Someone finally told me I had to go to the bathroom

[fawnanddoe]

At MD Anderson Cancer Center! I was sitting in the lobby nursing DS and a female security guard came up and told me that I couldn't do that and I had to go to the bathroom. I said "No. I can breastfeed wherever I am allowed to be" I let her know that it was a law and asked her if she would eat in the bathroom. She tried to "tell on me" to the woman who was calling up to the melanoma clinic for us (children under 12 aren't allowed right now because of H1N1, so we had to figure out what to do since I was breastfeeding). When the woman was off the phone I complained about the security guard and she said she would inform her that breastfeeding is allowed anywhere. I also complained to my doctor who said he would say something.
I can't believe out of all the places I get told this in a healthcare facility! A specialty cancer one! Breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer, shouldn't they support it!?

[Swan3]

Absolutely they should, and judging by the responses of the two actually working in the healthcare field there...they do support it. It's hard to get that message out to everyone (I think security will have it now, loud and clear!)...I think we're still not at that point where "anytime, anywhere" is a given and obvious.

You handled it well!

[MaryJaneLouise]

:mad: to them.

to you!

[spitbath]

i agree that you handled that awesomely- inspiration for handling any future run-ins with the BFing policia for me! good job on keeping your cool.

[organicmommy05]

Kudoos for standing your ground.

[annettemarie]

I think you're awesome for knowing the law and not letting her push you around.

[fawnanddoe]

Thanks ladies!! It was pretty empowering to stand up for myself

[mummytoH]

I agree - well done for keeping your cool! I'm lucky too, that here in Scotland (not the whole UK though!) it's also against the law to stop someone nursing, or discriminate against them - even employers have to make allowances if you're returning to work and still nursing.

It's strange, the people giving my dirty looks and passing comment were mainly older women - something I couldn't understand at all. Even men were not fazed by it - some older men actually had a closer look to see the baby - not even realising I was nursing him!

[dosergirl]

good job. In massachusetts someone can be fined up to $500 for discriminating in that way, you can report them