Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Put those breasts away: Woman asked to cover up while breastfeeding during flight
Successfully hydrating on airplanes has recently become difficult; as an adult you can no longer bring beverages aboard. And apparently even babies have the same problem, or at least it seems so after an incident concerning a mother breast-feeding her child last week on WestJet.The Vancouver woman says that she was asked to cover up while breast-feeding during a recent flight, and that the incident has led her to consider filing a human rights complaint. After "discreetly" lifting her shirt to breastfeed her son, a flight attendant offered the woman a blanket to cover up. She declined twice, but the flight attendant insisted
"She said that some men find the sight of a bare breast quite offensive," said Ms. Tarbuck. According to the report, she wasn't even bothering the people around her; the only other people in the row were her husband and two children.
Despite what your beliefs are on breastfeeding, let me just put it this way: traveling with children is difficult, maybe we should cut these mothers some slack. Do you really want to be enduring the sounds of a hungry, crying baby during the duration of your flight???
Check out these other strange tales from the sky:
Filed under: North America, Canada, Airlines, News, Consumer Activism
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 3 of 45)
shannon Aug 11th 2008 10:24AM
And if she were asked to cover up or move at the mall, that would be just as much a violation of her rights as this. No one has the right to tell you how to feed your baby and what is acceptable or not. And this same thing happened with Delta a while back, and she DID file a Human Rights Complaint and she DID win. I am nursing my third child and there is no way she would ever tolerate a blanket, and I would also never use one, because breastfeeding does not need to be hidden, it should be promoted.
Deb Aug 11th 2008 12:00PM
it should be promoted in a "tasteful" way (pardon the pun), not an offensive one, and to many people, observing a baby sucking on a nipple, is distasteful in public. It's not necessary to let it all hang out for anyone and everyone. It should be a lovely moment between the baby and mother, not a bunch of strangers who have no feelings for you or the baby and would rather you didn't expose yourself to them.
Karen Aug 12th 2008 5:58PM
Ok then. Then next time I see someone breast-feeding (with boobs obviously exposed in a public place like a plane or mall) I will stop and watch them. If they have the right to bare it and I'm not allowed to ask polietly to cover up, then I will exercise MY rights and watch. Like National Geographic or the Discovery Channel. Since I've never had children or breast-fed, this would be a learning experience. And if I'm asked to stop watching something that's occurring publicly, I get to screech about MY rights being violated too and take suit. I have the right to look at whatever I want. Oh look a boob.
Secret Asian Man Aug 11th 2008 1:12PM
This is a tough situation. Personally, I don't really care if a woman decides to breast-feed her baby in public. I mean often times, it's just one breast exposed. Hell, not even a full breast. The nipple is obscured. So, it's no more revealing than a skimpy swimsuit top.
If I was on a lane sitting next to a woman intent on breast-feeding her baby, I would like it if she'd let me know prior to doing so.
In the case of the article, I think the flight attendant approached it the best way possible. I do think the woman may be over-reacting about filing a human rights violation complaint. I'm not aware of any human rights law that allows a woman to expose herself in public in order to breast-feed her baby.
Since the lady was flying with her family, I think she should've had her husband hold a blanket between her and the rest of the plane. That assuming she's not on an aisle seat. He could also lift up the table from the seat handle into the vertical position to obscure his wife if the plane's setup allows. That way, no one can see her breast-feed without smothering her baby. On a plane, with its tight quarters, you're gonna have to learn to compromise or come up with a win-win solution. The woman's "right" to breast-feed in public is no more important than the other's "rights" to not see anything "indecent" on a plane.
PIPHIE Aug 11th 2008 3:00PM
are you kidding me... holding up a blanket? what a production! MEN and sometimes prude women need to get over it.... its a breast....if you find it shocking....DONT LOOK!!!!!!!!! Why is it ok for us to see doctors cutting into womens breasts.....but god help us if we see a nipple..... have we not grown any? its childish.....GROW UP
yellowbird84 Aug 11th 2008 3:23PM
Well said!!!
Secret Asian Man Aug 11th 2008 3:21PM
@ PIPHIE - Hey, I'm not bothered by women breast-feeding, but I do understand that in a public place, especially a tight, crowded aluminum tube holding a hundred people for hours require that everyone learn to get along with each other for the benefit of everyone.
