Today's nurse-in: How did it go??????? - Page 3

[mahogny]

Here's pics from the Tulsa, OK group.

http://tinyurl.com/ns8fv

[gret the great]

No drama, but a handful of Mama's in Holyoke, MA

I'd say about 7 mamas and on dad went to the Holyoke Mall in MA today. The staff were just fine with us, lots of customers but no big deal. Nicole77 gave the manager a copy of the press release she sent to the local stations. It was really nice to meet other MDCers. When the last of us left at 1:45, I did see a few salespeople give eachother the "the breastfeeders are leaving" nod. Glad to participate. I'd love hear how things went in other locations!

__________________________
Gretel, Mama to crazy man Hugh 11-3-00, and my vbac girls, Sylvia 4-13-03 & Pearl 8-15-05

[pdx.mothernurture]

We had a pretty good turn out, actually, at Lloyd Center Portland, OR. Nearly 30 (someone counted 29) moms and babies/toddlers. We actually had enough of us to line the whole storefront, where we sat and nursed (if the kiddos were cooperative).

Mall security came by and harassed us about four times, and there were times when there were as many as three security guards standing by, watching us. First, they insisted all of us stand up, that we couldn't sit on the floor. Then, the one momma who brought a very small and tasteful sign that had the OR breastfeeding law on one side and a pro-BFIP message on the other was told it wasn't allowed. Several times we were essentially asked who our leader was, but there really was no leader. He asked if it was a protest, we said that we were just moms, nursing our babies. I joked if he bothered us again we should tell him he was making us uncomfortable and ask if they had any female security guards, lol. I think we stayed out front for about a half an hour (maybe a little longer?) before dispersing.

It was really nice to see so many cheerful MDC mommas, and I think we should try to get together more often for playgroups and such.

Jen

EDITED because my initial conservative 'guess' for the number of moms attending was WAY off. I thought we had 12-15, we actually had double that...one momma counted 29 at one point. Sorry I underestimated so severely! I knew there were a bunch of us, but never counted...my bad.

[veganf]

Good job everyone!! Loved seeing the photo too.
Couldn't make it with my boys since it's smack in the middle of naptime. After this new babe arrives though, I'll make sure to nurse in front of VS whenever we make it to the mall.

[BennyPai]

all boys - kudos to all you!!!

Especially those brave souls who showed up alone.
:
Great pics! I wish I had brought our camera...
Keep the stories coming.:

[firstkid4me]

Yes, big hugs and rounds of applause to those who went alone, that's amazing!

[Ellie'sMom]

We had about 6 moms and babies in St. Louis and 2 grandmas! We were a very disorganized group (but well-intentioned!), so I don't think any press was contacted. Another mom in the group had gone in and nursed in VS earlier this week and had a positive reception, so we weren't too concerned about the actual store. We sat in the sitting area directly outside the store. There wasn't that much actual nursing (babies were pretty distracted), but it was a great time to meet or get reacquainted with some local like-minded mamas! I definitely saw some passers-by check us out (probably because of all the slings if for no other reason).

One mom commented that she was kind of disappointed not to encounter any cops in riot gear!

[lissabob]

Down here in Medford we had 3 mamas- the babies ranged from just about newborn up to my dd (almost 3 lol). Actually we didn't even KNOW the other mama was there for it until we saw her stop and latch her 18 mo old while shopping and it was like- oh, goody! Another mom. So, while the other two mamas nursed and shopped (hard for me to do with a 34 mo old) we all kind of chatted. We were there for 30 mins or so and then dispersed. One of the staff members offered help to the mom of the 18 mo old. The only negativity that I saw was when we were standing out front just chatting and the "newborn's" mama latched her dd on by pulling down part of her tank (she was slinging so not much showed... certainly no more than me in my tank top!) There was a group of probably 10 late teen-early 20 yo's right at the store entrance and they kept taking turns giving her these incredulous looks while we just kept talking. None of them said anything though. ;-) No press, no fuss, but I'm glad I went to show solidarity with all you other mamas!
(PS note to self to really makes sure to contact LLL next time. Just too much going on this week).

