Title: Rigby’s Water World Updates Policy in Support of Breastfeeding Rights.
A report of breastfeeding discrimination at Rigby’s Water World sparked a public outcry and led to changes in their policies.
The incident, which involved a nursing mother by the name of Francis, highlights the challenges faced by breastfeeding women in public settings and the importance of upholding their rights.
Francis recounted a situation in which she was asked to stop nursing her baby while in the water at a water park.
When a woman approached her and enforced the “no breastfeeding” ban after she had already started nursing her child, she thought it was a terrible joke at first but was horrified by the act.
She made an effort to stop out of respect, but it was difficult once the baby had a hold of her.
Surprisingly, the water park’s rules made no mention of kids other than the requirement that infants wear swim diapers, which Francis’s son dutifully did.
She requested a manager’s help because she was confused and frustrated, but was only told, “No food or drinks in the water. ”.
Francis shared her dissatisfaction on social media, emphasizing how her breast was underwater while she was breastfeeding her child and the milk went straight into the child’s mouth.
She questioned the priorities of a water park that seemed more focused on breast milk than other bodily fluids in the water. She was there to feed her baby, a natural and protected right, not to consume food in the water.
Francis emphasized that Georgia law, which permits breastfeeding in any location where the mother and child are authorized to be, protects the practice and that it is legal.
Notably, breastfeeding is legal in all 50 states, including Georgia, and only 31 of them consider it to be a form of public indecency, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
As word of the incident spread and people banded together to support Francis’ cause, Rigby’s Water World came under increasing pressure. Two days after the incident, Francis received a personal apology from Steve Brown, the water park’s vice president of operations.
Rigby’s swiftly revised its breastfeeding policy and informed staff members of the relevant legal issues.
Breastfeeding had always been permitted in other parts of the park, according to Brown. He claimed that their previous policy, which forbade breastfeeding in the river and prohibited eating or drinking in the pools, was in accordance with health department regulations.
However, after reconsidering their stance, speaking with aquatic facility experts, and learning about the law allowing breastfeeding anywhere women are permitted, Rigby’s decided to permit nursing in the pools.
Brown acknowledged the legal misunderstanding and took full responsibility for the “misguided” policy. After the incident, Rigby’s Water World changed its rules to permit mothers to discreetly nurse their infants anywhere on the park’s property.
Francis was disappointed and hesitant to visit Rigby’s again because, despite the revised policy and the apology, the water park chose not to reinstate her seasonal pass.
The incident is a stark reminder of breastfeeding mothers’ challenges in society, where some experience stigma and discrimination.
An advancement in recognizing and defending the rights of breastfeeding women can be seen in Francis’ support and the policy changes at Rigby’s Water World.
Although this story has a happy ending, it demonstrates the need for greater breastfeeding rights awareness and education. Incidents like this highlight the importance of a more accepting and open society, and breastfeeding mothers should be allowed to nurse their babies wherever they choose.
By supporting and advocating for breastfeeding rights, we foster a more loving environment for women and their children.
