Breastfeeding Rights at McKenna Children’s Museum (New Braunfels, Texas)

I sent off this missive to McKenna Children’s Museum this morning.  If you feel so moved, please send a letter as well.  Their contact information follows:

801 West San Antonio Street
New Braunfels, Texas 78130
P (830) 606-9525
F (830) 606-9581
info@mckenna.org

This is just another step on the path to removing the stigma from breastfeeding that is so common in American culture.  Thank you!

Dear Sir or Madam;

I write to you to express my concern regarding an incident that happened at your facility yesterday. Three acquaintances of mine were at McKenna Children’s Museum with their children. Regrettably, when two of them breastfed their younger children in a common area while their older children were playing, they were approached by a representative of your facility and asked to nurse in a separate room due to a complaint from a fellow museum patron. This makes me very sad and angry on so many levels.

You must be aware that a mother’s right to breastfeed her child where ever she is legally allowed to be is protected by Texas State Law. For your benefit, I provide the text of the statute below:
Texas Statutes
Health & Safety Code Title 2.
Chapter 165. Breast Feeding

SUBCHAPTER A. BREAST-FEEDING RIGHTS AND POLICIES

Sec. 165.001. LEGISLATIVE FINDING. The legislature finds that breast-feeding a baby is an important and basic act of nurture that must be encouraged in the interests of maternal and child health and family values. In compliance with the breast-feeding promotion program established under the federal Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. Section 1771 et seq.), the legislature recognizes breast-feeding as the best method of infant nutrition.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., Ch. 600, SS1, eff. Aug . 28, 1995.

Sec. 165.002. RIGHT TO BREAST-FEED. A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be.

This is a direct quote from the Department of State Health Services website, and can also be found at this link: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/lactate/mother.shtm#item2

I am a mother of 2 young children, a preschooler and 4 month old child. Especially during these very warm summer months, we often seek relief from the heat in facilities such as yours. While I think it is wonderful to have a separate, private family/nursing room for those who choose to use them, I know my rights as stated by Texas Law. I have always heard wonderful things about McKenna Children’s Museum and regret that yesterday’s incident has made me resolute in not giving your facility my patronage until I am can be assured that my rights as a breastfeeding mother will actually be respected by your staff and volunteers.

I belong to a large network of mothers here in Austin, and intend to share my concerns about this protected right with them as well. It is my hope that you can find a positive resolution to this situation, educate your staff and volunteers about Texas law concerning breast feeding and work to make your facility mother-friendly.

Sincerely,

Katrina