Post by Alwaysabridesmaidf on Jan 31, 2015 23:25:49 GMT -5
Today at our local art museum. She was probably 50 years old. The baby got hungry while we were walking around so I went and sat in the children's area on a bean bag to give her a bottle. She stormed over and told me that it was absolutely forbidden to have any liquids in the museum and that I had to stop feeding her or go out to (the freezing cold) lobby. Then she proceeded to tell me that if I were breastfeeding this wouldn't have been a problem. I felt stupid because it never crossed my mind that a bottle wouldn't have been ok and I guess it should have but I was pissed at her for the mommy shaming. Also why is breastfeeding ok but I can't feed my baby from a bottle?! I then went to an area where they usually hold functions with food and drink. I was told I couldn't have the bottle there either. When I mentioned that I had been to several functions in that room with food and drink, the other woman said "yes but not during business hours." What?? They hold freaking weddings there. Will a bottle do more harm then drunk party goers? I ended up feeding her in a coat closet. And then I left. This was at an event sponsored by my work. I want to complain but part of me thinks it's not worth it. I'm really sad because I love the museum but I don't think I will be going back.
Post by vanillacourage on Jan 31, 2015 23:43:59 GMT -5
I used to work in outreach at a museum. I would absolutely contact them. I'd try the head of visitor services because your issue was in how you were generally treated. They will coordinate with volunteer management.
Fuck them! If the TSA makes exceptions for baby formula, so should they.
And I wish I was still lactating so I could go over there and demonstrate how breastfeeding can ruin exhibits just as easily as a baby bottle. Heh.
Lol seriously. It's not like I was running around squirting the bottle all over the exhibits. I think I will email them in the morning. If nothing else, they should have a warm semi comfortable place to feed a baby. Especially because they boast about being so kid friendly.
A docent did this? And not a security guard? That's bizarre. (Not that anyone should have spoken to you like that, of course.) I would definitely complain. I'm sure the museum would want to know that a docent is making them look bad.
I understand their rule within the exhibit, and even the exception for Breastfeeding (since you can't accidentally spill a boob...though the talented can spray on command!). However, unless you specifically asked for that information,she had no business bringing it up. I understand the "slippery slope" side of it...what about an 8 month old with mum mums, then goldfish, etc. They could move things or prepare the area differently when functions involving food are held (though it didn't sound like she tried to explain any of that to you.) BUT there was no need to be short or rude to you. That is the real problem. I would absolutely complain about the way it was handled, but probably not the situation/rule itself.
OH MY GOD. Seriously, reading this made my eyes pop almost all the way out of my head. I would have given them a big F you and sat in that chair, and fed my baby. I can't believe that shit!!!
This is nuts. I get a no food or drink rule but you think they would accommodate a feeding mother. Lots of strongly worded emails need to happen along with a mention on social media.
Post by ProfessorArtNerd on Feb 1, 2015 6:33:04 GMT -5
You have to complain! We're you sitting directly under an exhibit or something?
Wait, no, it doesn't matter. I don't take issue with the feeding in the exhibition room. If that's the rule, that's the rule. But she can't b allowed to get away with the breastfeeding shit. That's rdiculous Make some noise
Ridiculous. Call the museum directly and complain. I would casually mention it at work (if asked if you had a good time) but not make it a huge issue there.
Write a well worded email to the museum director. Docents are largely volunteer & often difficult to train. Knowing that this kind of blatant discrimination is ongoing In the museum will horrify the director & surely lead to sweeping retraining of all staff.
Post by Booze Raccoon on Feb 1, 2015 7:26:51 GMT -5
Maybe if there is an event and something happens they can hold them liable? I don't know. I guess breastfeeding is okay because you can't spill?? I'm reaching
No matter what, that was shitty and an exception should be made for babies.
Oh hell no!! She was telling you that had you been breastfeeding it would have been okay because that is a right but bottle feeding isn't. This pisses me off so Fing bad. I'd make this a PR nightmare for them.
WTF? I would most definitely complain and probably say something about it on their social media platforms as well (that always seems to get the ball rolling quicker for companies). The breastfeeding comment was 100% out of line, as was her attitude.
She could have said, "I'm so sorry, but we unfortunately cannot allow any liquids, including babies' bottles, in this area, but I would be happy to show you to XYZ area, where you can comfortably feed instead" and then walked you there and made sure you were comfortable. Although I think it's silly that bottles are not allowed at all, at least the above scenario would have not made me angry and you would have been treated politely.
I would've pulled out my phone, taken a photo of her (including name tag), and attached it to my very well-written e-mail complaint.
And I'd probably get some kind of free museum membership as a result. LOL.
"What is your name?" Is one of the best lines against stupid, ridiculous people. I can't tell you the panick and stammering I've caused when some puffed-up, over zealous, idiot employee tried this kind of crap on me.
A camera phone and photo are BRILLIANT and I highly agree.