Kicked out of YMCA child watch for NIP in Woburn, MA

[katies_mama]

My friend was told she had to leave the child watch today when she started NIP with her 12 week old son, at the YMCA in Woburn, MA because "eating is not allowed in here." When she went to the front desk to complain, she was told by the worker there that she could not breastfeed in the child watch because "people don't want to see that." She then spoke to the director, and told her it was illegal, and the director said she would "look into it."

There are no breastfeeding legislation laws on the books in MA so technically their actions are not illegal. What can be done about this? Thanks for any suggestions.

[rhiOrion]

I thought MA had the law that a woman can breastfeed in any place, public or private, where she otherwise has the right to be?

[fruitfulmomma]

There are no breastfeeding legislation laws on the books in MA so technically their actions are not illegal.

Yes there are...

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/111-221.htm

[Pirogi]

Actually Massachusetts has very strong breastfeeding laws on the books.

A mother may breastfeed her child in any public place or establishment or place which is open to and accepts or solicits the patronage of the general public and where the mother and her child may otherwise lawfully be present.

It also contains language protecting breastfeeding from being considered lewd conduct, disallows anyone to "restrict, harass or penalize a mother who is breastfeeding her child," and allows civil action (sueing) for equitable relief to restrain OR PREVENT someone from violating mother/baby's rights.

Your friend has a very strong case against this YMCA.

[cocoanib]

Originally Posted by katies_mama

My friend was told she had to leave the child watch today when she started NIP with her 12 week old son, at the YMCA in Woburn, MA because "eating is not allowed in here." When she went to the front desk to complain, she was told by the worker there that she could not breastfeed in the child watch because "people don't want to see that." She then spoke to the director, and told her it was illegal, and the director said she would "look into it."

There are no breastfeeding legislation laws on the books in MA so technically their actions are not illegal. What can be done about this? Thanks for any suggestions.

I want to see that. I wish I saw more Mama's NIP.
Unbeleivable. I hope she pursues legal action against them.