I never thought that it would happen to me. I actually, for personal reasons, prefer to keep my breasts as much out of view as possible , even when breastfeeding (though I rarely use a cover), and I was with a friend who claimed that she could not see anything. Not that it makes a difference as far as my rights are concerned. I was just surprised and disappointed that it happened to me... and at a county government owned pool.
Below is a draft of my letter. I'm guessing that I should send it to the Facility Director. There is also an Aquatics Coordinator and a Pool Manager, though it may have been the pool manager who told me I couldn't "do that here." I know it wasn't one of the lifeguards on duty. Should I send my letter an an e-mail, an attachment, or snail mail? I have easy access to e-mail and phone number. Should I follow up with a phone call? What should I ask them to do about it? Apologize? Train their employees? Post an international breastfeeding symbol sticker? Refund my admission? Any follow-up? Please read my letter and let me know what you think.
Below is a draft of my letter. I'm guessing that I should send it to the Facility Director. There is also an Aquatics Coordinator and a Pool Manager, though it may have been the pool manager who told me I couldn't "do that here." I know it wasn't one of the lifeguards on duty. Should I send my letter an an e-mail, an attachment, or snail mail? I have easy access to e-mail and phone number. Should I follow up with a phone call? What should I ask them to do about it? Apologize? Train their employees? Post an international breastfeeding symbol sticker? Refund my admission? Any follow-up? Please read my letter and let me know what you think.
Quote:
| Yesterday afternoon, I was swimming with my daughter at the Holladay Lions Fitness and Recreation Center. When she needed to nurse, I breastfed her. Around 6:00PM, I was approached by an employee who politely but firmly told me that I was not allowed to breastfeed there because it is a public place. I informed her that according to Utah State Law, I was within my rights to breastfeed there, and I had to reiterate my rights a second time before she left me to finish feeding my daughter. For your reference, I have included the exact text of the laws from the Utah Code that protect my right to breastfeed:  Utah Code Title 17 Counties Chapter 15 Miscellaneous Provisions Section 25 Right to breast feed. 17-15-25.** Right to breast feed. The county legislative body may not prohibit a woman's breast feeding in any location where she otherwise may rightfully be, irrespective of whether the breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breast feeding.  Utah Code Title 76 Utah Criminal Code Chapter 10 Offenses Against Public Health, Safety, Welfare, and Morals Section 1229.5 Breast feeding is not violation of this part. 76-10-1229.5.** Breast feeding is not violation of this part. A woman's breast feeding, including breast feeding in any location where the woman otherwise may rightfully be, does not under any circumstance constitute a violation of this part, irrespective of whether or not the breast is covered during or incidental to feeding. As you can see for yourself, I was clearly within my rights to breastfeed my daughter at your pool. I am disappointed to find interference with my legal right to breastfeed and especially disappointed that it happened at a pool owned by the county government. I highly recommend that you make sure that all employees of the Holladay Lions Fitness and Recreation Center be informed of the laws regarding breastfeeding and take appropriate action to respect a woman’s right to breastfeed in public. I would also be happy to drop off a sticker with the International Breastfeeding Symbol to be posted where it may be easily seen to show employees and patrons that this is a place where a woman’s right to breastfeed will be respected. Sincerely, (my name) |
i couldn't do what she did anyway, there has to be one adult for every under-5 at my pool, so there'd never be a need-to-feed-no-one-to-watch-the-kid scenario where i am.
 Super news! Good on ya for following up with it.
