A Water Park Bans Mom From Breastfeeding In Water, Her Rant Goes Viral Online Causing Backlash
Breastfeeding your baby is a basic necessity and right. You would think that, in this day and age, everyone would understand this. Unfortunately, there are some people and companies who disagree, even if the state and federal laws protect moms’ rights to do so in public.
Mom Tiffany Francis went viral in the media after sharing an emotional story on Facebook about how the staff at Rigby’s Water World in Georgia left her feeling “upset and appalled” because she breastfed her son at the theme park. Scroll down for the full story.
Bored Panda has reached out to Tiffany via Facebook, and we’ll update the article as soon as we hear back from her.
Some people still have a warped perspective when it comes to breastfeeding in public
Image credits: Rigby’s Water World
One mom shared how upset she felt when water park employees told her to stop nursing her son in public
Image source: Tiffany Francis
Image credits: Yan Krukau
The law is very clear about breastfeeding in public and private
Image credits: Lisa Fotios (not the actual photo)
Let’s get a few things straight from the get-go. The law is very clear about moms’ rights. The Georgia Breastfeeding Law states: “The breastfeeding of a baby is an important and basic act of nurture which should be encouraged in the interests of maternal and child health. A mother may breastfeed her baby in any location where the mother and baby are otherwise authorized to be.”
Moreover, at work, employers are obligated to “provide time for women to express breast milk for [their] infant child,” and moms are supposed to get “paid break time and [a] private location for [the] expression of breast milk.”
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, all 50 US states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, have laws that “specifically allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location.”
What’s more, 31 states also have laws that exempt breastfeeding from public indecency laws.
It is ironic (and slightly insulting) that any water park would prohibit breastfeeding when the entire point of these places is for people to swim around semi-dressed.
With so many bodies swimming everywhere, it’s inevitable that there will be some sweat, saliva, hair, urine, and even fecal matter found in the water. It is ridiculous to claim that breastmilk would ‘contaminate’ the water. For one, it is antimicrobial. On top of that, there are other contaminants surrounding every water park visitor as it is.
The water park faced a lot of backlash at the time, and many internet users stood in support of the mom
However, some people had a different opinion
One of the business owners later responded to the mom in the comments of her Facebook post
The theme park updated its policy after the incident went viral
Image credits: RossHelen (not the actual photo)
According to People and Business Insider, the water park has updated its breastfeeding policy since the incident.
Mom Tiffany shared with Business Insider that she did explain to Rigby’s Water World general manager that barring someone from breastfeeding was illegal. The mom felt humiliated by the entire ordeal.
A representative from Rigby’s Water World told Business Insider that the goal was never to embarrass the mom. The theme park quickly updated its breastfeeding policy after what happened. Now, moms are allowed to breastfeed anywhere in the water park.
On top of that, all the employees working at the theme park have been educated about the change in policy.
However, at the time, Tiffany didn’t feel like the apology was sufficient. “I don’t feel a sincere apology at all, but they said, ‘Oh, well, we’ve said sorry.’ And they’ve changed their unwritten policy to say you can now do something that was already legal,” she said.
“I told one person yesterday, I was like, ‘If you’re going to say something to a breastfeeding mom, make it positive, because that’s something it’s going to stick with them forever’ It sticks with you because it’s a very sensitive topic. It’s crazy that this is even still happening to people in this day and age.”
Rigby’s manager Steve Brown told People that the entire situation was a misinterpretation of policy. “When we decided to create this policy that we didn’t allow women to breastfeed in the pools, it was strictly for the pools. We have always welcomed it on the pool deck, but we have asked folks not to breastfeed in pools for a number of reasons,” he said.
“Mrs. Francis wanted to use the pool so the motion of the river could help her child fall asleep. And she asked for a refund for her season pass, which we do not do refunds on per our policy,” he said.
“I looked up the law and saw that mothers have the right to breastfeed anywhere they are reasonably allowed to be with their child. So I reached out to professionals in the aquatics field and to the local health department, which didn’t have a policy set aside from no food or drink in the pools.”
He continued: “After consulting with more professionals in the industry, we made the decision to change our policy and did so as of that evening, which I responded to on the post. We admit we were wrong. We made a mistake and have apologized to Mrs. Francis both publicly and privately.”
The manager added: “Mothers are allowed to breastfeed in the pools now. Saturday morning, I sent out a memo to all staff and spoke to staff directly to retrain them on how they should handle any situation with a breastfeeding mom in the pools.”
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I could care less about her boobs, waterpark water is a nasty brew of chlorine, body fluids and bacteria. I'd be worried about the baby ingesting that mess.
