Motherwear says avoid eye contact for discreet bf! - Page 3

[afishwithabike]

Humm. I wonder how people would feel if I had EVER BFed my children outside the home the way I did when I WAS home. No TOP. I'd just pull it off. So much easier and LESS distracting for my children. This would pose an interesting situation if I were wearing a dress. I hope they like the color of my boy leg panties. Too bad I'm not nursing anymore. I'd LOVE to stick it to them.

[MaryJaneLouise]

Anybody else ready to blast off a nasty-gram email?

[mama in the forest]

I wrote a nice long letter to them - haven't heard anything back. :

[Janice in Canada]

I'm glad to see that others felt the same way about this Press Release, and its timing right after the Nurse-In. I mentioned that I thought it was very opportunistic on the Nurse-In Yahoo list, but was admonished on the list and in private.

I was told that Motherwear had a long history of supporting bfing, and bfing moms. And that they always issue that kind of Press Release, before the biggest travel day in the US. Maybe that's true. But it sure linked up with the timing of the Nurse-In.

Since I have never bought a single item of nursing clothing (other than a couple of nursing bras) in my whole nursing career of 7 years, I guess I see nursing clothes as pretty much unneccessary, and to me, it *is* a business that profits by the fact that bfing moms are told they are immodest and should be ashamed.

Because ya know, if and when we ever get a truly bfing-friendly society, there won't be much of a market for nursing clothes.

Janice

[Alison-Motherwear]

I am saddened that a misstatement in a press release intended to provide information on breastfeeding while traveling during the Holidays overshadowed the primary message. The primary message was to reaffirm our corporate mission, which states “At the root of Motherwear’s mission is a desire to nurture breastfeeding women and create a supportive environment for them and their families. Motherwear helps women foster a long and satisfying breastfeeding relationship with their babies, educates others about the benefits of breastfeeding, and empowers more mothers to nurse their babies longer.’ My daily work is to advance that mission and hope and believe that this, rather than a single misstatement, will prevail.

[MaryJaneLouise]

Originally Posted by Alison-Motherwear

I am saddened that a misstatement in a press release intended to provide information on breastfeeding while traveling during the Holidays overshadowed the primary message. The primary message was to reaffirm our corporate mission, which states “At the root of Motherwear’s mission is a desire to nurture breastfeeding women and create a supportive environment for them and their families. Motherwear helps women foster a long and satisfying breastfeeding relationship with their babies, educates others about the benefits of breastfeeding, and empowers more mothers to nurse their babies longer.’ My daily work is to advance that mission and hope and believe that this, rather than a single misstatement, will prevail.

So you agree that this was a misstatement? Is this an apology?

Oh, and by the way, breastfeeding does NOT have benefits. Formula feeding has dangers : (see link in my signature)

[momof421]

Originally Posted by lifescholar

I always made eye contact with my SON while nursing...most of the time, I didn't acknowledge other people, but I have definitely carried on conversations while nursing on occasion. It would be RUDE not to make eye contact with the other person I was talking to!!

The sounds of that whole thing is very condescending to nursing mothers....kinda like "Be good little breastfeeding women, and don't make anyone else uncomfortable...THERE'S a good girl..."

:
I'm not even a mom yet and I am outraged by Tom Klothman press release his company makes nursing wear for pete sakes: .

[Quaniliaz]

Originally Posted by Alison-Motherwear

I am saddened that a misstatement in a press release intended to provide information on breastfeeding while traveling during the Holidays overshadowed the primary message.

Thank you for responding to us, Alison. I too think it is unfortunate that your message was overshadowed by Tom Kothman's advice. Those of us who are outraged about this statement are committed to supporting breastfeeding; for myself that means that it is okay to breastfeed anywhere, anytime, and with any level of discretion. We're glad to hear that you agree that the advice to avert eyes was a misstatement. Unfortunately, those who are just getting started with breastfeeding or those who have very little support simply hear one more entity that is unsupportive of breastfeeding. They will never hear that this advice was a misstatement, because they are not hanging out in a Lactivism forum.

Alison - what can you do to reach those people, and apologize for Tom Kothman's advice?

[mama in the forest]

I am saddened that a misstatement in a press release intended to provide information on breastfeeding while traveling during the Holidays overshadowed the primary message.

Could you elaborate a bit more on the misstatement? And also perhaps the intent behind timing such a release that focused on traveling just as the whole Delta incident was in the news?

[marybethorama]

I'm just irritated that the company feels they have to advise us on "how to breastfeed while traveling on an airplane"

It's not any different from breastfeeding in general.

Women don't need advice.

There's nothing offensive about feeding your baby.

Grrr.

[St. Margaret]

Yeah, I'm starting to feel a bit put-off my this company. I am a prospective customer-- getting ready to nurse in a few months, just started getting their catalogue-- and I'm not loving some of the comments regarding nursing attached to this company (little quotes in the booklet, now this). I love that they do show older nurslings and all, I mean, they ain't the worst out there, but I just wonder about if this jives with what I'm about. Especially as their stuff is pricey! I think I'll go the "soft tank and tee" route and see if it works for me...

[yamilee21]

Originally Posted by Janice in Canada

...Because ya know, if and when we ever get a truly bfing-friendly society, there won't be much of a market for nursing clothes.

I am very disappointed in Motherwear, particularly because I have bought clothing from them before. I probably won't buy from them again because of this press release. I have to say that I really take issue with this comment however. I don't think nursing clothes are necessarily about modesty at all. For me, I find that nursing clothes provide much easier access to the breast than the clothing I wore before I was a mother (such as one-piece dresses and jumpers, fitted tops or clothing that fastens in the back). Nursing clothes are very functional. When I am out with my baby in a carrier, nursing clothing allows me to go about doing whatever I need to do while my child eats, with very little effort on my part, as he is capable of moving aside the extra layer of clothing. Furthermore, if I am outside when it is cold, I would prefer to have as much of my body covered up, which I find easy with the nursing clothing I have. I do have regular clothing that is compatible with nursing, but nursing clothes are simply easier to use.

It is very similar to the clothes you choose for your children - some kinds of clothing are easier to use when you practice EC or are more compatible with cloth diapers, babywearing, etc.

[Janice in Canada]

Originally Posted by yamilee21

Nursing clothes are very functional. When I am out with my baby in a carrier, nursing clothing allows me to go about doing whatever I need to do while my child eats, with very little effort on my part, as he is capable of moving aside the extra layer of clothing. Furthermore, if I am outside when it is cold, I would prefer to have as much of my body covered up, which I find easy with the nursing clothing I have.

I stand corrected, you are right on these points.

Coming from Canada, I can totally understand the functionality of clothes that allow access to the breast, without chilling the rest of the body!

I do recall breastfeeding at a hockey rink with a parka on - that was a bit of challenge! and you don't want any drafts, or icy hands up your shirt!

Janice

[jessjgh1]

anyone heard anything?

I emailed early last week- nothing.

Jessica

[lizanneh]

I have never been challenged for NIP, which I attribute to the fact that I make direct eye contact with passers-by. If they hold my gaze instead of looking away, I smile. They usually smile back. And with their gaze firmly planted on my face, I don't have to worry about them catching a glimpse of breast when my distractible nursing decides to take a break and take in the sights! :

Those mommas who said they're afraid to make eye contact while nursing, I completely understand, but you should really try it. Just once. Getting a smile from a stranger while BFing can be a great and encouraging experience.