Moms nurse their babies at Starbucks to protest incident

About 30 mothers gathered at a Silver Spring Starbucks Coffee shop Sunday to nurse lattes -- and their babies. The event was organized by Lorig Charkoudian after a store employee asked her to cover up or go into the ladies' room while nursing her 15-month-old daughter, Aline, last month. (Washington Post) (Need a login and pw?)

Comments

[alex]

The baristas don't eat their lunch in a bathroom, so why should a baby? Good for those 30 mothers who showed up to feed their babies naturally.

[Jill]

Well said, Alex! I heard about this on the Extended Breastfeeding board at Babycenter.com There are now a BUNCH of PO'd nursing moms out there. Unfortunately, I LOVE Starbucks. I'm really hoping they'll step up and try to make this right.

[Kat]

I don't think asking to 'Cover-Up' is that out of place. I nursed my daughter till she was 18-months old and I can't say I ever did it in public without being a little modest about it. They make wonderful nursing slings, shawls and blackets for just such things.
As natural as it is, it's still a bit ... taboo ... or something to some people. That and I didn't want 13 year old boys oggling me in public.

[PB2k3]

Sorry, this was a bit of overkill. She got an acknowledgement of Maryland's law and an apology from Starbucks and that should have been the end of it.

Interesting that the subject of this dispute is a conflict mediator... seems she is making more conflict by these heavy-handed tactics.

[alex]

Kat, c'mon...how can you possibly be modest about anything, let alone feeding your child which your body was meant to do, after experiencing birth? Pump and bottle feed if it makes you that uncomfortable.

[kat]

I've just never understood why so other women get worked up about not exposing themselves in public. obviously some people are uncomfortable with a female breast being exposed in public. I don't think it's my place to 'show them the way' or prove something by having mine out even if it is to breastfeed. There is nothing wrong with being modest about something. And don't tell me to pump and bottle feed. My daughter not once, drank from a bottle and that was what I wanted. I just had common courtsy for others.

[mom of nurslings]

No, there is nothing wrong with being discreet. I try to be discreet, myself; and I'd wager that the majority of nursing moms do the same.

The problem I see is when you force other moms to be "discreet"--why force *your* idea of discreetness on another mom? "Discreet" is subjective. Perhaps your idea of being discreet is to cover baby with a blanket. Perhaps my idea of being discreet is pulling my shirt down to baby's mouth. Another's idea of discreet is, apparently, to banish women to the bathroom to nurse.

The point is this: Women have a right to BF anywhere they are legally allowed to be. It's a right.

If you're able to avert your eyes from the guy with plumber's crack, and the young women's G-strings showing, and the person chewing with his mouth open, then it should be no problem at all to ignore a woman feeding her baby.

[Lorrie]

Check out the website. Those of us at the nurse in are using this latest in a string of similiar incidents around the country this year to try to educate the public about the law and increase the dialogue about making the US more nursing friendly so that we can raise the rate of breastfeeding above current pitiful levels when compared to the rest of the world.

[Lorrie]

Oops forgot to say click my name to get to the campaign's website where you can download letters to the CEO of starbucks. Burger King took the lead on this issue last year and made a corporate wide statement welcoming nursing moms in all their stores. Surely Starbucks can do the same.

[Erika]

i personlly think, what would be wrong with covering up? I mean not all people want to see that!!! especially at a place like startbucks! maybe people should just think of others an cover up! i realize it is a right! but in this case i think this isnt that great!

[teeny]

I've probably seen more unwelcome anatomy revealed in the name of fashion than I have seen in the name of nursing, which is, unlike hipser jeans and a thong, natural.

Oh no, here come the dairy queens. Okay, you insufferable titnazis, if nursing in public is a natural function, then so is taking a piss. So the next time you whip out one of your saggy mammaries in the coffee shop, I'll just whip out my dick and piddle on the floor. It's natural, right?

[Wendy]

You are one sick individual to even try to compare your "dick" to a nursing child, you may want to check into counciling before it become's a serious problem.

[Worried About the World]

I am from the U.S. and have been living in Germany for over 4 years. My wife and every other mother that chose or chooses to breast feed (much more here that in the U.S.) make NO BIG DEAL about it at all. It is so 'normal' that it isn't even a discussion point. Discreetness, covering up, and all that other stuff should be the sole concern of the person doing the breastfeeding. Let's call this "freedom" or the
"right of the mother and child". The mother should be free (what the U.S should be all about) to do what is right for herself and her baby. This can be; discreetly, with or without a thingie to cover up, or without worrying about any of those things at all. A mother tends to know just how it should be done for the comfort of both herself and her baby. Let's all just leave it at that! And if for some reason we can't take it, move along! Actually, I'd have to say that using all that paraphanalia tends to draw attention vs. detract attention. Barely anyone ever noticed when my wife was breastfeeding in public. You don't shout "YOO HOO Breastfeeding over here!!!" She just used the unbutton your blouse or pull up you shirt method and a special bra. Completely uncomplicated. That seemed to do the trick.

