I was not allowed to use rocking chairs at Baby Care Center

[littlbugmom]

My opinion is that baby care centers are to care for babies. Regardless of HOW you choose to care for that baby. It is insulting that preference is given to mothers that choose to breast feed their children. If the opposite were true, if a breast feeding mother were told that there was a place that they were NOT allowed to feed their baby, you can bet there would be a cry of discrimination.

The opposite has been true for a long time. Breast feeding moms were told they were not allowed to feed their baby that way and were asked to leave. It took (and is still taking) cries of discrimination to slowly start the change we can see these days. The private room for nursing moms is Disney's attempt at making everyone happy.....the nursing moms and the public in the parks. Now they have to deal with bottle feeding moms feeling slighted.

I think the problem is that people think a separate room means "preference" or "special" treatment. It's not meant for special moms....it's meant for moms who nurse. Moms who don't nurse have the other room. If that main room needs tweaked, the answer is to communicate that to Disney. Getting rockers for the other room is easier than trying to take away the nursing room.

 

[designermv]

I dont' like nursing in a rocking chair. If anyone wants my rocker in exchange for a regular chair while I'm nursing my baby on my upcoming trip, you can have it. As long as I have a place to feed my baby without nasty comments about being offended by my baby breast-feeding, I'm happy.

 

[annette20071]

what are the rules as far as pumping goes. my son was premature so I pump and supplememnt with formula. Does this mean that i can only use the room to pump and then when i give him a bottle i must exit the room
If so that is just plum ridiculous if you ask me

I am not for sure about Disney World, but Disneyland had small cubicles with a curtain for extra privacy for those who needed to pump - hope a bottlefeeding mom doesn't want that space too.

 

[livndisney]

Correct, and if a breast feeding mother were denied access to an area to feed her baby it would be discrimination in no uncertain terms.

No one was denied the right to feed their baby.

 

[badblackpug]

This is just really frustrating for me. Bottlefeeding has always been allowed EVERYWHERE that baby and mother were legally allowed to be. Breastfeeding advocates had to fight for the right to breastfeed outside their homes. They could literally be arrested for NIP not that long ago - and still can in some states. Some places (and people still do) consider it child abuse and sexual. BF moms had to fight to get laws passed to allow them to NIP without fear of being arrested. Some states still don't have laws protecting nursing mothers. Once laws were passed in some states protecting a mothers right to feed her child by nursing anywhere they were legally allowed to be - something a bottlefeeding mother never had to go through - some companies tried to compromise. Companies like Disney offered a private area for nursing mothers. On one hand, yes it makes them look family-friendly and supportive of bf.

On the other hand it helps them deal with the fact that the vast majority of the public do NOT like women NIP. Although nursing moms are allowed to nurse in public, many still aren't comfortable doing so because of the abuse they receive from strangers. It would be awesome if our public was as accepting of NIP as they are with bottlefeeding. It would be awesome if a nursing mom did not have to go hide to nurse so as not to offend others. However, we aren't there yet and likely won't be for a long time. Now Disney has to deal with moms saying "hey you are making me feel inferior - I want my own room too!". If anything, they will just do away with that room altogether. Which is fine with me. Maybe more people will nurse in public which will cause NIP to become more acceptable that much faster . . .

So, just because you were discriminated against, it is okay to discriminate against others? Everyone wants to say this is not a bottle/breast issue, but it is. The OP was denied use of a facility because of how she feeds her child. Yes, she could have sat on any bench or stood in any area and fed her baby, but she chose not to, for whatever reason. The same goes for any breast feeding mother. She can feed her child anywhere she wants, but for whatever reason she chooses not to. I understand that people have taken abuse and insults for breast feeding their children in public, but trust me, formula feeding moms are now taking their own share of abuse. How many times do you have to hear "breast is best." Not to mention how many times do you have to explain why you don't breast feed (just read the posts on this thread, where the majority of posters who formula feed feel the need to explain why) I still don't know why moms can't be supportive of one another regardless of their choices. Telling someone "you're not welcome here" just because she chose a different route seems childish to me.

