dirty rotten breasts +update

I'm not confrontational. I have my opinions and often share them-but I'm not extremely aggresive. In fact I like to take the approach of live and let live. Instead of wasting valuable energy fighting against something, I prefer to just have a postitive attitude toward the things I do like. I try not to let the people who are negative, offensive, pushy, hypocritical, passive-aggressive, manipulative, demeaning, and hurtful keep me from living the life I want to live. I don't actively fight for what I believe in. I'll sign a petition or two, vote, give to charity, and support my beliefs in other passive ways. But occasionally I get the urge to write a letter or two. This time I actually did it. I sent it too! A short version to the RC journal and a longer version to the business that offended me. I also posted it to an internet group of other natural mama's-they can choose their actions or inactions. As for me, I said my peace and let it go. I'm of course posting it here too complete with more commentary at the bottom...

~I’ve been breastfeeding my second child for six months. While I’ve not been shy about doing it in public I’ve maintained some modesty during the process. My torso (from my shoulders to my waist) has remained mostly covered by a nursing tank top and t-shirt. The skin on my chest not covered by my baby’s arms and head is, from nearly every angle but my own, not much more exposed than if I’d wear a low cut blouse. I’ve breastfed like this in shopping centers, parks, restaurants, and other people’s homes. If anyone has made any rude remarks or given awkward stares, I’ve not noticed. In fact I’ve been pleased with the general lack of uncomfortable reactions. I believe much of society is at least tolerant of public breastfeeding and a growing number are realizing how acceptable it should be. However there are still some who are ignorant to it benefits and try to make it a shameful thing.
A few days ago my family and some friends went to Watiki Water Park in Rapid City, SD. I was wearing a swimsuit with a skirt, a halter bikini top, and a tank top over it. A few minutes after I started breastfeeding a staff member came to our table and told my husband that I needed to cover up if I was going to breastfeed. Imagine my reaction! The water park is always packed with nearly nude people of every age and size. Everywhere you look you can see well endowed women with string bikini tops, wafer thin teens with swim bottoms sitting well below their belly buttons, overweight and obese people with large cellulite thighs, jiggle bellies, and hairy man boobs. In comparison I was showing very little if not less than most people in the water park. While all this exposed skin and the less than perfect physiques get noticed, mostly the focus is on having fun. I was shocked for the first time in my breastfeeding experience.
What really surprised me is that Watiki is a family friendly environment yet they weren’t supporting something that many families do. Who better than parents understand that children need to be fed? Seeing a woman breastfeeding provides the perfect opportunity for a parent to teach a child. It gives them a rare visual example of how breasts are not limited to the sexual objects portrayed in the media. Apparently it’s a lesson that some adults need to learn as well. Maybe if more business, especially ones that cater to families would support breastfeeding than the ignorance toward it would be eliminated. Perhaps more mothers would be brave enough to bare that tiny sliver of breast skin for the benefit of better nourishment, passed down antibodies, and the bonding experience that breastfeeding provides.
I ask that people and businesses support us breastfeeding mothers in doing what comes naturally. Stop making breastfeeding a dirty shameful thing. Support us and we will support you.~

I guess the situation irked me for a few reasons. First off it was the first time after 6 months of breastfeeding that someone reacted so negatively. I thought I was in the clear. I thought I didn't attract that kind of attention. I still don't think I attracted it so much as a negative. More as something to remind me that "hey there really are people like this out there and this is why lots of women choose not to breastfeed-they don't want to be humiliated-so maybe you should help educate the ignorance". Initially I got mad but it was more shock. Later I got kinda annoyed when I realized that the lady directed it at my husband and not me. Then I felt a little hurt and disappointed that my husband didn't support me-especially because he is good at dealing with confrontational people and diffusing those situations. Then five minutes later I got over it. I had fun. But during the two more times I was breastfeeding-not covered by the way-I let my mind compose a letter.

+update-So I posted my letter to the mother's collective list-a group of natural mama's. I underestimated their speed and power.Lots of them called and one had quite the exchange. Here's her post...

"Ladies,

I want to let everyone know that Brian just called me back from Watiki. He had the meeting with the supervisors and talked to his supervisor about this matter. He also made me aware that it will be coming up at the meeting with his staff later this evening.

He said that another guest complained about Amy BF in the park and the super on duty felt compelled to try to make everyone happy. Today that super and all other supers at the Watiki were informed that BREASTFEEDING IS ALLOWED at the Watiki and if a guest complains they will be told to not look at the BF Mom if it makes them uncomfortable, but that she is in all rights to feed her child.

I also offered my phone # to be given out to any staff members that may have questions on breastfeeding.

Through not getting mad and threatening not to come back and just calmly explaining and educating him on the subject, he was willing to take care of this situation ASAP upon learning about it. It is now a policy of Watiki and every staff member will be made known to this fact.

Having businesses and employees, I totally understand how sometimes we don't have control over the employee and their actions. But given a chance the head of the business would have handled the situation much MUCH differently. And given a chance the head of the business would make it known to everyone that the actions taken were unacceptable.

To the other Amy, I brought up your situation and he said he felt bad that you cancelled your reservations but he needed to talk to his super and the others there before he could make a decision for the park since he wasn't the "TOP" supervisor/manager there.

He did say that he got several calls today about this matter! YEAH!! And he was happy that we all brought it to his attention. He was very kind with me and did take care of it and then called me back right away to tell me the outcome of the meeting.

I wanted to share this with all of you as I was disappointed to hear of the situation Amy went through. Now after speaking with Brian, I am convinced that if I go there I will not have any problems feeding my babe there for the next 3 years."