Posted on 04/21/2005 10:29:27 AM PDT by SmithL
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - A city commission candidate was criticized for breast-feeding her daughter during a public meeting, so 16 other mothers turned up and nursed their children at another gathering as a show of support.
Gabrielle Redfern apologized for offending anyone, but says she won't stop breast-feeding her child when necessary. She had been criticized by some for breast-feeding her 1-year-old daughter, Elsie, during Mayor David Dermer's recent State of the City address.
"Elsie's been coming to public meetings since she was 2 weeks old," said Redfern, who is in her first bid for public office. "I shouldn't have to choose between being a publicly involved citizen and being a good mother."
On Wednesday, 16 women held a "nurse-in" in support of Redfern, breast-feeding their babies at a Miami Beach Commission meeting.
"How is she supposed to raise her child and have a career if she isn't allowed to breast-feed her child when she attends meetings?" said Ellen Sandoval, who came to show her support. "I quit working because I didn't know or have the courage to do what she is doing."
State law says a woman can breast-feed her child anywhere she is otherwise legally allowed to be. But even in a city where topless sunbathing is common, others say there should be limits.
"I think it's a beautiful and natural thing, but there's a time and a place for it," said Joe Fontana, who regularly attends community meetings. "It's distracting. Why inside? Why not step outside to do it?"
IS IT DINNER TIME YET?
"What kind of prize did they win?"
That's a silly question...it's obvious..."the booby prize."
sounds like these guys
http://www.lalecheleague.org/
Grow up and stop staring at her breasts.
Most pediatricians recommend breastfeeding for at least one year. You cannot start cows milk until the child is one year old. I fed both of mine for the first year and then switched to cows milk because I didn't believe in giving the babies formula.
Elsie...
Did you brag about your personal choice?
So was I.
This story pops up in Anytown, USA about every 6 months. Yawn
So.....what's the verdict on topless sunbathers breastfeeding?
"Why not step outside to do it?"
Excuse me....outside?? And this is a solution??
I'll stop staring when I'm staring at the top of that pine box.
I really don't care if the moms wanted to protest but who asked the babies if they wanted to take part? Humans should be old enough to consent involvement if they are used this way they are exploited.
Ahh i see i see.
Thanks for the info :)
Discrete breastfeeding rarely causes this type of problem. This gal is likely nursing with Mardi Gras modesty.
Some women do stop breast-feeding around the 9 month mark, but many continue until the child is 12-20 months. There's nothing strange or unusual about a mother of a 1-year-old continuing to breast-feed. Some children are given other things (such as baby food) for many meals and only breast-feeds once or twice a day.
"Why not step outside to do it?"
The men will be required by law to hold the umbrellas on rainy days.
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