[annakiss]

Nurse-in Cleveland went swimmingly! We had it at an outdoor mall that was also having something called "liberty fest" which I think means "celebrate capitalism", but whatevah, I digress. Liberty fest meant there was sidewalk chalk for the kiddos right in front of the store on the streets and there were a MILLION people there. We even had a guy on stilts supporting us.

About fifteen moms showed up with their children/nurslings/families and our local paper with a reporter and a photographer. Can't wait to see tomorrow! The Sunday paper!!! woot! We just sat outside nursing and talking to each other and milling about then we went in the store and browsed and nursed and made fun of thongs. The employees were fine with it and totally welcoming (one mentioned she was a former breastfeeding mom ). No one ever harrassed us and people seemed to know what we were doing. We did have a bit of a spat with a sidewalk chalk artist, but I think that's okay now. Good times!

will get pics up tonight. Got an anniversary date!

[wende]

I went to Washington Square in Portland, OR (or maybe it's in Beaverton?). There were only a couple of us there. I think 5 moms all together. I tandem nursed my 3yo and 15mo and there was a photographer from a local newspaper there taking incognito photos. Some man (maybe the father or husband of one of the moms) went into the store and asked where all the nursing moms were and was told "I don't know what you're talking about". Security never said a word but many patrons walked by slowly with confused looks on their faces, lol.

[Beeblebrox]

http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b4...t=DSCF0855.flv

Small video of today, with hubby narrating .

[wonderwahine]

Originally Posted by lissabob

(PS note to self to really makes sure to contact LLL next time. Just too much going on this week).

i contacted my LLL leader but was told that because of her position she couldnt support the nurse in, she wanted to as a nursing mother but couldnt because she was a leader.

[lissabob]

Originally Posted by romans_mum

i contacted my LLL leader but was told that because of her position she couldnt support the nurse in, she wanted to as a nursing mother but couldnt because she was a leader.

That's true, but I know several still put it out on their PERSONAL email chain, kwim?

[jessjgh1]

I went to 3 today (long story, posted in MA forum-- but I had to get my cell phone fixed)

Kingston MA was very supportive-- 3 mommas there (me, Grumpyshoegirl, Boobyfeeder). I talked to the manager when I was leaving, gave her the press release and my MA NiP legislaton info (below) and Hathor's cartoon. Told them I thought VS needed nursing/maternity bras. She agreed-- she nursed her kids-- when they are hungry you need to feed them, were her words. All the sales girls loved kids/babies and told me that they love it when they get to see them in the store--- even my 26 month old who was racing aroudn trying to climb on or throw everythign.

I didn't get to the next 2 malls till well after 2, but since I ended up in the mall to check out my cell phone I figured why the heck not stop by. I dropped off my press release and NIP info after telling the employees that I stopped by because I had to stop by the mall and wanted to drop off my info on the reason their was a nurse in and show my support. Hingham was polite but not overly friendly. Braintree (South Shore Mall) staff was much friendlier.

I ran into a mom on my way into the Kingston store, and she stopped me because she noticed my shirt and loved it. I gave her my info and Amy had run into her earlier. When I mentioned the VS incident she was shocked that it had occurred and I bet she'll call about the NIP law.

Great job!



Jessica


PLEASE SUPPORT A
MOTHER’S RIGHT TO NURSE IN PUBLIC


Massachusetts residents:
Call your local rep and ask them to support legislation to permit breastfeeding in public. Here's a link to find your representatives:
http://www.mass.gov/legis/citytown.htm
Tell your friends to contact their representative.
Every letter or phone call counts.

Ask them to support House Bill 1782
www.mass.gov/legis/184history/h01782.htm
and Senate Bill 75
http://www.mass.gov/legis/184history/s00075.htm

Sign the online petition for H1782: www.petitiononline.com/HB1782/petition.html
Help us support legislation to permit breastfeeding in public in Massachusetts.