We call the lazy river the Golden River, because the color is different than pool water and it's always warmer in there. The appalling thing is that's where she chose to feed baby.
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Why can't she just feed the child sitting beside the pool? It's kind of ridiculous that she thinks she can't go back there because she can't breastfeed IN the lazy river. Like that's the entire reason for going? Sorry but that's weird. Plus public pool water like that is full of nasty stuff. I would never have fed my child while sitting in germ soup. I have no problem with public breastfeeding, but her insistence that she HAS to do it specifically in the lazy river is really strange.
Exposing her child to the water park water is nasty AF. THAT she should have considered.
A lazy river is one of the most dangerous places to take, much less feed, a baby, bottle or breast. Have any of you been to one lately? Every “lazy river” I’ve been on has a current to keep those tubers moving. It can be challenging to jump on the tubes by yourself, gotta land your butt in the middle or it flips. How you do that with a baby, I can’t imagine. Yes, you can chill once you’re on the tube, but there’s usually screaming and splashing kids, you can get bumped into the side walls, or forced under a waterfall if they have one, or suddenly flip over without warning. I have seen parents with toddlers on them, but the toddlers are wearing life vests. But a full on nursing baby? That’s incredibly reckless. I have no problem with her nursing in public. I wouldn’t have even minded her feeding on a float in the regular pool. I think the staff was right, but for the wrong reasons. I would say it was a safety reason more than a “boobs in public one”.
I think it wasn't about breastfeeding either. She also said that other kids where there with their moms but she didn't say babies. I remember another AITA about someone breastfeeding her baby in the lazy river. Somebody knocked her over, mum dropped the baby and it was hell. When I was young I was splashing in the water with my friend. Some mum was mad because we woke up her baby. Imo the lazy river is a designated play area and not babyproof
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This is utterly gross. The poor baby, that water is nasty. Get out of the water clean your breast and then feed the kid. I don't see this a discrimination. I see it as a risk to the babies health. Why would any mother want to risk this? If people think I'm wrong I'll gladly discuss it. No hate please.
I just think if mom or baby goes into that pool that the baby is gonna ingest some of that water anyway. Babies putting their hands in the water then in their mouth, pressing their faces against mom's body etc. It would be really challenging not to ingest any water in a lazy river. The ones I've been to have waterfalls and mist you from the sides etc. I'm just guessing you'd be hard pressed to find anyone adult or child that went into a moving body of water and didn't ingest some.
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No one said she couldn't feed her baby at the park. They just said not in the water, which is perfectly reasonable. Why TF would you want to feed your kid while you are essentially floating in water filled with p*ss and other bodily fluids?!?
While I agree with everyone that it is gross and I would never have breastfed my babies in a pool, it is actually against the law for someone to tell the mom she can't do it. In the US anyway.
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You know in most European countries you're welcome to get your boobs out by the beaches whether you're breastfeeding or not.
Snow_White , Would you gulp down public pool water while whipping that boob out. No one cares about her breastfeeding in public. It is WHERE she chose to do it.
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Lady no food or drinks allowed for everyone. Her: So my baby should go hungry?!!! No you fucktuckle, just step out of the pool and do it. JFC! The moment she cited the Georgia code, I just can't.
Sorry, no. You want to breastfeed in public spaces where people normally eat? Sure, go for it. But no one goes around eating on the lazy river. And it's absurd to think just because it's breastmilk that that is in any way different. Stop looking for things to get upset about. Take the kid to the food court or somewhere else to be fed. This is just so ridiculous.
If the lazy river is something you lay in directly (so not in a boat), then I think she was wrong. I'm all for breastfeeding in public, but I'm not for eating or drinking in a pool, baby or no baby. Breastfeeding to the side of the pool (outside of it, that is), totally fine. Breastfeeding in a boat, also fine.
Sitting in a large rubber ring in let's face it filthy water.
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I wouldn't bat an eyelash if she breastfed the baby AT the pool. IN the pool though, is another story altogether. I'm pretty sure nobody wants their babies inadvertedly consuming chlorine, sweat, pee and who knows what else in those shared waters. Bleargh... X-(
Feed them anywhere you like but bear in mind how many people are pissing in that water.
I've whipped my boob out in swimming pools countless times in Germany, sometimes with another (unknown) mommy doing the same beside me. Nobody batted an eyelid and when other children were curious about it I told them the baby is getting fed, end of story. That was in Germany though
In the water? I'd be worried about the baby ingesting bacteria from the water or my skin.
Load More Replies... Breastfeeding in public is totally fine. Breastfeeding *in* a gross public swimming pool? Not fine.
