Burger King apologizes to woman over breast-feeding incident

KRNV ^ | 11/11/03

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Utah-AP -- Burger King has given a generic apology to a woman who claims she was told to stop breast-feeding her baby in a Utah restaurant.

Kate Geary says she was made to "feel like a criminal" when an employee told her to either stop the feeding or leave the dining room.

Geary asked for an apology from the fast-food company -- which issued a prepared statement today, apologizing for "any inconvenience" any guests suffered.

Burger King says an employee was responding to another customer who was uncomfortable with Geary breast-feeding her baby in the restaurant.

Utah state law gives women the right to breast-feed anywhere.

[sarasmom]

Oh, and I never, ever, breastfed my baby while driving.
(old thread)

[occam's chainsaw]

I was raised that it was impolite to attend openly to certain private bodily functions that others might normally consider rude and offensive in our society.

I think we're on the same page here. The argument that breastfeeding "is natural" and therefore a woman should be permitted to whip out a breast anywhere and anytime has never held water with me. It is simply NOT a logical or practical argument. Whether it is natural, or even legal, is not necesarrily the issue here. The question is whether or not it is appropriate.

[F.J. Mitchell]

Gotta ask you HOTD,just what is the wrong way for a Mother to breast feed her hungry baby? If she didn't strip to the waist and twirl a tassle with the other breast as she fed the baby, I would say that in a rational setting of civilized people, she was doing nothing wrong.

Some people don't like breasts, some people don't like babies, that is their problem. They can solve it by ordering at the drive through and eating in the car.

[F.J. Mitchell]

"The question is whether or not it is appropriate."

And who is to decide whether or not it is appropriate,some simple minded prude at the next table?

[BSunday]

was responding to another customer who was uncomfortable

These people have some real problems. Most breast feeding women are extremely discreet. It's not like she let her boobs flop out or anything. Jeez, give it a rest.

[HairOfTheDog]

I think my later replies will answer your question. :~D

[occam's chainsaw]

And who is to decide whether or not it is appropriate

The taxpayers should set the standards for their own respective local communities (to some extent, of course). It seems to have worked well for the past 200+ years. Why would it be any different for breastfeeding?

[occam's chainsaw]

Sorry, but I never "whipped" out a breast. No one ever saw it, and it didn't smell like some other bodily functions.

And I never accused you of such actions. Why are you apologizing to me?

Did you take something I posted as some sort of personal attack on you?

[occam's chainsaw]

I would say that in a rational setting of civilized people, she was doing nothing wrong.

Were you there? I'm still wondering what exactly happened. The only information I have is at the top of this thread. The article doesn't offer any details, and even if it did there would be no way to verify the accuracy of the report.

Was her breast exposed? Was it covered? Was she swinging a tassle on her other breast? Who knows?

How can you be so sure that she did nothing wrong and why are you getting so worked up defending this woman? Is she a close personal friend or family?

[F.J. Mitchell]

You can't go anywhere these days without seeing breasts over 50 percent exposed in great numbers. (not that I am complaining, mind you.) It never ceases to amaze me that the only partially exposed breasts the prudes are complaining about, are the ones at work providing nutrients to infants.

[Protect the Bill of Rights]

The baby can get an excellent flow of milk as well as air to breathe and Mom can be discreet. Did it with all 3 of mine. No one even knew they were nursing.

I would try to find a quiet corner, but sometimes it was just not possible. Nursing in public does not have to be a boob show.

[occam's chainsaw]

Well, I really don't know which prudes you are referring to, but you appear to be losing your temper and it seems as if you are directing your anger towards me.

I think it's safe to say that there are a lot of people (whom you lovingly refer to as "prudes") in our country who think it's innapropriate, or even offensive, to expose breasts in public. As many women on this thread have pointed out, it is not difficult to breastfeed discreetly and without exposing breasts. I really don't see the point in refusing to take a few simple measures to maintain a little peace and harmony. The world could certainly use a little (actually a LOT) more courtesy, don't you think?

[maxwell]

Bwahahaaa...

[July 4th]

Otherwise, what is a mother supposed to do? Feed the baby in the filthy restroom?

Hey, she's already feeding it in the Burger King!

By the way, I think it's time to invoke the grade school rule: Don't give food away unless you've brought enough for everyone.

[maxwell]

what is a mother supposed to do? Feed the baby in the filthy restroom?

Aw, feed the kid catsup. Get him started early.

I don't see what the big deal is. I don't have problems with people breast-whipping. Unless...

[richtig_faust]

My wife never breast fed in public. If you're too stupid to feed the kid before you leave or use a breast pump you're too stupid to breed. perhaps me taking a "natural" crap in front of your kids would be acceptable too ???

[F.J. Mitchell]

I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I was losing my temper and directing my anger toward you. The truth is I seldom ever lose my temper anymore, and never on here.

I am aware that women can breast feed without showing much if any breast and they should. I am also aware that there are people always on the lookout for something to be shocked and indignant about. Those people would require the lady to take her baby to the toilet or out to the car to feed it. I just feel she deserves a little consideration too.

You are absolutely right about this world needing more courtesy. More courtesy would probably go a long way toward solving many of the problems in our civilization.

At least I didn't call the prudes, old fuddyduddies.

[occam's chainsaw]

...there are people always on the lookout for something to be shocked and indignant about.
I know what you mean - I've known way too many people who fit this description!

Those people would require the lady to take her baby to the toilet or out to the car to feed it. I just feel she deserves a little consideration too.
They deserve more than a little consideration! I agree 100%. My wife is due with our first child on March 23rd. She plans to breastfeed discreetly when in public and if any prudish fuddyduddies have a problem with it, they will have to deal with me.