Not from MA: Check out your laws here: http://www.lalecheleague.org/LawBills.html

Breastfeeding Information & Support
http://www.lalecheleague.org/
www.kellymom.org
www.mothering.com
www.promom.org
www.askdrsears.com
www.breastfeeding.com
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/links/bf-links.html

Victoria’s Secret Nurse In 7/1/06
http://www.mothering.com/sections/ac...as-secret.html

[lml41981]

Dallas Galleria went alright. There were 6 nursing moms, 1 non-nurser and a few dads (I hope I'm counting right!). Most of our babies decided not to eat, but I think most of us got a little nursing in at some point. I asked if they stocked nursing bras. They said not in the store, but if I signed up for their Angels credit card I could probably get one. BS. :

I called the store a few minutes ago...but she claimed they weren't aware a nurse-in had even taken place and acted suspicious about why I was asking. Of course, the manager on duty came in at 2...but we were still there. She told me that policy is that we can use the fitting rooms if we need.

We did get some dirty looks from a couple people.

[Beccah+twins+1]

We had a great turnout in Oakbrook IL! There were about 11 or 12 moms, lots of babies and kids of course, and a few husbands! We started gathering in an area with benches near the entrance to the store. We pretty much immediately found each other because of all the slings/carriers (it was like a babywearing meeting!). We chatted for a bit and talked game plan. We all agreed we wanted to nurse IN the store because we felt it was important that the employees see us and realize how many of us were there. However we did not want to all sit down together because we felt it was important to not block any customers from shopping, and we wanted NIP to look normal, and NOT cause a comotion. So we went in the store in shifts. Some moms nursed with baby in a carrier while walking and browsing. I found a spot on the floor where I wouldn't block anything and nursed ds. Luckily he was hungry and tired so he happily nursed and fell asleep. When I first walked in a salesperson saw me and said "hi, how are you?" all perky and with a tone like I just knew she knew why I was there but no one else said anything to me. We all just lingered around, talking to each other a bit but mostly spreading out. Some of the moms whose babies didn't feel like nursing just asked salespeople where their nursing bras were

The store has changed a lot since the last time I was in one. It used to be all soft pink, carpeted floors, etc. Now it's all black, hot pink and neon signs, and very racey (and apparently marketed to teenagers). This just solidified in my mind how ridiculous it was for someone who represents THIS company to suggest that a customer could be offended by a nursing mother. If you're IN VS, you are clearly NOT offended by breasts!

So eventually we all ended up back outside, chatted a bit more, took pictures, talked mei teis and slings, etc. It was a great experience. I really enjoyed meeting everyone. There was no press but the store certainly knew we were there so I feel we accomplished our goal. I am proud to be a part of this group and I really admire those moms who went to their stores alone and NIP. to you!

[Party*of*5]

Not much to report at Washington Square Mall in Tigard OR, or is it Beaverton? Anyway, there were I think 4 moms when I showed up just after 1pm. I did recognize a guy from the media because he was at our fire a couple days ago, but no cameras and no "real" reporter made it. Of course we left after just a couple minutes to do other things. I hope there was better turn out at more popular locations.

I was surprised to see that the whole thing took place outside the store, in the center isle where the couches are. I thought the point was to be inside the store? Most passerbys didn't even notice what was going on. I don't think we had much impact. Except maybe my wrap demonstration which seemed to interest everyone including the passerbys. I also thought there were supposed to be flyers or some kind of information sheets? There was nothing. Perhaps we needed more advertising?

[jessjgh1]

Oh, I HAD my camera and forgot to take a picture.... darn it.
Jessica

[elanorh]

It was a baby bottle shaped like a old fashioned glass coca-cola bottle, even said coca-cola on it and it was filled with cola!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've seen that - but only when bottle-feeding bum lambs (I'd bet the nipples for the lambs were bigger ). I don't know if I could have kept from laughing at that one - and I'm not sure if I could have kept my mouth shut about pop in a bottle, either. Yikes. Regardless of bf or ff, that one's just awful.

The nearest VS to me is 2 hours away, so wasn't able to go. There's a huge Harley rally there today too so I'd imagine that even if moms showed up to NIP, the news will only be covering the Harley stuff. Will be watching the news, too!

Ina's not nursing anymore, I need to buy some advocacy shirts so that if there's an opportunity like this again and I'm not nursing, I'll at least have a shirt to catch peoples' eyes!

[rmzbm]

Originally Posted by mahogny

Here's pics from the Tulsa, OK group.

http://tinyurl.com/ns8fv

I can only see the 1st pic!
Anyone else have pics to share?