It does seem weird to mix messages on the issue -- which I see as a feminist
issue -- on the presence of babies at conf.  I have always maintained that to
'shame' (exclude) women with kids in tow because kids make noise and are
inconvenient, is to continue to marginalize us when we are in our child
bearing years.  I don't have an answer to the noise issue.  Personally, it
doesn't bother me.  I make the announcement at every event I speak at that I
am very experienced (by virtue of my exper. as a mom) at concentrating during
and talking over any kind of kid-noise there is.  I genuinely don't care.
 What makes me anxious is all the bad vibes shot at the mother whose kid is
doing whatever, and the tension I feel when others are glaring and humpphing
about the lack of consideration and the how dare she.....So I guess there has
to be someone who acts as a tactful and gentle usher asking really disruptive
couples to leave if everyone is going nuts.  As for the rest of us, I see our
mission as including ways to make the world a more welcoming and inclusive
place for kids.  I hate age segregation -- it de-humanizes us all, and limits
our learning.  My own employment policy is that my kids, and my employees
kids are welcome in our office. Occasionally it is inconvenient,  but we get
over it.
Barbara Wilson-Clay, BSE, IBCLC
priv. pract. Austin, Tx