Nurse-in at Hirshhorn on 2/12 from 10-12

[Anonymous]

PP Every outcome you list in your post comes with an "if one person" statement, which means that you're walking into the museum in hopes that something will happen and that's it. It will be absolutely impossible to figure out "if one person" did what you hoped they would so it's tough to fail.

You also didn't explain why it would be a bad idea to write some letters and make some allies in high places, or any other ideas in addition to the nurse-in. I don't see how that could do anything but help. Makes me wonder if you are putting more weight on doing it how you want to or trying to do all you can to make it work. I'm NOT a lobbyist, but I find it hard to believe that saying "consider the fact that you're wrong" would work someone you're lobbying.

Unfortunately I think it says something about this whole matter. The fact is, if nothing gets done, nobody's really going to be harmed. Most of the middle class women on this board have access to breastfeeding because the laws are on our side. We are not Freedom Riders, people. Nobody here will be worse off if this is just a one-shot deal with no plans for anything else. Meanwhile the security guards who make like $30k and don't get paid maternity leave don't even have a place in the conversation. I wonder what lesson you're teaching them.

[Anonymous]

I don't get the zealous backlash against the breastfeeders. While I'm not passionate about BF (did it but didn't enjoy it), I can understand how some people are very into it and want to participate. Its no different that moms who are completely into organic foods. I'm not but again I understand that some are into it.

Who are these people that are so against breastfeeding in public or even a Nurse In? I really doubt that they deeply vested with the interests in the Hirshorn or have ever been there. Why on earth do you care?

If a bunch of organic eating moms parked themselves in front of McDonalds handing out veggie literature, I would think, OK, and then still go up and order my cheeseburger.

[Anonymous]

Can I take a different tack on this? I think the nurse in is a cool idea that sounds like something I would enjoy. However, I don't feel like my son would enjoy being in a crowded area around swarms of other people while he's nursing. So we aren't going because his happiness is more important than mine, and more important than me taking a public stance on something I feel strongly about.

[Anonymous]

AdequateParent wrote:

And do you know anything about grassroots politics and how influence works?)

Just wow. Such a sweet way to smack down another person, from a lobbyist by trade, no less, whose primary professional asset is good relationships.

But since PP apparently felt compelled to ask for a resume, I've worked in federal, state, and corporate campaigns for about 9 years now but I guess the closest thing to this particular project would be the series of over 75 regulatory and sub-regulatory recommendations my organization produced to present to the Obama Administration and for which I/we began lobbying during the transition (I'm not writing this on their dime. I'm an outside consultant now). I don't think that my resume makes my observations any more or less relevant; you asked.

From watching it unfold, I would not characterize the current project as a grassroots campaign for a variety of reasons, but regardless, my observations were about lasting and tangible action within the federal government, which in my experience can happen through persistent and well-crafted dialog with the relevant actors. Clearly there are other goals that can be achieved in other ways. I'm a pragmatist and I think we score a big win when somebody powerful tells a bunch of people they supervise that they have to do something. That's how I roll.

I'm proud of activist women, but I still find it unfortunate that no one is asking anyone with power to do anything specific nor asking any concerned citizen to take a specific action. It seems like a missed opportunity to use the energy and attention. I find it hard enough to get someone to do anything even when you HAVE asked them for something. And then you put yourself in a position when they do nothing, they've given you all you asked for.

I wish everybody a great day with good weather and no metro delays. L'Enfant Plaza station is closer than Smithsonian, BTW.

Toodles.

Uh, lobbyists are the lowest of the low. Complete scumbags, and Americans look down at them with utter contempt.

[Anonymous]

@17:15: even the lobbyists whp spent years getting the public breastfeeding laws past?

Even the ones that won mammogram coverage and the FMLA?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They are not promoting the cause of breastfeeding. Yes, I hope they look foolish because their 'nurse-in' is foolish. Re-read the rest of the thread if you don't understand by now.

Yes, I have read this entire thread and, like everyone else, have to put in my two cents. It seems that in an attempt to demonize Jennifer for all of her many posts, all of which were defensive responses to other posts, no one actually read what the event was about it. It is NOT a protest. It is an education event that consists mostly of handing out literature. Yes, the Smithsonian has apologized and are even supporting the event itself.

Seriously people, what is the problem?

This "nurse-in" educational group will not be allowed to hane out literature so, what then, is the purpose other than to make them look foolish? I hope they will not be allowed in the museum so that they cannot disrupt those who have come to see the art and sculpture at the museum.

[Anonymous]

I SO wish I were still BFing so I could be a part of this! Go boobies!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry for what happened to Nori.

Here's the thing though: BOTH she AND the security guard are GUILTY of the SAME thing--IGNORANCE. Had she known her rights, she could have politely informed the guard(s), and it may have very well ended there. If something matters to you, YOU have to be prepared to defend and protect it. You can't leave that up to others.

