On August 14th I called the Sears Photo Customer Service number and
identified myself as a pediatrician and as chair of the Work Group on
Breastfeeding of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  I asked the person
who answered what the policy was with regard to breastfeeding at the Sear's
photo studios.  She stated that mothers could breastfeed their infants
wherever they wanted to, including in the waiting area.  She added that
they would also provide a mother with a private location for breastfeeding
but they would not insist that the mother move to a private location.  I
asked whether this was a policy for all of Sears or only for the photo
studio and she replied that this was the policy for all of Sears.  She
added that they were concerned about the feelings of other customers in the
store who might object to having someone breastfeed in the store, but said
that they would never stop anyone from breastfeeding in the store.  She
also stated that she understood the value and importance of breastfeeding.
        This response is somewhat different from the response other people
have apparently received from Sears.  It would be good to know what their
official policy is for the Sears stores, in general.  I will see if I can
obtain more information from other sources.
                                        Larry Gartner


Lawrence M. Gartner, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology
The University of Chicago
MC6060
5841 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: (773) 702-0389
FAX: (773) 702-0764
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]