12 News at 11 on Applebee's nurse-in

As part of a nation-wide protest against Applebee's Restaurants for their refusal to follow state laws, local protesters are scheduled to meet Saturday, September 8 at 12 p.m. at the Applebee's Restaurant on 9601 W Broad St, Glen Allen, VA.

Protests were instigated after an Applebee's in Kentucky violated state law by harassing Brooke Ryan, a breastfeeding mother, by insisting that she cover her baby with a blanket in order to avoid "indecent exposure" while nursing. Efforts to contact the company about the state laws in place to protect breastfeeding mothers ended after a two-month delay with a letter from Applebee's legal department that the chain would consider keeping blankets on hand and require breast-feeding women to cover themselves.


Three goals are at the focus of the national protest:

1. For Applebees to adopt and implement an official breastfeeding friendly policy as soon as possible.

2. Education and training of all employees regarding the breastfeeding policy.

3. Breastfeeding supporters to encourage their legislators to amend their state law to include an enforcement provision.

"Because most public breastfeeding laws do not provide a clear remedy for women who are harassed or discriminated against," said Salem Hamilton, Executive Director of Birth Without Boundaries, International, "we are asking for breastfeeding supporters across the country to encourage their legislators to add enforcement provisions to their state's laws that would provide the protection women and babies need."

On Friday, August 31, 2007, the official corporate response as given by Mr. Alex Bressette, Applebee's corporate office's International Guest Relations Manager, was, "Applebee's strives to provide a comfortable and enjoyable environment for all our guests. Our policies regarding breastfeeding are consistent with the laws of the states in which we operate."

In the spirit of the existing diversity and inclusion policy published by Applebee's Restaurants, Birth Without Boundaries, Intl. is asking the corporation to adopt and implement an official breastfeeding friendly policy. According to UNICEF, if infants worldwide were fed only mother's milk for their first six months, at least 1.3 million lives a year would be saved.

The September 8, 2007 event is sponsored by Birth Without Boundaries, International; a Pennsylvania based non profit organization committed to eliminating restrictions placed on birthing mothers and their babies.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• applebee's
• breastfeeding
• lactivism
• richmond

[amyphilo]

"Breastfeed in a respectful manner"???????????? And how exactly is that? There is nothing disrespectful to anyone about breastfeeding. If I came up to a bottle feeding mother and told her to bottle feed in a respectful manner I bet that everyone would think I was nuts. Let's stop harassing moms for feeding their kids! If you are sick enough to have a problem with breastfeeding, go to counseling, don't try to stop other moms from doing what is normal.

[alystyn]

Dear lord, breastfeeding isn't indecent exposure. Grow up people.

[Trama316]

These mothers are complaining just to draw attention to themselves. They Probably are bored sitting at home and want something to do. I was a waiter and when a mother nursed it didn't bother me but I had fun with it. Just keep staring at her boobs. If she says anything just say you took it out. People need to lighten up and moms need to stop complaining about everything.

[chicago6584]

Yeah it's natural and all that jazz but come on people, I don't need to see that shit while I'm eating. Shitting is also natural but I don't do it in the booth at Applebees

[PettoPrincess88]

the breast is not sexual it is for feeding babies so get over yourselves and grow up!

[PettoPrincess88]

@LoveUNotWithoutGrace boobs are for feeding babies not for you to stare at.

[angelahk28f]

If she was being discreet no one would have noticed...

[Noeygrl]

I have bf all 3 of my kids until 14mths of age, I have done it in public.. if i cant find a place, but I always cover up. IF I have to look at women who wear low cut shirts, and tight shorts with cellulite legs and muffin tops, you can see the top of my boob a little, its no more than if i wore a low cut shirt, get over it...this culture is soo sex driven and skin driven, i dont get the big deal. just cover a little women, its not hard...

[rimidalv47]

come on people if i was going to pay 20 fucking dollers for a meal just to see some fat bitches tits hanging out im gonna fucking complain why cant the bitch get up and walk five fucking feet to the bathroom or at least were a fucking blanket!!!! if women say that they are allowed to have their tit hanging out in public then why dont we all just get rid of clothes all together seriously people its the 21 fucking century be civil god damn it

[Janini36]

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