What it boils down to is: Who would have been hurt if the OP were allowed to sit and feed and rock her child in peace?

 

[badblackpug]

I am not for sure about Disney World, but Disneyland had small cubicles with a curtain for extra privacy for those who needed to pump - hope a bottlefeeding mom doesn't want that space too.

No one was denied the right to feed their baby.

As to quote #2: I said she was denied access to an area based on how she chooses to feed her child, not that she was denied the right to feed her child.

As to quote #1: Are you sure that this isn't a breast vs. bottle thing? Because this quote sure makes it sound like that to me.

Again, mothers need to start supporting one another.

 

[designermv]

What it boils down to is: Who would have been hurt if the OP were allowed to sit and feed and rock her child in peace?

NO ONE would have been hurt. But the reason she was denied access to the NURSING mothers room is that she DOES NOT HAVE A NEED for a private space, because she is not doing something that requires removing a breast to feed her baby. If Disney let all moms who use bottles use the NURSING mothers room, there would be no guaranteed PRIVATE space for NURSING mothers, who, like it or not, may require PRIVACY due to the fact that they use their breasts to feed their babies. This is not the big discriminatory issue that people are making it out to be. If bottle-feeding moms want a quiet room with rocking chairs, CONTACT DISNEY, but don't try to take it away from the moms who truly need it or make it sound like nursing moms are being favored here. Meeting a need does not equal favoritism.

I get that there can be discrimination about bottle-feeding, but honestly, can you find half as many threads here on the DIS about people who had their meals ruined by a mom taking out a bottle and feeding her child? Or about how some little snowflake had their day ruined because they witnessed a mom feeding her baby with a bottle? Or how someone's husband witnessed the shocking, appalling, and vulgar act of someone feeding a baby with a bottle? Give me a break. It's one little area where a nursing mom can sit and NOT have to worry that her "vulgar" act is offending someone. And if that space is filled with bottle-feeding moms, the nursing moms will have nowhere private to go.

 

[NemoMOm]

NO ONE would have been hurt. But the reason she was denied access to the NURSING mothers room is that she DOES NOT HAVE A NEED for a private space, because she is not doing something that requires removing a breast to feed her baby. If Disney let all moms who use bottles use the NURSING mothers room, there would be no guaranteed PRIVATE space for NURSING mothers, who, like it or not, may require PRIVACY due to the fact that they use their breasts to feed their babies. This is not the big discriminatory issue that people are making it out to be. If bottle-feeding moms want a quiet room with rocking chairs, CONTACT DISNEY, but don't try to take it away from the moms who truly need it or make it sound like nursing moms are being favored here. Meeting a need does not equal favoritism.

I get that there can be discrimination about bottle-feeding, but honestly, can you find half as many threads here on the DIS about people who had their meals ruined by a mom taking out a bottle and feeding her child? Or about how some little snowflake had their day ruined because they witnessed a mom feeding her baby with a bottle? Or how someone's husband witnessed the shocking, appalling, and vulgar act of someone feeding a baby with a bottle? Give me a break. It's one little area where a nursing mom can sit and NOT have to worry that her "vulgar" act is offending someone. And if that space is filled with bottle-feeding moms, the nursing moms will have nowhere private to go.

Well said! I notice so many moms stating that b'fing moms think they are special or breast is best. No one on this forum has stated any such thing. In fact, B'fing moms have been really supported of the OP, only stating why they have a private room.

