So a Vancouver mother plans to complain to the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal after employees interrupted her breast feeding at an H & M clothing store.
While her hubby tried on clothes, Manuela Valle decided to nurse her baby daughter - until workers directed her to a changing room they had assigned for such practices.
(All this time, I realize, I've been drilling holes in the wrong dressing rooms.)
Anyhoo, the leaky lady says the employees made her feel like a shoplifter - so she complained. And so, breast feeding advocates have now organized a "nurse in" at the store. I dont know what that is exactly, but I'm seriously thinking of arriving in a diaper.
And maybe that's why I sympathize with the store. I mean, as a dude, I am hardwired to stare at breasts. Sorry - it's a biological fact, backed up by reams of data proving mammaries are magnets for the male eye. Apparently, breasts are designed mostly to attract men to the front of a woman, so, they will engage in sex that leads to reproduction, and species survival. It's nature's neon sign that says, "Hey, stupid - not the butt - over here."
So naturally, when I see a naked breast in public - even with a baby attached - I can't help but stare. Then, when I'm caught by the mom, I feel uncomfortable - and I end up having to leave the store (and if you're wondering what I'm doing at Baby Gap in the first place - that's none of your business).
So, if you want to breast feed in public - fine by me. But then don't get pissed if someone like me ends up looking. It's not my fault - same as it isn't your fault to feel compelled to feed your baby. In a sense, my eyes are like two little infants, who also need sustenence. You can understand that, right?
So I'll see you at the nurse in. I'll be the one in the bib.