Breastfeeding in Public/MDs Office

[posborne]

Today I was breastfeeding my 20 month old son in my allergist's office (while waiting for 20 minutes after my allergy shot). I was asked by a nurse to move into a private room or cover up more with a blanket/shawl. I was quite offended by this request even though she tried to approach it in a nice manner. For me it came back to the shame that our society has placed on breastfeeding in public. I told her I was offended and refused to move. I did end up leaving early out of anger. I am considering changing allergists due to this situation. Am I overreacting? What would you do? I am considering writing a letter to the office. I have been going to this office for a few years and have never had issues when I have nursed my son previously.

[earthmama369]

I would absolutely write a letter for that one. Whether I left the practice or not would depend on the office's response.

[terra-pip]

agreed. I wouldn't let that go. Do they ask formula feeding babies to eat in private rooms? Or kids with pacis to please cover up? No. I'd follow up on this one. It's likely the age of your son...I have always noticed more uncomfortableness from people when it's toddler nursing.

[karika]

Originally Posted by terra-pip

agreed. I wouldn't let that go. Do they ask formula feeding babies to eat in private rooms? Or kids with pacis to please cover up? No. I'd follow up on this one. It's likely the age of your son...I have always noticed more uncomfortableness from people when it's toddler nursing.

[sarahn4639]

Originally Posted by earthmama369

I would absolutely write a letter for that one. Whether I left the practice or not would depend on the office's response.

agreed a strongly worded letter is in order and then I would make my decision on whether to stay with the practice or not based on the action taken (or not) by the office. I would send a copy to the doc, the office manager, and the nurse if you know her name.

[4Blessings]

Sorry you had to deal with that. Especially from a nurse in an allergist's office. She should know better. BF'ing is supposed to be one way to help avoid allergies.

I agree that you should follow up with a letter.

[annettemarie]

In what state are you located? You may actually be protected by law.

[terra-pip]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

In what state are you located? You may actually be protected by law.

I'd like to have some links to breastfeeding laws. Curious.

[JessicaS]

Originally Posted by terra-pip

I'd like to have some links to breastfeeding laws. Curious.

Here is a map
http://mothering.com/sites/resources/map.pdf

And a downloadable pocket guide

http://mothering.com/breastfeeding/b...g-pocket-guide

http://www.ncsl.org/IssuesResearch/H...9/Default.aspx

http://www.llli.org/Law/LawUS.html

[boomer78]

Wow! I agree, it must have had something to do with the age of your LO. People can be pretty awkward about BF in public in general, let alone when kiddo is older. I would be pretty offended as well. Do follow up with a letter. Sorry it happened to you...

[mamadelbosque]

Another vote for writing a letter and then leaving the practice depending on the response. SOmetimes people are just stupid and sometimes they're ignorant. Their response will tell you which these are

[kriket]

I'm kinda shocked this happened to you in a Drs office! I have been known to nurse in the pharmacy of the grocery store just because the pharmacists are always enthusiastic about making sure I am in the most comfortable chair in their waiting room

I would write a letter to explaining what happened, your feelings and that you have thought about changing Drs if this is something they are going to continue doing.

[posborne]

Thank you for all your responses. I live in Washington (just east of Seattle). I know I have the legal right to breastfeed in public. I am writing a letter to the practice. I had never been this RN as the main RN is on maternity leave. I think it is more important to educate providers of women's rights. Depending on their response I will decide whether to leave the practice for another allergist.

[myk]

i wouldn't switch doctors unless the doctor him/herself is the issue.. but i'd write a strongly worded letter about how NORMAL it is to feed a kid in public.

[SaoirseC]

I would consider making the issue known to your doctor/allergist as well. I remember not liking a specific nurse, and I mentioned it sheepishly to my doc who thanked me for sharing my input. I came away with the feeling that the nurses are support staff who work for the doctors (not sure if this is the case, just how the doc made me feel).