I notice that no one has addressed the real reason why b'fing moms have a private room-because of remarks from others about NIP? B'fing moms keep explaining why we need private rooms-because others are not supportive about NIP and can be really NASTY about it-which is why Disney has a room. SO, they don't have to deal with all the complaints. Instead all I see are moms stating that b'fing moms think they are special. HUH? We've all been really supportive in attempting to explain why there is a private room and there are only 4 terribly uncomfortable chairs in that room. Even Barbara Walters made nasty remarks about a b'ing mom in a plane next her, (I guess she doesn't have a pair of girls herself) These are the kind of things we get. There is nothing worst than trying to feed your child, and let me be clear that just because we NIP does not mean that we do not have difficulties as well, and have a woman come up to you and make nasty comments to you about how she doesn't want her children to see that. (I guess the back of my baby's head is offensive since that is all you can see when I nursed) I think it would be really nice if B'fing moms were to get more support. When we do, I'm sure there will be no need for a private room.

 

[annette20071]

So, just because you were discriminated against, it is okay to discriminate against others? Everyone wants to say this is not a bottle/breast issue, but it is. The OP was denied use of a facility because of how she feeds her child. Yes, she could have sat on any bench or stood in any area and fed her baby, but she chose not to, for whatever reason. The same goes for any breast feeding mother. She can feed her child anywhere she wants, but for whatever reason she chooses not to. I understand that people have taken abuse and insults for breast feeding their children in public, but trust me, formula feeding moms are now taking their own share of abuse. How many times do you have to hear "breast is best." Not to mention how many times do you have to explain why you don't breast feed (just read the posts on this thread, where the majority of posters who formula feed feel the need to explain why) I still don't know why moms can't be supportive of one another regardless of their choices. Telling someone "you're not welcome here" just because she chose a different route seems childish to me.

What it boils down to is: Who would have been hurt if the OP were allowed to sit and feed and rock her child in peace?

I, personally, have not been discriminated against. I was providing the historical context. I also don't think Disney is discriminating. This is not discrimination. They are fulfilling different needs. They have a microwave for bottlefeeding and solid feeding mothers - should other families without small children be allowed to bring leftovers in and use the microwave all day so that it is not available to bottlefeeding moms? They are trying to fulfill various needs in a limited space. Should teen parents get their own room because baby parents get one? What about elementary age kids? They may want to take a break, warm up a meal, etc. These things are ridiculous to expect Disney to make space for. I also think a lot of the prior suggestions on this page were a little ridiculous.

 

[littlbugmom]

So, just because you were discriminated against, it is okay to discriminate against others? Everyone wants to say this is not a bottle/breast issue, but it is. The OP was denied use of a facility because of how she feeds her child. Yes, she could have sat on any bench or stood in any area and fed her baby, but she chose not to, for whatever reason. The same goes for any breast feeding mother. She can feed her child anywhere she wants, but for whatever reason she chooses not to. I understand that people have taken abuse and insults for breast feeding their children in public, but trust me, formula feeding moms are now taking their own share of abuse. How many times do you have to hear "breast is best." Not to mention how many times do you have to explain why you don't breast feed (just read the posts on this thread, where the majority of posters who formula feed feel the need to explain why) I still don't know why moms can't be supportive of one another regardless of their choices. Telling someone "you're not welcome here" just because she chose a different route seems childish to me.

What it boils down to is: Who would have been hurt if the OP were allowed to sit and feed and rock her child in peace?

The OP was not denied use of the babycare facility. It's open to her. She was denied use of an area within that facility because it is designated for nursing moms and she wasn't going in there to nurse.

I agree that it's hard to hear "breast is best" on those commercials when you aren't nursing your child. My son weaned very early and I remember hearing the commercials. What I don't agree with is the idea that hearing "breast is best" is a form of abuse. It's just a statement on a commercial. Unless she's being verbally attacked for her choices, the abuse a woman feels from that statement comes from within.

I also don't agree that any woman on this thread has had to explain why she bottle feeds. The women who explained made the decision to explain, nobody needed to know why and nobody asked. I could have explained why my DS weaned so early but doing so would have felt "defensive" to me and I don't have anything I need to defend. Neither do they.

 

[annette20071]

As to quote #1: Are you sure that this isn't a breast vs. bottle thing? Because this quote sure makes it sound like that to me.

Again, mothers need to start supporting one another.

