AIBU to think KLM's breastfeeding 'policy' is absurd?

[Celebelly]

'Breastfeeding is permitted at KLM flights. However, to ensure that all our passengers of all backgrounds feel comfortable on board, we may request a mother to cover herself while breastfeeding, should other passengers be offended by this.'

This was posted on their official Twitter today.

'Permitted'. Thank god it's 'permitted' to feed your child.

AIBU to think this is ridiculous?

There does seem to be a popular misconception (probably promoted by adverts) that breastfeeding women have to be stripped to the waist. I've never understood why adverts have to show women with boobs out feeding their babies.

I breastfed all five of mine, everywhere and anywhere, usually by shoving them up my jumper or under my T shirt and not one person complained, ever.

Oh dear
Most mum's feed without whipping their whole tit out (not that it would matter if they did), why should they cover up in case someone sees a boob being used as nature intended.

It’s only the look at me heres my boobs type of feeder that would be affected by this.

You know this how?

And I am dressed “appropriately” even when breastfeeding, even if a person who looks can see some boob. Because I am dressed so that I can easily feed my kid.

Rogue apostrophe sorry.

I always wear breastfeeding tops and I am always discreet BUT I will fight until the death for a woman’s right to not be!!!!

‘Passengers of all backgrounds’ needs unpacking.

Not sure if UK law on breastfeeding operates on a flight. But even if it doesn’t, if KLM are running flights from the UK they should comply with UK law anyway. Anyone who objects should be offered something to cover their heads with if they’re really incapable of looking away.

a problem in translation??

Everyone working in the KLM communications office will be fluent in English.

Seeping generalisation, but most Dutch people are.

I have literally never seen anyone stripped to the waist to breastfeed. I'm not really bothered about being discreet - I usually have a nursing vest under a t-shirt, t-shirts comes up, vest unclips, DD latches on (sometimes with a bit of faffing). If you were watching me intently you might see a bit of nipple. But you shouldn't be looking at my boobs anyway so it's your own fault if you see something and get offended.

I’d be surprised if there wasn’t a similar law in the Netherlands @Isatis.

Which then makes you wonder how they can justify their position.

Unfortunately it seems that KLM isn’t the only company to take that stance. I’ve seen other airlines doing the same and having a go at women for bfing :(

Probably a grown man who complained... even though he’s most likely getting bitty off his mom even now
What???

Do people know that their eyes can move. So can their necks. Indeed their whole body is movable. You don't want to see a women breastfeeding simply move your eyeballs, your neck or indeed your whole self away. Alternatively the shops sell lightweight blankets and covers that you can cover your head with.

This was in response to a woman who was asked to cover up on a flight while feeding her baby. No passengers complained, but a flight attendant approached her uninvited. Was rude and said something along the lines of ‘if you are going to keep doing that you need to cover up’. Passenger complained at the time and was treated very badly. On complaining to the airline she was dismissed entirely and informed that the crew were following policy.

Hence the request on social media for KLM to clarify their policy, and their ridiculous response of saying it’s permitted but women should cover up.

Anyone else attempted to cover a 1yo for a feed recently? Hahahahaha 😂

I agree about the ‘passengers of all backgrounds’.
I’m wondering;g how those people ‘from a diverse background’ cope when they have landed and bfing is suddenly protected
Maybe they just turn their head (or get just as abusive as I have seen it happen when I was bfing)

Unless the airline issues these on a compulsory basis.

Anyone else attempted to cover a 1yo for a feed recently? Hahahahaha

This!!!!! 😂😂😂😂

'Permitted' and 'offended'

Somersetlady. I use JoJo feeding tops. Very discreet. Fed for 20 months and currently feeding 3 month old. I am pro breastfeeding.

So like fuck would I ever describe a woman breastfeeding her child as a 'look at me heres my boobs type of feeder'. So damn condescending.

Not good KLM.

Agree that “permitted” was a poor choice of words but also agree that you wear appropriate bf clothing that doesn’t show boobs in all their glory.

They cannot stop you nor make you cover up.

If they tried either with me, I would laugh and crack on.

Always women who are policed isn’t it?

What if does JMC?

At any given hot Summer's day I see dozens of women with in clothing that shows their boobs in all their glory, as you delightfully put it.

No one bats an eye at those, but attach a baby to that and here the offended come.

Who the fucking hell in this day and age is offended by the sight of a mother feeding their child? Are we really that prudish?

Having bf both of mine (admittedly quite a while ago) other than bf bras that uncliped on each side there really wasn't any bf clothes (just wore a shirt) what are these clothes you're all talking about