[Karl]

To the person who made the comment about his dick:

I agree. Everybody knows that nursing a child is part of nature. So is peeing. If women can expose part of themselves to do something natural, why can't men. It's easy, it's sterile, it's quick. No big deal needs to be made about it.

[None]

I'm sure everyone agrees that sex is normal, right?
So it a naked human body, but it's still something not everyone is comfortable with. And exposing yourself, even htough your breast feeding, is not right. Sure you don't have to look, but what about parents of children who are curious? I think parents have the right to be able to choose the time to talk about these sort of things.
Oh and just because it's legal doesn't make it right.

[Starbucks barista mom]

As a Starbuck's barista and mother I can understand both sides of this conflict. People come in for a cup of coffee not a peep show. Yes it is natural, legal, etc. but to me a little distastful. I don't mean feeding in a discreet way in which little to no skin is shown but just whipping it out and letting it all hang out. I never fed my daughter in public, if I knew she was going to get hungary I would pump enough for her and eliminate the need to subject people to my nudity. You are going to do whatever you want but I wish you could try and at least be some what compassionate to others that have no desire to "share" your children's dinners.

[texas shift]

So far as I know, Starbucks has no official policy on breastfeeding. I also wouldn't have thought that they need to, because eventually the list of "official policies" would get ridiculous.

However... I would personally like to apologize to each and every nursing mother who has been asked to "cover up" in a Starbucks, because that's not the way I'm accustomed to my company behaving. I think (hope!) I can guarantee that wouldn't have happened at my store.

A man peeing in public is rather like a woman peeing in public, and so far as I can see that is the only valid comparison to make on the matter. A private restroom is an appropriate place for urinating, because there are useful things there like running water, toilet paper, and hand soap. A comfortable chair and a tasty latte sound like much more useful things to have handy when you're feeding your baby.

I work at the Starbucks on Denton Highway in Watauga, Texas. My name is Allex. If you want to nurse your baby in my store, please, feel free. And if anyone there EVER tells you not to, please let me know, and I'll kick their ass.

[Unknown]

hey whores, ya wanna show off your boobs just take off your shirt..and your pants if it really doesnt' matter...No wonder all these other nations hate the US..its because of your BS liberal ass bs...burn in hell

[SBUXBARISTA]

As a Barista, I would politely ask a nursing mother to cover up ONLY if it was brought up to me by another customer.
At Starbucks, we try to create a welcoming environment for all. And we know you baby wants to enjoy his/her latte as much as you want to enjoy yours.

But please don't yell at me if I'm only ASKING you politely to cover your nipple a bit, because someone else has decided it's my fault you are nursing.

No offense. I didn't ask you to nurse in the store. But if you want to, and it's not against health code, go ahead. Unless you're disturbing someone else.

Starbucks is for everyone. Not just some.

Thanks
barista, NorCal

[linds]

well i say if you are going to nurse in public. Which i did do! to cover up and if people still have a problem with it then TOO bad. I say if you are going to nurse in such a public place you should cover up. why would you want anyone else seeing that anyways..LOL?

I am sorry, I don't care if it is natural, if I am eating then I don't want to see your nipples and your child sucking on them. I don't think she should have had to go to the bathroom but at least cover it up. Childbirth is natural but yet your not gonna show your vagina to the world are you?

That's right what is with this liberal b.s.? If you think about it the whole lactate for lattes thing is gross b/c its making people associate the milk in the drinks to breastmilk which just makes me want to throw up a little in my mouth. Why not breastfeed somewhere that doesn't serve milky beverages?

And if these mothers are that concerned they had better be drinking decaf in their lattes to not taint their breast milk...

