Ms Scott,
I have recently learned of Jessica Swimeley's unfortunate experience  
at the Hollcombe House in Houston.
By insisting on her right and responsibility to nurse her 17 month  
old babies, one of whom is recovering from surgery, when and where  
they need to nurse, she was asked to leave the common room and then  
the Hollcombe House.

I hope that I or those from whom I  learned of this misunderstood  
what happened. This is contrary to Texas law, to human decency and  
ethics and to the mission of Ronald MacDonald House Charities.  
According to the RMHC website, "By creating, finding and supporting  
programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children,  
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is working to better the lives  
of children and their families around the world... Our cornerstone  
Ronald McDonald House program began in 1974 based on a simple idea:  
Provide a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill  
children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals."

Nursing one's child directly improves their health and well being.  
Doing so wherever mother and children are when they need to nurse is  
part of being at a "home away from home." This does not impinge on  
the health, well being or comfort of anyone else.

If I and others have misunderstood what has happened, I hope that you  
will correct our misunderstanding. If we have understood correctly, I  
expect that you will take this serious matter to heart and educate  
your staff on the law and the mission of Ronald MacDonald House  
Charities, and assure that the Swimeley's are welcomed back and that  
this does not happen to any other guests of any Ronald MacDonald  
House facility.

Thank you, I look forward to hearing from  you,

Naomi Bar-Yam Ph.D.


------------------------------------------
Naomi Bar-Yam Ph.D.
Executive Director
Mothers' Milk Bank of New England

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617-964-6676
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