I was pointing out that there are options for pumping and space, here again, is limited to that one thing. It is not my fault if your sensitivities colored your reading of my post.

 

[tink1969]

I don't care if a mother chooses to breastfeed or bottlefeed or where she does it. As long as the baby is getting fed. I do find it offensive that other people find it necessary to make comments to a breastfeeding mother. It isn't anyone's business and speaking from experience, I wasn't dancing a jig with my breasts hanging out while breastfeeding. It's quite easy to be discreet in public.
Now, what if Disney didn't have any baby care centres at all? What would these mothers do then? Why is it expected?
Just because it's Disney, it doesn't mean they have to provide for everyone's wants and needs. I think Disney is more than accomodating in providing services to it's patrons. Rules are rules and they are there for a reason.
What's that old saying? "you give soemone an inch and they take a mile".

 

[lillygator]

makes no sense, you can breastfeed on a bench in WDW but not bottle feed in private? ridiculous. If they are going to enforce no bottle feeding moms in there...then they need to restrict the bf to there only.

 

[Suellen]

I was allowed to use them to bottle feed my LO when she was still on a bottle. No one ever made a fuss.

Here is my problem with this whole thread and breastfeeding moms "in general" (obviously I don't know all of you or any of you for that fact so this is how I was treated by BF moms around here).

If no one is using that rocking chair who cares you sits in it? You don't mind other BF moms seeing you breastfeed but have a problem with someone who isn't? Sure if someone poked in and needed the spot I would have given it up.

While bottle feeding my DD2 (never ran into this with my older DD ~ times are changing I guess) ~ I was treated like a horrible mother by BF moms and pretty much immediately excluded from conversations and literally had one mom turn her back to me when I said I bottle fed. Without even knowing anything about WHY I didn't BF.

Also if BF is such a normal natural thing that it is okay to do while dining or standing in line or whatever (and yes I would bottle feed my baby in any of those places) WHY do you have more of a need for a nice dark quiet room with rocking chairs more than a bottle feeding mom? Everyone wants to be able to do all the same things at bottle feeding moms ~ but also want the special treatment too.

I personally don't have a problem with a woman breastfeeding wherever and whenever she wants. I don't find it "gross" or inappropriate or anything like that.

But equality = equality ~ you don't get to pick and choose. Sorry.

Before the breastfeeding moms start flaming me... as has been my experience in the past... I couldn't breast feed because I was doing chemotherapy and that is passed through breast milk. No one asks ~ they assume you choose not to BF.

 

[maxiesmom]

So, just because you were discriminated against, it is okay to discriminate against others? Everyone wants to say this is not a bottle/breast issue, but it is. The OP was denied use of a facility because of how she feeds her child. Yes, she could have sat on any bench or stood in any area and fed her baby, but she chose not to, for whatever reason. The same goes for any breast feeding mother. She can feed her child anywhere she wants, but for whatever reason she chooses not to. I understand that people have taken abuse and insults for breast feeding their children in public, but trust me, formula feeding moms are now taking their own share of abuse. How many times do you have to hear "breast is best." Not to mention how many times do you have to explain why you don't breast feed (just read the posts on this thread, where the majority of posters who formula feed feel the need to explain why) I still don't know why moms can't be supportive of one another regardless of their choices. Telling someone "you're not welcome here" just because she chose a different route seems childish to me.

What it boils down to is: Who would have been hurt if the OP were allowed to sit and feed and rock her child in peace?

Nothing. But if you open that room up to anyone who wants to bottle feed, then you would have men who want to use the room to bottle feed too. Or else they could say they were descriminated against too.

I think the best course of action is to write Disney and let them know you see a need for a quiet place for parents who want to bottle feed.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

makes no sense, you can breastfeed on a bench in WDW but not bottle feed in private? ridiculous. If they are going to enforce no bottle feeding moms in there...then they need to restrict the bf to there only.

foolishness. you are comparing apples to oranges. when the bottle feeding mom starts risking being exposed by her baby, then you might have an argument.

