Hi Barbara,
Years ago when my youngest was a nursing baby (15 years ago), I ran into similar problems. However, parents were encouraged to occasionally eat lunch in the cafeteria with their children and siblings were allowed. When it was evident that Jake was worn in a sling and not really the problem everyone thought he would be. He was welcome more often, although never on field trips.
Perhaps if signing the waiver, does not solve this. If she brings the baby when he is welcome maybe she will change some minds.
Most school systems now are putting an emphasis on parental and family engagement.
She may be able to suggest that will not happen if "in arms" babies are not welcome, moms cannot participate as fully in school activities as they could otherwise.
Kim Carideo
LLL Leader
--- On Fri, 6/4/10, [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: breastfeeding discrimination
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Friday, June 4, 2010, 8:33 AM
This is personal but breastfeeding related and would so appreciate any
suggestions for handling the following situation. My daughter is exclusively
breastfeeding my 4.5 mos old grandson as well as attachment parenting him.
Her older son, six yr, is having a school presentation/picnic in lieu of
kindergarten graduation in a couple of weeks and she's been informed by his
teacher that siblings are not allowed to attend. She spoke with the
teacher and the principal explaining her situation of having a nursing baby who
has not been separated from her, does not take a bottle and who is in-arms,
and needs to be with her. She also stated her older son would be
devastated if she were not there. The principal said the no siblings rule is a
district wide one and no exceptions could be made. My dd politely pointed out
(though seething inside) that she understood that a sibling running around
could be disruptive but her little one is worn on her body in a wrap or
sling and if fussy, nursing quickly calmed him. She is upset not only due to
her personal situation but also on the principle of disregard for family
and the needs of an infant.
She does have a grandma (me) who will save the day and be in the parking
lot with baby so he has access to mom prn, but for future happenings and even
classroom functions or help this seems to need to be addressed. Liability
issues also were brought up by the principal and I told my dd to offer to
sign a waiver. Any suggestions on how to or if to pursue this? Thanks in
advance.
Barbara Latterner, BSN, RN, IBCLC
Brewster, NY
***********************************************
Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome
***********************************************
Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome
|