Olive Garden asks BF mom to cover up - Page 2

[nkintzel]

This happened in my town. I"m really appalled.

[averlee]

please let olive garden know what you think of their violation of the breastfeeding rights act, and please join us in taking your business elsewhere.

https://www.olivegarden.com/company/...s/Default.asp?

also posted in "breastfeeding"

[KristyDi]

I e-mailed OG several days ago basically saying that I had nursed in several locations and had always been treated respectfully and that I was distressed to hear about this incident. I said I hoped to soon hear that they had apologized to the mama in question and educated their staff etc.

I just got an e-mail back form them. They said their policy was to offer to move people who were uncomfortable w/ someone nursing or a nursing mom who had been made uncomfortable by unwanted attention, but they would not ask the nursing mama to move involuntarily and "never ask her to leave." They also said they had refreshed these policies with their employees.

[khaoskat]

Originally Posted by medaroge

I have breastfeed in Olive Garden with no issues, in fact, one time I overheard a nearby table complain to the waitress, but she kindly told them that if they didnt like the table they were at she would be happy to move THEM to another table.

I just got a reply back from my e-mail, and exactly what you described is how their letter stated things should happen. Offer the complaining party a different table. If the nursing mom is feeling uncomfortable for being watched, they would offer her a different table. If a non nursing customer complains about a nursing customers they are offered a new table.

[lissabob]

Originally Posted by nkintzel

This happened in my town. I"m really appalled.

Oooh, do you think you could contact the mom and let her know that a ton of mamas on the net are very upset on her behalf?

I already emailed OG and will be calling as well.

[listipton]

Originally Posted by KristyDi

I just got an e-mail back form them. They said their policy was to offer to move people who were uncomfortable w/ someone nursing or a nursing mom who had been made uncomfortable by unwanted attention, but they would not ask the nursing mama to move involuntarily and "never ask her to leave." They also said they had refreshed these policies with their employees.

I received the same response.

[russsk]

Originally Posted by KristyDi

I just got an e-mail back form them. They said their policy was to offer to move people who were uncomfortable w/ someone nursing or a nursing mom who had been made uncomfortable by unwanted attention, but they would not ask the nursing mama to move involuntarily and "never ask her to leave." They also said they had refreshed these policies with their employees.

My mom works at OG, and this is what her GM told her their policy is. He was shocked at the GM's actions, and said that corporate is probably *extremely* unhappy about this situation. I've nursed at my mom's OG, while she introduced me to her GM, I believe. He is very pro-bf, and would never disturb a nursing mother.

I don't think it makes sense to boycott OG because of this issue, though I might not go to that one restaurant.

[khaoskat]

Originally Posted by russsk

My mom works at OG, and this is what her GM told her their policy is. He was shocked at the GM's actions, and said that corporate is probably *extremely* unhappy about this situation. I've nursed at my mom's OG, while she introduced me to her GM, I believe. He is very pro-bf, and would never disturb a nursing mother.

I don't think it makes sense to boycott OG because of this issue, though I might not go to that one restaurant.

Ditto.

I see no harm in the letters, because it alerts corporate to a problem that they can deal with, since they have a policy already in place. Now they are able to re-interate to that store and GM what the policy is.

[skylarsmom08]

I usually just lurk here because I've never encountered ANY resistance/uncomfortableness while BF. But i just can't understand why people have such issues with BF and if they did, to be rude enough to open their mouths. I think the majority of times it's the individual(s), not the company that has the issues, which makes it harder to address.
I don't really have anything to add, just that I'm sorry to anyone that has to put up with this crap!

[Red Pajama]

They must have had a letter drafted for the responses, as I received the same letter others have mentioned. At least they're thinking about the issue.

[darklily]

Article on Care2

Hi everyone, if anyone is interested, there is an article about this on Care2. I am really amazed at how many people left negative remarks in the comments section.They seem to be angry that the woman was nursing in public . I think it would be great if some Mothering Moms weighed in over there!
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/bre...-cover-up.html

[caro113]

The only problem I ever had while nursing at OG was with some old lady who was waiting for table. And she didn't say anything to management. I saw her looking at me while we were both waiting for our tables and I was nursing but that was about it. After we sat down DP left to go the washroom and he ended up walking by the lady who was complaining about how appaulled she was to everyone at her table. DP actually stopped and said right to her "that was my child and if she's hungry, she's going to eat. Do you want us to starve her so you can hear her screaming?" He was awesome about it. But no one in management said anything. I was nursing as we were being shown our table and I was nursing at the table. No one seemed bothered.

I'm rather surprised by this experience, too, since everyone around here seems to be extremely uncomfortable about breastfeeding. Most people around here who actually do nurse, since most don't, stop as soon as baby gets teeth.

[mama516/419]

When my first child was brand spanking new we went to OG in RI and was nip for the first time and the waiter was so excited he was telling me all about him being a new father too. I was a little embarrassed becouse I had never had a stranger talk to me while I was nursing but it was a good experience . Shame on that manager: