MHAFB CC policy on breastfeeding

2015-04-22T22:12:20-04:00

So the Wing CC at Mountain Home AFB recently made a new policy regarding women breastfeeding in public. The social media sites are (rightly so) exploding over it. What are your thoughts?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 22 at 2015 10:42 PM

2015-04-22T22:42:50-04:00

It's the world we have become. Touchy, feely, and PC in every capacity or face lawsuits. I see momma whip the girls out for jr's lunch and I avert my eyes. But somone will have an issue with it so ......what to do? We come up with policies to offer them a place to do it, or ask that they cover up. If they don't want to cover up, they are asked to leave. Problem solved, everyone has their rights protected, etc. The government gets involved in much more than that, believe me. I saw a mother get handcuffed at Fort Campbell for spanking her unruly out of control screaming spoiled brat. 99% of the store said "thank God", some rudely applauded, and one called the MP's. Off she went. My old man swung that 1970's extra wide leather belt like a samurai sword. When I first joined the military, it seemed like you couldn't get credit for working that day util you did PT till someone puked, dropped 100 "F-bombs" , and slammed a few people into wall lockers for screwing up. 25 years later and I honestly don't see how you key leaders make it through the day. Cutting a fart might now be a career ender. I don't see things getting better either.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 11:14 PM

2015-04-22T23:14:29-04:00

I'm very supportive of breast feeding as whole. It offers a whole host of benefits to the child as well as several to the parents. However, a mother exposing her breasts in a public setting is going to cause a disturbance. Right or wrong, they're part of the feminine form most males will pay attention to. Furthermore, without a child present it's called public indecency. I don't think it's "sexist" to ask for a little modesty on the part of the mother. The policy outlines required accommodations for the mothers, so I don't see what the issue is.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 22 at 2015 11:35 PM

2015-04-22T23:35:39-04:00

I agree with breastfeeding, and a mothers right to do so anywhere. I disagree with making a policy letter on this. As a former Garrison Commander, I would making policy letter on this is just plain stupid... to say the least... TSgt Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Apr 22 at 2015 11:42 PM

2015-04-22T23:42:08-04:00

Forward that memo to the IG. Col Iverson is breaking the law.

Public Law 108-199, 118 STAT. 357, Section 629:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a woman
may breastfeed her child at any location in a Federal building
or on Federal property, if the woman and her child are otherwise
authorized to be present at the location

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 12:13 AM

2015-04-23T00:13:44-04:00

I find it slightly disturbing that all of the comments so far on here are from men.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 7:12 AM

2015-04-23T07:12:49-04:00

As a military mom who breastfed, this memo is very backhanded. One one side, it looks as if they are attempting to accommodate mothers, while at the same time, trying to hide us.
If I am at the PX running and errand, and my daughter starts screaming that she is hungry, I don't want to have walk around looking for a customer service rep to ask to be shown to a room where I can feed my child. I am going to find the nearest chair, get my cover out, and feed my baby & play on the phone.
I don't know if that was his intent, but that was how it made me feel. They could do what many places have done and designate a nursing room.
I have had all sorts of weird things happen while nursing, I have been given high-5s, hugs, scowled at, been told I'm disgusting. It can be such a divisive activity.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Apr 23 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-04-23T14:54:55-04:00

http://www.mountainhome.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123446020

Mountain Home Air Force Base Commander Rescinds Policy

The 366th Fighter Wing Commander, Col. David Iverson, has issued the following official statement regarding the recent policy letter on breastfeeding in public spaces on-base. "Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention. I respect and appreciate all of the comments and feedb

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Apr 23 at 2015 3:17 PM

2015-04-23T15:17:08-04:00

I don't believe it is too much to ask to breastfeed in private or to cover-up. Most women I know or have known would never purposely expose their breasts in public, breastfeeding or not.

I also don't buy the "it's natural" argument as justification to breastfeed in public without covering up. It is natural to urinate also, however, I don't foresee anyone jumping to my defense if I decided to pee in the TV section of the PX.

All one need do is practice a little discretion...

Response by SFC Joseph James made Apr 23 at 2015 6:15 PM

2015-04-23T18:15:46-04:00

Breastfeeding is natural! My wife does it and if someone said anything she would put her shoe straight up their assess. The baby needs food you don't need to watch!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 24 at 2015 3:39 AM

2015-04-24T03:39:28-04:00

I am really amazed they do not want to charge a nursing mother with public nudity and put them on the sex offender list.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 11:23 AM

2015-04-24T11:23:32-04:00

I'm conflicted. I get the whole military conduct and level of control with things in the military but I don't believe civilians or any woman at that should be subject to this. Breastfeeding is natural and at times a necessity. Who are we to control that process? If anything we should control the damn perverts and disrespectful idiots we have that stare and make these women uncomfortable.

IT IS A NATURAL PROCESS. IT IS NOT AS IF A MOTHER IS REVEALING HER BODY FOR SEXUAL PURPOSES!

I do kind of agree with the preference of having a private room because certain mothers prefer that, but it should be their choice whether they want to publicly feed or not.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Apr 24 at 2015 11:43 AM

2015-04-24T11:43:06-04:00

I think we make too big a deal out of breastfeeding. As a country we get too wrapped up about all the wrong things... breastfeeding is one of them. Yeah breasts "Can" be sexual but they dont have to be, its a reflection of our society that breastfeeding is seen this way and not seen how they should be.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 5:34 AM

2015-04-25T05:34:46-04:00

They're feeding their kid. People need to quit treating it like it's something it's not. If they have a problem with it, then maybe they need a reality check.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Apr 25 at 2015 10:21 AM

2015-04-25T10:21:48-04:00

It sounds like a completely rational decision. It isn't saying "Don't Breastfeed on my base" nor is it saying "go ahead and whip 'em out whenever/wherever you want". I honestly see nothing to get in arms about with it. I think some people will gripe on social media about anything.

Response by SMSgt James Williams made Apr 25 at 2015 10:32 AM

2015-04-25T10:32:42-04:00

I heard the policy was rescinded shortly after it went viral. Any truth to that? I hope so.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 10:46 AM

2015-04-25T10:46:02-04:00

This topic again??? Let it be if a female wants to breastfeed let her do so. Or buy a pump which my wife prefer so she can give our child what he needs without having to dress down or grab a towel to protect her parts and his face from the elements I.e the sun or dust. However in not saying everyone should do as we do because that's not the case the issue is not allowing women to do what's natural to them. I support breastfeeding wherever. On a similar topic a lady i don't remember her name Anyway she protest for women to have the right to walk around topless in NYC just as men do. I'm yet to see a topless woman in the city. So my final thought is just let it go and whoever chooses to do it will and the rest will continue to do what the prefer.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 25 at 2015 11:02 AM

2015-04-25T11:02:10-04:00

Unfortunately the world continues mandating behavior in response to lack of respect either way, usually by both ends of the bell curve, not the vast majority in the middle. You can make your own guesses about the motivation behind any formal policy. One thing for sure, the lawyers weigh in on what reduces the likelihood of being sued, and if sued, what's the cheapest outcome.

Attempts to make everyone happy usually makes your the target.

Response by SPC Michael Frugoli made Apr 25 at 2015 11:11 AM

2015-04-25T11:11:00-04:00

Breastfeeding has been around forever. And is how some babies eat. The human body is not taboo. And feeding a child shouldn't be either. I think once you've seen boobs you have seen them all. Deal with it. And stop being immature

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 2:50 PM

2015-04-26T14:50:19-04:00

Ummm....who gives a damn if this activity is already protected by law?

Where was this colonel's NCO advisor on this one? I wouldn't touch this issue with a 10ft pole.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 7:09 PM

2015-04-26T19:09:08-04:00

Not sure on what your choices mean.

What will get the Colonel in trouble is the part about asking the nursing mother who chooses to not utilize the private area or a nursing cover to leave. The office can offer a place or provide a cover, noone can require her to utilize either one.

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Apr 26 at 2015 9:22 PM

2015-04-26T21:22:16-04:00

Apparently, the order was rescinded.