Why is it OK for you to sweepingly generalize all men as prudes and tell them to ignore their own core beliefs and expectation but yet my suggestion of a compromise that benefits both parties as wrong?
By your logic, it's just as easy, if not more practical for me to tell you and the breast-feeding mother to get over her perceived human right to breast-feed in public, and either cover up or go to the lavatory? Because believe it or not, there really isn't a national or international law stating that women can breast-feed in public.
However, unlike you, I can see both sides and offer a compromise to suit both sides instead of spouting ignorant, one-sided remarks.
Robin Aug 11th 2008 3:23PM
I breast fed both my children, and tried to be as discreet as possible. I tried the special covers and hoods and even blankets. They are just way too hot for the baby, except in a cool location. I even did it once in the bathroom because it was so noisy elsewhere. I had my husband screen me so I could breast feed her at a gathering, and the elder ladies all came over to see and talk with me about breast feeding. I had more trouble with ladies my mother's age than from the ladies a generation older. Like someone said, the nipple is mostly obscured, and clothing can be worked to keep it as discreet as possible. The lady in this situation wasn't obvious to anyone except someone walking by. The attendant should have left her alone unless someone complained, and then only offered a blanket or something if the mother felt uncomfortable -- it affects the baby. Grown men (and some women) should act like adults. Those offended should grow up -- putting their needs above a baby's is shameful.
Kristina Aug 11th 2008 3:58PM
FFirst and FOREMOST, a mother FEEDING her child is NOT "indecent." Get a clue and get into this century!! You need to research before you go posting your ignorant thoughts and highly opinionated and WRONG ideas. This poor woman WAS harassed, and her HUMAN RIGHTS were in fact, violated. I hope she does go through with it. Get a clue. Wake up. That's what breasts were intended for- not today's HOT AND HORNY PORN addicted, Hooters seeking, white trash society. Next time, think before you write. Thank you.
A mother of 3 happily nurtured, intelligent, and HEALTHY breast-fed babies.
sassyjamiet Aug 11th 2008 5:06PM
I agree. The human body is capable of many indecent acts, sounds, smells and emmissions. All of which are necessary to the health and possibly the survival of the species. Still, anyone over the age of 7 is offended by a fart or belch. NO one wants to watch someone vomit or sit next to a profusely sweaty man. And, as mentioned aboved, it is perfectly natural (just like breastfeeding) to urinate and defecate ..... but I won't drop my trousers in the parking lot. Even if I "hygenically" cleanse myself afterwards and remove the waste. Some things are meant to be done in PRIVATE. You want to be a good mom and feed your healthy baby? Fine. But DO NOT force me to feel uncomfortable for 20 minutes while you do it! Just like you did when you conceived the child, go somewhere quiet and discreet. Unless you really LIKE the fuss being made over your hooters, which I think is really the case.
By the way, I breastfed BOTH of my children for 9 months each, and I always considered my surroundings first. If I didn't have the privacy I wanted, I put the blanket over MY head and chest, giving the baby plently of space and air. Many, many, MANY people thanked me for realizing the world didn't bow to me the day my son was born.
Women that breastfeed uncovered in public have NO CLASS.
Secret Asian Man Aug 11th 2008 5:52PM
@ Kristina- I find it hilarious that some people like to falsely accuse me of doing something they are the ones doing themselves.
- "FFirst and FOREMOST, a mother FEEDING her child is NOT "indecent." -
I never claimed that I think public breast-feeding is indecent. In fact, I've stated many times that I do not find anything wrong with public breast-feeding. However, I did describe it as indecent in quotes as to quote those who do find it indecent. Just as I quoted "rights" as you seem to think that breast-feeding in public is a right. It's not. It is only illegal to prohibit public breast-feeding in US Federal buildings but all other public areas, while breast-feeding is allowed, prohibiting it isn't illegal. Therefore no "rights" has been violated.
Secondly, the lady wasn't told that she couldn't breast-feed, nor was she told to do so in the lavatory. She was perfectly allowed to breast-feed in her seat. It's just that the flight-attendants asked that she cover it up. There is no law saying you can't ask someone to cover up your breasts. Therefore,no "rights" were violated.