Having said that, I don't think there really is a policy. I have spent a great deal of time in those rooms, and have shared them with breast and bottle feeders.

 

[designermv]

makes no sense, you can breastfeed on a bench in WDW but not bottle feed in private? ridiculous. If they are going to enforce no bottle feeding moms in there...then they need to restrict the bf to there only.

You can breastfeed on a bench at Disney.
You are not guaranteed privacy.
In order to breastfeed, your baby needs access to a part of your anatomy that some are not comfortable exposing (which, even if you are nursing discreetly, can be exposed if your baby is a crazy nurser like mine.)
Some people are offended by the sight of women nursing because of the breast(s) involved. In order to a) guarantee privacy to nursing women who are NOT comfortable with NIP and b) appease those who see breastfeeding as vulgar and wrong , Disney has provided a very small space for women to nurse their babies.

Bottlefeeding does not require using a 'private' part of a woman's anatomy, therefore there is no NEED for those women to have a secure, private place to feed their babies.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

 

[kidshop]

So, just because you were discriminated against, it is okay to discriminate against others? Everyone wants to say this is not a bottle/breast issue, but it is. The OP was denied use of a facility because of how she feeds her child. Yes, she could have sat on any bench or stood in any area and fed her baby, but she chose not to, for whatever reason. The same goes for any breast feeding mother. She can feed her child anywhere she wants, but for whatever reason she chooses not to. I understand that people have taken abuse and insults for breast feeding their children in public, but trust me, formula feeding moms are now taking their own share of abuse. How many times do you have to hear "breast is best." Not to mention how many times do you have to explain why you don't breast feed (just read the posts on this thread, where the majority of posters who formula feed feel the need to explain why) I still don't know why moms can't be supportive of one another regardless of their choices. Telling someone "you're not welcome here" just because she chose a different route seems childish to me.

What it boils down to is: Who would have been hurt if the OP were allowed to sit and feed and rock her child in peace?

'Breast is best' is not abuse or an insult. It happens to be a fact. I'm sorry that feels like abuse to you. but that is your problem alone to deal with. Not saying it won't make it any less true. And no one asked for any formula feeding explanation, however many felt compelled to give one. The issue lies within each mom to feel she did the best with what she had. Own your feelings! I do hate to make this a breast vs. bottle issue but it is many formula moms who want to take it there with terms like 'special' and 'privileged' and 'discrimination'. (which is laughable, really)

The nursing room is for nursing mothers. They have to have a special nursing room, b/c most people think bfing is weird and gross and do not want a mom to 'do that' around them. It is not an imagined slight against those who use formula. How ridiculous that one could even get to that conclusion. In most cases those feelings come from within and not without.

I wanted to add that bfing moms make up a very small part of moms. *Very* small in reality, and as a child ages it gets smaller still. When most people bfeed, it will be seen as normal and no one will require a separate room. That will be a GREAT day! Many of us don't want to go and hide.

 

[Suellen]

Breast is best = fact?

My bottle fed 4 year old has never been sick ~ `can read, do math, is artistic, started talking at 5 months old... etc, etc, etc.

What was she deprived of by eating formula?

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

'Breast is best' is not abuse or an insult. It happens to be a fact. I'm sorry that feels like abuse to you. but that is your problem alone to deal with. Not saying it won't make it any less true. And no one asked for any formula feeding explanation, however many felt compelled to give one. The issue lies within each mom to feel she did the best with what she had. Own your feelings! I do hate to make this a breast vs. bottle issue but it is many formula moms who want to take it there with terms like 'special' and 'privileged' and 'discrimination'. (which is laughable, really)

The nursing room is for nursing mothers. They have to have a special nursing room, b/c most people think bfing is weird and gross and do not want a mom to 'do that' around them. It is not an imagined slight against those who use formula. How ridiculous that one could even get to that conclusion. In most cases those feelings come from within and not without.

I have nursed 8 babies, and run into a very limited number of people who had issue with it, over the course of 24 years. I absolutely disagree with your statement.