Apparently, the library children's room is a no-nursing zone! - Page 2

[Momtwice]

Originally Posted by Meiri

So a mother isn't authorized to be in the Children's section of the library while her child is there? wow. since when?

You know that's a really important point too. Does the library have a policy posted that children under a certain age must be supervised and cannot be cared for by library staff? Mine sure does!

[BunchaCrunch]

That's ridiculous!

I cannot help but wonder if babies are allowed to be fed with bottles in the childrens' section of the library? Probably so I am guessing, which makes this all the most sick & twisted.

[Contented73]

Hi Darien! I read this and then realized it was you, and then realized that this must be a library awfully close by, eh? Which one was it? This is outrageous and I would love to go nurse there! If nothing else, your friend (and/or other people to support her) need to go back to this particular librarian and address the issue. It's just awful to think that someone would do that to her.

[napua]

I can't believe that there are still people out there stupid enough to tell a mother she can't breastfeed her child somewhere! I often think of how I would react if it happened to me. Not only would I refuse to stop BF'ing and tell them the law but I would quickly contact my lawyer and run their ass through the ringer!

[darien]

Originally Posted by Contented73

Hi Darien! I read this and then realized it was you, and then realized that this must be a library awfully close by, eh? Which one was it? This is outrageous and I would love to go nurse there! If nothing else, your friend (and/or other people to support her) need to go back to this particular librarian and address the issue. It's just awful to think that someone would do that to her.

: I knew you'd volunteer!

It was the Greenbelt branch. It seems like this incident and some other child-unfriendly stuff is the work of one children's librarian there. I'm not sure if she's the head or not. :

Thanks for all the advice and support, everyone! I'll let you know what happens.

[angelcat]

Originally Posted by BunchaCrunch

That's ridiculous!

I cannot help but wonder if babies are allowed to be fed with bottles in the childrens' section of the library? Probably so I am guessing, which makes this all the most sick & twisted.

I was wondering if it's a feeding issue or a nursing issue. Altho either one would make me mad.

I know my library says no food ro drink, but I assume nursing & bottles are fine. (actually, I still sneak Rachel a sippy cup if she asks & no ones looking. No running around with it though.)

[lotusdebi]

GREENBELT? No way! They should certainly know better!
If you decide to "bring in the troops," I know a lot of people would be willing to make the drive to Greenbelt. That area is crunchy enough that I'd think that even Greenbelters who aren't currently breastfeeding would get up in arms about this!

[homewithtwinsmama]

MD Library

I agree this mama needs to go with law in hand to this woman's superiors, preferably at a time when the offending librarian is there. If she does not receive immediate satisfaction then PM me. I have a lot of experience organizing responses to this type of action if the offending organization/business does not respond appropriately (ie. personal apology, reprimand/retraining of offender, promise to advise all employees of rights under the law...). The one problem with all these laws is that since they don't involve employer responsibilities no one knows about them. That is why passage of the Breastfeeding Promotion Act is so critical. Employers will have to get their HR departments doing training or face EEOC actions against them.

Greenbelt is close to me. Let us know what the PG library response is to this. I may just have to go visit that library and test the waters (being a homeschooler tandem nursing a 3 year old and 19 month old may just make her head spin LOL!)

Lorrie

[bullfrog]

So, is this them?

http://www.pgcmls.info/Lib/Branches/gr.html

[darien]

Originally Posted by bullfrog

So, is this them?

http://www.pgcmls.info/Lib/Branches/gr.html

Yup.

[lizanneh]

I agree that before taking drastic measures, someone should go inform the children's librarian of the law. The momma this happened to could return, law in hand, and seek out the librarian. She then could say something like this.

"Hi. Remember me? I was here the other day and you had me go into the video room to nurse my baby? Well, I felt a little uncomfortable leaving my older son unsupervised. When I discussed this with a friend, she shared with me the Maryland law that allows nursing mothers to breastfeed anywhere they are otherwise allowed to be. Now, I'm sure you didn't know about this when you approached me before, so I thought I'd give you a copy of the law. Thanks!"

Then she could go with her son, and when the baby wants to nurse, go ahead and nurse. THEN if the woman says something, you pull out the big guns.

Remember how up in arms we were when a certain Lactivist received a C&D letter from an attorney about a certain trademarked phrase? And how a simple letter or email or phone call from the board might have accomplished the same thing without the negativity? Well, I think it's appropriate to give the same courtesy in situations like this.

If you want to go to the board to make sure they are aware of the law, that's fine, but I'm not sure having the first step be a letter from a lawyer is appropriate, given the description of what happened. I would think otherwise if she stated her rights under the law and was rebuffed, or if a supervisor backed up the librarian.

[bullfrog]

Originally Posted by lizanneh

If you want to go to the board to make sure they are aware of the law, that's fine, but I'm not sure having the first step be a letter from a lawyer is appropriate, given the description of what happened. I would think otherwise if she stated her rights under the law and was rebuffed, or if a supervisor backed up the librarian.

I understand what you mean. But - I do feel that by not allowing her to nurse that her rights are violated. Once that has taken place she is owed restitution, be it by way of an apology or otherwise. Simply informing the library that one of their representatives violated someones rights and them saying "oops sorry" is not enough.

It is their obligation to ensure that everyone who enters their establishment is treated fairly and that their employees/volunteers etc are informed about the state laws.

[simonboy'smommy]

If that happened in my neck of the woods I think I'd round up some nursing mama friends (5 or 6) and take a trip to that library together and nurse our babies. I like the idea of taking a copy of the MD bf law with each of us too. I would do that before the lawyer etc. Or I'd go back by myself and hand her the paper if she said something again. If she was still rude, I'd contact someone higher up.
Wow, that's crazy! I nursed my son several times in the library here. I feel bad that happened to your friend. Sorry I don't live closer I'd go with her!