8-26-97

Richard Ansell
Bona Arts Decorative Ltd.
High Street
Marlborough
Wiltshire UK

Dear Mr. Ansell:

I am writing to protest the way a mother and baby were treated when
breastfeeding outside your shop on High Street.  This was reported in The
Express on August 22. Since breastfeeding is the natural and normal way to
feed a baby, I am ASTOUNDED that anyone would be treated in such a way!

It is not possible - nor desirable - for a mother and child to spend all of
their waking hours at home.  Is this what you propose breastfeeding families
do?  Surely you must know that breastfeeding is one of the most effective and
economical ways to promote good health.  The World Health Organization,
UNICEF, and many other organizations all actively promote breastfeeding as
the best method of infant feeding.  Why? Because breastfeeding is one of the
most important ways to optimize a child's health!  Breastfeeding should be
encouraged everywhere!

Even so, I have worked with thousands of breastfeeding mothers over the past
15 years and one overwhelming concern from almost everyone of them is to be
able to breastfeed without exposing anything or offending anyone.  This is
one of the major reasons why women do not try breastfeeding at all. This
mother was being QUITE DISCRETE.  My god! She was not a hooker turning a
trick!  I believe your actions constitute ASSAULT AND BATTERY and I hope you
will be fully prosecuted.

Sincerely,
Laurie Wheeler, Rnc, Mn, Ibclc
Louisiana Breastfeeding MediaWatch Coordinator
3408 Acorn Drive
Violet LA 70092 USA