn't it sweet." filled her drink then walked away. Thankfully the complainer never took it any further.

DD and I eat there a lot whenever we are out at lunch time. The waitress got a great tip that day, personal thanks and I praised her to the manager.

[teale]

I've actually never had to deal with anyone saying anything I could hear. Since DS has gotten older, a lot of 'friends' who aren't nursing, do make harsh comments, and I don't think they realize it. I've just continued doing my thing though. It's my right.

[pantufla]

Originally Posted by KristyDi

I happen to have overhead someone complain about me nursing my dd in a restaurant and the waitress supported me.
The complainer was sitting at the table next to me and complained loudly to her partner about my nursing. The waitress obviously heard and came over and refilled my already full drink and made a sweet comment about how cute dd was. (DD was latched) them moved to the complainer's table. The complainer said "Do you realize she's nursing that baby?!!" in a loud obnoxious voice. The server smiled and said "Yes, isn't it sweet." filled her drink then walked away. Thankfully the complainer never took it any further.

DD and I eat there a lot whenever we are out at lunch time. The waitress got a great tip that day, personal thanks and I praised her to the manager.

I love this story!!!

[listipton]

I was a restaurant manager for 6 years (before and after I had children) and only had to address NIP a couple of times. Sometimes it was my staff, sometimes a guest, but the response was always 'well, how nice of her to do that for her baby!'. Staff were required to continue to take care of a nursing guest (as per the companies rules), and I personally became involved if the complaint was from a staff member to ensure they were not rude/inconsiderate of the nursing guest. Many managers know how to handle a complaint without a big scene.

[Youngfrankenstein]

I don't know what I'd say. I guess I agree with saying it was legal to do so...

[vbactivist]

i'm glad to hear of PP's positive experiences. I would actually love for whoever is receiving the complaint to respond with something like, "that mother is supported by law. wewelcome and encourage breastfeeding moms to nurse wherever they are comfortable".

nak