--- "Gibson, Cecelia" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> We would like to include breast-feeding in this category as
> it is technically a food source.

I'm not a mom, but there is a big difference between bringing in a drink that
could be spilled on exhibits and getting milk "straight from the source" so to
speak.

> Recently, we had an incident where a young
> mother needed to feed her infant and decided that, since seating was
> provided in the gallery, to stay in the exhibition space to breast-feed.  My
> question to the list is, do you allow breast-feeding in your exhibition
> spaces, and if so, why?  If not, how do you approach the situation without
> offending the visitor?

Trust me, the backlash from not allowing breast-feeding in exhibit spaces will
be really undesirable. The message you will be sending is that your museum is
ultimately not kid friendly, which will effect visitors of all ages, not just
mothers with babies.

The polite alternative is to have a breast-feeding or family room with a nice
couch for mother's who need to breast-feed or pump. I've seen them in other
museums and think they are a great idea. Plus it will help keep visitors in the
museum longer since mother's won't feel that they have to leave the museum to
feed their children. The room can also be used for "quiet time" for children
(and adults :) who need it which will allow the rest of the family or group to
enjoy the museum without everyone having to leave.

And honestly, what is wrong with a mother wanting to breast-feed in an exhibit
with seating? Changing diapers is one thing. Breast-feeding is sanitary, quiet
and perfectly natural. And think of it this way, a child who is being
breast-fed cannot cry or scream at the same time.

Deb


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