I've breastfed both my children and LOVED it. I think breastfeeding is best for baby and would encourage all moms who can to do so. And while the laws don't call for breastfeeding moms to exercise any discretion, I'd love to see that change. I've seen mothers with their breasts fully exposed while nursing become offended and upset when they start to attract too many glances and stares-- seriously? If privacy matters to you then make a greater effort to be discreet. (I'm not saying this was the case with Noriko; I'm just pointing out that it (breastfeeding) CAN be done in a way that makes others uncomfortable (but it doesn't HAVE to be), and that should not be discounted just because women have the right to breastfeed in public.)

Would all the moms up in arms about this be OK with a picture taken of them nursing being uploaded to the Internet for everyone and anyone to see?? The answer from all those who plan to particpate in the nurse-in and supporters should be "NO" because you can't control what OTHERS do or how others react to what you choose to do in PUBLIC. Know your rights and function within them, yes; but, to that, I would add be decent, discreet and considerate of others. That's not an unreasonable request.

A mistake was made; an apology was offered. I think that should be the end of story.

My two cents ...

Well written and intelligent two cents and I agree with you as do many, many who have posted and simply ask for discretion/coverup. This is not what those demonstrating tomorrow want. They hope for some sort of confrontation so they will be all over the news. I hope there is no violence perpetrated by any of these women but it would not surprie me.

Ladies who are going to the demonsration you 15 minutes of fame will probably be a 30-second blurb on local news because of far more important international news.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well written and intelligent two cents and I agree with you as do many, many who have posted and simply ask for discretion/coverup. This is not what those demonstrating tomorrow want. They hope for some sort of confrontation so they will be all over the news. I hope there is no violence perpetrated by any of these women but it would not surprie me.

Ladies who are going to the demonsration you 15 minutes of fame will probably be a 30-second blurb on local news because of far more important international news.

I don't know what the expectation of the organizers and perhaps some of the other participants is, and I'm sure that some might be raring for a fight and looking to bare all. I will be attending with my 11mo old. I have nursed in public in many places, and per earlier threads (anyone remember the Kim Kardashian thread?), have shown far far less flesh than I ever did in my 20s going out to a club or in a bikini top. As one attendee, I'll be quietly and discretely feeding my child as I would in any other place and time. Honestly, I might have a friend take a picture of us, to someday share with her. There will be nothing to "see" but if someone wants to take a picture, by all means. It'll be far more boring than a picture of many of the pieces of art hanging on the walls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well written and intelligent two cents and I agree with you as do many, many who have posted and simply ask for discretion/coverup. This is not what those demonstrating tomorrow want. They hope for some sort of confrontation so they will be all over the news. I hope there is no violence perpetrated by any of these women but it would not surprie me.

Ladies who are going to the demonsration you 15 minutes of fame will probably be a 30-second blurb on local news because of far more important international news.

I don't know what the expectation of the organizers and perhaps some of the other participants is, and I'm sure that some might be raring for a fight and looking to bare all. I will be attending with my 11mo old. I have nursed in public in many places, and per earlier threads (anyone remember the Kim Kardashian thread?), have shown far far less flesh than I ever did in my 20s going out to a club or in a bikini top. As one attendee, I'll be quietly and discretely feeding my child as I would in any other place and time. Honestly, I might have a friend take a picture of us, to someday share with her. There will be nothing to "see" but if someone wants to take a picture, by all means. It'll be far more boring than a picture of many of the pieces of art hanging on the walls.

I don't understand comparing your breast to art in a museum or sculpture at the Hirshhorn. It goes without saying that your breast is decidedly more boring that priceless works of art, in fact unless there is a teen aged boy around staring at your boob. Please don't let any milk squirt on art unless you can afford to replace.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I don't understand comparing your breast to art in a museum or sculpture at the Hirshhorn. It goes without saying that your breast is decidedly more boring that priceless works of art, in fact unless there is a teen aged boy around staring at your boob. Please don't let any milk squirt on art unless you can afford to replace.

Exactly my point - my breast and what I'm doing with it should be boring to anyone except me and my child. That it isn't something to get all excited over, unless you are my hungry child. No one will see it except my hungry child. Nothing for a teenage boy to stare at or anyone to take pictures of. At least from this quarter, there will be no bare-breasted, loud-protesting, raising-a-scene behavior. My point being that I have a feeling that many of the nursing pairs that will be there tomorrow will be doing nothing more disruptive and outlandish than taking up many of the benches as we find places to feed our kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The facebook page indicates that the event is canceled. Is that the case?

That isn't true!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hope so! My boyfriend and I had plans to go to the Hirshhorn tomorrow because we like the calm nature of the museum. We have changed our plans to avoid the noise.

Noise? What noise?

We're all going there to appreciate the art, meet Nori and feed our children if they get hungry. There will be no noise. You're misinformed!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know if event is still on?

It sure is!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I SO wish I were still BFing so I could be a part of this! Go boobies!!!

Supporters are also welcome.