[Holden McCrank]

Yeah, I don't get why people are so uptight about breastfeeding. Even though I am a guy, I totally feel your pain ladies. The other day I was in a Starbucks and the barista was pretty hot, and I'm getting exciting looking at her so pretty soon I just whip it out and start spanking it. Now, I know what you're thinking--but it was cool. I totally covered up with a towel, so no one could see my junk. Anyway, I'm pounding away, really going to town on it, and all of a sudden this broad looks over at me and starts screaming. "OH MY GOD, HE's JERKING OFF!!!!" and then everyone's looking at me, and the barista looks over and her mouth drops open and let me tell you that was pretty hot 'cause she had on really red lipstick and I lost control and shot it off right then and there. But my tool was still covered by the towel so it's not like it went spraying all over the place. Maybe a tablespoon dribbled onto the floor, but I kind of scraped it around with my shoe. No big deal.

Anyway, they made a big deal about me carrying out a natural body function (basically the same as breastfeeding: squeeze it till something white comes out), but I was all covered up and shit, you couldn't see nothing but my fist jackhammering away under the towel.

So I know how youse all feel with the breastfeeding and what not. Stay strong, sisters.

Oh, and Starbucks has really good coffee too. I like the soy milk in mine. (Just wanted to stay on topic).

[imabarrista]

Holden, start posting again when you get out of High School. And pay attention in your Remedial Driver's Ed class.

Wait. Was this woman hot? Firm? Supple? I feel the same way about revealing clothing. If it's nice show it off. If not, put that shit away.

[KAREN]

As to these comments about "modesty"... It is absolutley appaling that someone is being barated for being modest about breastfeeding in public! Yes, breastfeeding is a natural thing, however, there is such a thing as common courtesy to others. I happen to love to burp. After I eat a good meal, it feels really good to just let one loose, but when I'm in public I do it discreetly. Why should I? It's perfectly natural. Some people are offended at that kind of display of a natural bodily function, that's why! Public breastfeeding? I'm all for it but come on people, have just a little respect and consideration for others and cover up a little. Starbucks is a public place, they sell coffee. I don't think a Starbucks employee asking her to cover up is a huge deal. The employee does have other customers to consider. Starbucks is not the place to put your foot down and shove your "right to publicly do a perfectly natural thing" down everyones throat who are just out for a good cup of coffee. It's extremely selfish.

[Jane - Been there and did it discretely]

I breast fed, my now 31 year old, son for 2 1/2 years. I, and several breast feeding mothers, was asked to leave Grapeland Heights Park in 1976. Roxy Bolton, of Coral Gables, was an advocate for us in the local and national media. Our "La Leche League" leader appeared on the Phil Donahue program with her breastfeeding son. The City of Miami apologized to us and we continued our weekly picnic's in the park. I still have the newspaper article with a picture of me and my son. Yes, he was being breastfed in the photo. One of the local television stations came to my home. We were taught, by the "La Leche League", to be discreet. I would not have revealed my breast in public.
If the reason for the ouster was breastfeeding, that is wrong, if for indiscretion and changing diapers on a table where people eat that is another article, all together.
I urge the mothers to continue breastfeeding, their babies, but exercise discretion.

[starr granby]

i really dont no if i am in the right place for my experience at starrbucks sunday july 2 2006, but when i was in starbucks today, i was treated discriminately because of race. i stood on line before several white customers and my order was placed last. when i ask the girl why she just looked dumb founded and said nothing. when i asked to speak to the manager she said she is the manager. i have been to starbucks many many times and have always enjoyed my trips there so i was very surprised to be treated in this manner. i know starbucks does not encourage such practice and was baffled why this young lady thought it was alright to disrespect me as a loyal customer of starbucks this way. what can be done about this young women who happens to be of african descent. this should never happen to anyone.

starr, thi shocks and disturbs me. Please contact Starbucks. This site is not affiliated with them.
http://www.starbucks.com/customer/contact_forms.asp?nav=3e

The poster above me is right contact Starbucks customer care. :)

They will be happy to help you.

[Boston Starbucks Rebel]

Sometimes I call the line backwards because it equals out in the end. Think about if customer a,b,c,d,e,f are all in line and you call the line from f then a is being served then e is asked then b is getting rung then c, and then d. It sounds weird but it works very well.

[Nosmo King]

Hi. I'm a member of La Lechery League, and I'd just like to encourage as many ladies as possible to breastfeed in Starbucks and elsewhere. Especially if you're young with firm breasts.

Thanks!

[Mommy]

Hi. Today I went to the American Museum of Natural History. I've always respected the museum, but I was quite offended when a security guard told me that I can't nurse in their exhibit because there's no food and drink allowed in that exhibit. I didn't feel like arguing about whether nursing should be considered as eating and drinking. However, I would really like to know my rights.

...so why are you surfing a starbucks site, instead of say - governmental sites?

you'd get better answers there, right from the horse's teet. :)