I caught flack from those who thought I was an irresponsible parent (for not cleaning my nipples before each feeding), I was told I was lazy, and that I was fighting a battle not worth fighting.
I was chastised for my lack of respect for everyone else, and on twitter for not planning a nurse in at the YMCA pool.
But here is why I didn't feel the need to do that. I felt confident that a letter writing campaign to the YMCA would be enough.
And guess what? IT WAS!!!!
I received this email this morning and wanted to share it with all of you.
Kim,
Let me start by thanking you again for your e-mail and for providing me with a little time to research the entire situation. To start, it is not the Y’s policy to restrict any mother from breastfeeding in any way at our facilities. Our investigation into this situation revealed that our young aquatics staff were misinformed and reacted to one person’s personal objection. Without question, this is a critical error, but we take full responsibility for the mistake and have taken measures to correct it. Effective immediately, our staff has been made fully aware that mothers may breastfeed wherever they deem fit at our facilities – including the pool.
We are also working to create signage in the near future stating that our facility is friendly to breastfeeding. Additionally, for the benefit of all members and guests (these breastfeeding or not) we are seeking to create designated areas for mothers to breastfeed. Ideally, these future locations will be more private and comfortable if they so choose to use them. Again, the Y understands the importance of and laws surrounding breastfeeding and in no way wants to hinder mothers or their children. In conclusion, I apologize that this incident happened and hope you will provide us with another opportunity to serve you as we take measures to improve our operation.
Thank you again for bringing this situation to my attention and please feel free to contact me with any other concerns.
Jeff AndresenPresident/CEOYMCA OF GREATER WILLIAMSON COUNTYP.O. Box 819, Round Rock, TX 78680
See? Sometimes writing a polite letter and being nice actually works!!!
27 comments:
Hooray! Good job Kim. I do believe that starting with politeness never hurts and usually works.
Kim. That's fabulous.
Way to go Kim! I always wondered what I would do if I were ever in that situation. I think you handled it admirably and with grace.
You go Momma!!!!
Awesome.
Still blows my mind how you could have been seen as lazy, or how what you did was disrespectful to someone else. In my mind, someone else dictating where/when/how I can feed my baby is disrespectful. Can't wrap my head around it.
So glad you got this response from the Y. And I totally agree that you handled this gracefully.
That's great!! As for the nipple cleaning issue... With my first baby I did it constantly... with 2, 3, and 4 I did it when I had a chance but not every time and I didn't notice any difference. So just ignore the haters and keep doing your thing. =)
Good for you! This is great! :)
Kim, this is SO awesome. Thanks for being strong, assertive and knowledgable, and for speaking up for women that aren't. Love this and you. xo
Way to go Kim!!!! THIS IS HUGE! You go girl!
I just got a similar letter from him also. Too bad my local Y hasn't responded to a similar incident in such a proactive manner. :/ I might try another avenue with it though.
I'm so glad you got such a great response from your YMCA. Keep up the good work!
Way to go Kim! I'm so glad you got that response. I'm proud of the Y for taking responsibility for their error and taking steps so quickly to rectify it.
Awesome! I'm proud to be a Y member now. I wish all the Y's were connected (they're really more like franchises) and all Y's would do the same things (signs, places to nurse.)
Great job :)
awesome!
Very very awesome.
So flippin' proud of you, friend. xo
Way to GO, KIM!!! I think you're so awesome and you did a perfect job...
Wash your nipples???! What the...?
I think both parties handled the situation well. Kudos to you for not losing it at them, and to the YMCA for addressing the issue so thoroughly. I think it just takes building awareness publicly that breastfeeding is the most NATURAL thing in the world.
I've never even heard of nipple washing. None of the Doctors or Lactation Consultants I have spoken to have ever mentioned that one to me. Weird.
I liked that you started with the polite letter first. To me, a big ordeal like a nurse-in is something you get into after all other attempts at reasoning have failed. I'm glad that everything worked out for you!
That is awesome!
I have to admit, after reading through your other blog and the comments I had to laugh at the ones saying "why can't you plan ahead and feed your baby before you leave"... in my experience even if you do that, it does not garuntee that your baby will not want to eat while you're gone, and I'd love to see a mom reasoning with a hungry baby "but you just ate 2 hours ago sweetie!" lol.
Thanks for being strong, and for standing up for our rights as bfing moms.
Proud of you for taking a stand, and proud of the YMCA for their reaction! :)
YAY Kim!!! You handled it perfectly. Congratulations. I'm so glad that you got that response. I could kiss you. xo
Maybe you could train some of your readers on how to write a nice letter?
Happy you got validation.
Awesome! So happy to see a good outcome come of this incident - great job, mama!
Did people really ask about cleaning your nipples?? ROFL I love you. :)
You are awesome!!!
I did not know that I was spsd to be cleaning my nipples! Well I mean in the shower of course but are you really spsd to every time? Also the Y did a really great job with that letter :)
-vanessa from inevergrewup.net
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