- "Get a clue and get into this century!! You need to research before you go posting your ignorant thoughts and highly opinionated and WRONG ideas" -
You seriously think I am posting ignorant, opinionated, and wrong posts? So what do you called what you just did? Where's your research? Show me where it is written in the US constitution or law book that one cannot deny a woman from breast-feeding in public? Hell, even if there was, show me an example of the flight- attendants denying her to breast-feed, thus violating this supposed "right" that you keep mindlessly spewing out. Who's ignorant and opinionated now?
- "Wake up. That's what breasts were intended for- not today's HOT AND HORNY PORN addicted, Hooters seeking, white trash society." -
Where did you even get this moronic idea that I even said or think this? Did you even read my post at all or were you just itching to spout out nothing but rambling ignorant nonsense?
- "Next time, think before you write. " -
I suggest you follow you own advice before telling others to do it.
ADR Aug 11th 2008 9:46PM
R U kidding me?!!!
This is just absurd that we even have to go on about breast feeding in public!!
IT IS NATURE!!! We are all allowed to do it and all those around have to deal with it!!
There are the very smallest percentage of mothers that bare any amount of the breast when feeding. VERY rarely can others around SEE anything (unless they are looking for it!!)
As for indecency or being rude, etc,
SERIOUSLY....GET OVER IT!!!
Do you all wish you were breastfed to ensure maximum health!!...no matter where mommy was!!
(I cannot believe the people out there that are remotely against breastfeeding in public---WOW!)
Secret Asian Man Aug 11th 2008 9:51PM
Ah, screw this.
If you're gonna disagree and argue with me, at least try to understand what the Hell it is that you are disagreeing it. Because you and every nut who responded against me have missed the mark completely.
Otherwise, don't bother responding to me until you have some reading comprehension to understand what I'm talking about.
deria Aug 12th 2008 12:19AM
you are very right! I hope they hear you.
Eileen Aug 12th 2008 2:58PM
Whether or not it is the *woman's* human right to breastfeed her baby whenever and wherever it needs to eat, it is surely against the *baby's* human rights to deny it the opportunity to eat the food most properly adapted to its needs in comfortable conditions. No-one asks you to eat something less-than-healthy or to eat or travel under a blanket so why expect a baby to do it. A baby eating its intended diet in the intended way is not comparable to an adult having sex or going to the toilet.
Secret Asian Man Aug 12th 2008 3:01PM
Except the baby's right to nurse wasn't infringed in any way. The mother was allowed to breast-feed her baby in her seat. She was just asked to obscure it with a blanket.
I understand that some babies may not nurse while under a blanket. Which was why I suggested the father hold the blanket up between him and his wife, or use the seat tray to prop up the blanket, creating a private partition that allows the mother to breast-feed her baby normally without covering her baby while still hidden from view of those who may not wish to see her.
I think that this simple solution would've made everyone happy.
Indigo Aug 16th 2008 5:08PM
That is absurd Secret Asain. It's not obscene to feed your child. The laws protect rights to do things not your right not to see it. If you don't want to see it then don't look. Babies need to be fed period. As a mother I am not going to not meet the basic needs of my child, which in doing I am preventing from screaming, because of some ridiculous prudish notion. Covering up with a dirty airline blanket on a potentially hot plane, when many babies will not feed undercover is not a reasonable option. If you do it's like putting up a sign announcing what you are doing anyway. It's just ridiculous that this is ever an issue. We are talking about feeding babies. How is it possible that there are people in this world who could be against that? Formula comes with risks that no person should feel they have to take for their child because of the comfort of others. Beyond that it's much harder to get on a plane these days. Eating being a human rights issue is just such a strange idea. It's a need. Don't interfere.
Pam Aug 11th 2008 2:09PM
And when do we go back to witch hunts? Why are people so upset by breast feeding? It's the most natural thing in the world. Should we cover up cats and dogs when they breast feed, too? The male sex needs to learn to control their hormones. Good grief - cover up breasts when breast feeding, cover women from head to to so they won't tempt men. Get a grip!!!
truth be told Aug 11th 2008 3:21PM
speaking for men every where I would say that breastfeeding is not very tempting so there would be no need to get the hormones under control so do the right thing and cover up
tonton Aug 11th 2008 3:31PM
So is sex and you don't see me doing that in public.