It's very simple: Quiet babies and quiet adults are compatible with
learning. Noisy babies and noisy adults are not. One of the core premises of
our profession is that breastfeeding mothers and babies belong together, and
this is supported by the Innocenti Declaration and other documents.
Quiet nursing babies are welcome and even specifically invited at my
lectures and courses. I truly believe, and act on the belief, that
breastfeeding a baby and learning are compatible goals. I've even announced
to audiences that the nursing babies in the audience are welcome, that I can
talk above gentle baby noises, but I do not want to have to shout over adult
side conversations.
ILCA's policy is that quiet nursing babies are welcome. Mothers with babies
are asked to sit near the exits so if the baby gets restless she can step
out. I also like LLLI's statement: "If your baby cries, talks, sings, or
makes noises above a whisper, please leave the meeting room until she/he
settles down."  I will probably add the stipulation that "quiet babies are
welcome" to my speaking contracts in the future.
Frankly, I'm amazed and a bit shocked that this is even an issue in a
profession whose "raison d'etre" is to support breastfeeding mothers.

Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC
Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre
Dayton, OH USA
http://www.bflrc.com

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