WDYT about nurse-ins? ETA: Clicky Poll

StefandTodd

Do you think they really have the power to institute change and changing opinions?  Do you think it makes those with anti-NIP opinions even more anti-NIP?  I wonder if it makes naysayers defensive and makes them think that all NIP mothers are doing so "just to make a point" rather than to feed her child...does that even matter?  Is it more important to make the point anyway, given how our society treats NIP mothers?

Would you/will you participate on 12/28 in the national Target Nurse-in?  

Just curious for your thoughts! (and very supportive of NIP and a woman's right to do so wherever, whenever, however she chooses...and very supportive of all women's rights to participate in the nurse-in...just looking for arguments for and against my own position on participating in the nurse-in).  TIA  

ETA: Clicky Poll 

 

[Poll]

NorcalLinds

I think NIP is great. Covered, un covered whatever works for you. 

However a nurse-in? over the top for me. There are far greater problems in the world to put your energy towards. 

AvaLikeLava

For people making judgement calls from a place of ignorance, inundating them with more of what they don't understand doesn't help change their mind. If anything, it will likely make them even more closed-minded when put on the defensive.

So, no, I wouldn't participate in a nurse-in.

StefandTodd

AvaLikeLava:

For people making judgement calls from a place of ignorance, inundating them with more of what they don't understand doesn't help change their mind. If anything, it will likely make them even more closed-minded when put on the defensive.

So, no, I wouldn't participate in a nurse-in.

This is kind of what I was getting at and kind of how I feel.

Also, does nursing in public at a specific time at a specific place with a specific group and for this reason negate the important argument that women are only nursing their babies in public b/c their babies need to eat?!

But I'm really curious to hear from those that would participate too...and why!  Cause I'm feeling like this is something that maybe my mind could be changed about too.

kittylove

I voted that I am conflicted. From one point of view I agree with everything Ava said, but as someone who has been asked to leave a place because I was nursing (not covered but discretly and at KAISE.R no less) and had security called on, I understand how upsetting it can be. I think for the right reason/situation I would do a nurse in.

ETA: Grassroots organizations change company policys and even state/federal laws all the time so I do feel like things such as a nurse-in are effective.

fjaril

I've been to a nurse-in and wished I was nursing for another. The one I attended was to support a mother who was nursing her child near a hike and bike trail and had the police called for indecent exposure. She was using a nursing cover and nothing showed, but someone decided it was offensive and didn't want to explain what she was doing to their 5 yo who asked why the baby was under a blanket.

She was told to move to somewhere more private. That's not cool. I went to stand up for my right to nurse in public.

The other time I wanted to support someone was at an outdoor mall where a similar situation occurred and she was hassled by many mall security guys complete with lewd comments. That's not cook either.

I don't think the chick sitting on the nasty floor of target should be having  nurse-in. She was on the floor of the store and probably in the way of foot traffic. It was an irresponsible place to try and nurse IMHO.

 

MsPurple24

I do see the validity of the points above.

I wouldn't nurse on the floor of Target because that's gross.  Target's hella dirty.

However, I support a women's right to freaking feed her baby whenever and wherever she may be when her baby needs to be fed.  There are too many women out there who don't attempt to breastfeed because they're misinformed or lacking resources and truly think that bottle feeding is the more convenient way to go.  I'm not saying ALL non-breastfeeding moms think this (of course), but I personally know several who have said those exact words to me.

So even though a nurse-in might further alienate people who don't understand or support breastfeeding, I can see that it's bringing an important issue into the limelight, and that is the fact that women need to be able to feed their babies in public places.  If the Target Gods hear that message and adopt a new policy to teach their employees (or at the very least, make sure their employees are aware of their current policy), I will consider that a success.  If I can be a part of that, I will.  So I plan to take Baby H to Target and meet up with some of my breastfeeding mama friends and if she's hungry, I'll feed her.  If she's not, I'll stand around and chat with my breastfeeding mama friends and support the message that is being sent.

But I won't sit on the floor.  Target's hella dirty. 

AvaLikeLava

I'm all for raising awareness. I just don't think this (i.e. nurse-in) approach gets to the root of the problem, is all. Especially if the individual(s) who file/inact a "complaint" are not present at the time of the nurse-in.

fjaril

I get that, but at the time, it felt like these gals were being persecuted and I couldn't think of anything else to do but sit and nurse with other mamas.

 

kittylove

AvaLikeLava:

I'm all for raising awareness. I just don't think this (i.e. nurse-in) approach gets to the root of the problem, is all. Especially if the individual(s) who file/inact a "complaint" are not present at the time of the nurse-in.

If by root of the problem you mean people thinking BFing in public is wrong. Then I agree with you. But if we are talking about changing Target's policy or how they train employees to deal with BFing moms then I think a nurse-in is the way to go.

I wanted to add that when you look at nurse-ins, rallies, demonstrations as a way to bring awareness, and change policy/public view. You always risk that some people will be so enrgaged by what you are doing you allienate them further.

Lexi & Orion's Mommy

this is how dumb i am, at first i thought a "nurse in" was some type of Nurse strike. Like a nurse who works in a dr office. LOL, i think its been far too long since i nursed a baby.