Why?? Why do you need to do it where splashing and swimming is happening? It should be a time for bonding and feeding time for the baby. I know parents do this for attention like this and see how far they can go with it. Also, they are doing this to try to be all heroic about them being able to feed in public! But this isn't going to have any benefit to baby.
I'd rather sit next to a breastfeeding mom on a plane or wherever than a mom with a wailing baby...
I think if your baby likes motion when breastfeeding, perhaps just use a rocking chair or a sturdy swing? If it’s the floatation, though, maybe do it in a bathtub, where you do have the privacy. I definitely wouldn’t do it in unsanitary pool water, because goodness knows how many have “relieved themselves” in that water; even if they try to filter it, there will always be urine in it (& probably some small traces of poop/menses, too). Wouldn’t want the baby to suffer a potentially deadly e-coli infection! 🍼🤷♀️🤢
This lady is clearly NOT the brightest star in the galaxy. She is exposing her baby to multiple germs as well as bacteria in the pool but also failed to ask staff first if it'll be ok to do this. Despite what the law says it's common courtesy since taking place in a public setting. However, it's best to do that in private instead anyways. People would have definitely stared at her with a "WTF" expression on their face & she'll wonder why. If OP didn't go full Super Karen over this & was allowed to then she definitely would've for that. 😄
Even in Germany, where we have high standards for water and pools, it is necessary to wash your breasts or desinfect them before breastfeeding, when you had contact with the water.
No it's not, as soon as the baby is allowed to swim in a pool it'll get the water in it's mouth and ingest some. It might be necessary with untreated water outside, but not public swimming pools. There are baby swimming courses held in almost every one of them
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My standpoint right off the bat is that her breastfeeding in the pool is not far off from any other boldly fluids (pee or spitting) AKA gross. After reading the comments it dawned on me that pool water can't be the best environment for her "bundle of joy" to be breastfeeding in. In either case, can she not do it in the pool?
In every lazy river I've been in, children under five years old are not even allowed in as a safety precaution. But, I also go to the type of Lazy Rivers that DO let you drink and even have bars that serve directly into the pool. So, I guess I'm all for people doing whatever TF they want. But, yeah, sanitize that booby, sister. And don't let baby get water in their mouth.
This is a ludicrous argument that does not stand up to the most basic scrutiny.
Load More Replies... Where did you come by this curious idea that breastfeeding is indecent?! It is a perfectly normal part of life, and just as acceptable as an adult sitting down to have a cup of coffee.
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I could care less about her boobs, waterpark water is a nasty brew of chlorine, body fluids and bacteria. I'd be worried about the baby ingesting that mess.
We call the lazy river the Golden River, because the color is different than pool water and it's always warmer in there. The appalling thing is that's where she chose to feed baby.
Load More Replies... Why can't she just feed the child sitting beside the pool? It's kind of ridiculous that she thinks she can't go back there because she can't breastfeed IN the lazy river. Like that's the entire reason for going? Sorry but that's weird. Plus public pool water like that is full of nasty stuff. I would never have fed my child while sitting in germ soup. I have no problem with public breastfeeding, but her insistence that she HAS to do it specifically in the lazy river is really strange.
Exposing her child to the water park water is nasty AF. THAT she should have considered.
A lazy river is one of the most dangerous places to take, much less feed, a baby, bottle or breast. Have any of you been to one lately? Every “lazy river” I’ve been on has a current to keep those tubers moving. It can be challenging to jump on the tubes by yourself, gotta land your butt in the middle or it flips. How you do that with a baby, I can’t imagine. Yes, you can chill once you’re on the tube, but there’s usually screaming and splashing kids, you can get bumped into the side walls, or forced under a waterfall if they have one, or suddenly flip over without warning. I have seen parents with toddlers on them, but the toddlers are wearing life vests. But a full on nursing baby? That’s incredibly reckless. I have no problem with her nursing in public. I wouldn’t have even minded her feeding on a float in the regular pool. I think the staff was right, but for the wrong reasons. I would say it was a safety reason more than a “boobs in public one”.
I think it wasn't about breastfeeding either. She also said that other kids where there with their moms but she didn't say babies. I remember another AITA about someone breastfeeding her baby in the lazy river. Somebody knocked her over, mum dropped the baby and it was hell. When I was young I was splashing in the water with my friend. Some mum was mad because we woke up her baby. Imo the lazy river is a designated play area and not babyproof
Load More Replies... This is utterly gross. The poor baby, that water is nasty. Get out of the water clean your breast and then feed the kid. I don't see this a discrimination. I see it as a risk to the babies health. Why would any mother want to risk this? If people think I'm wrong I'll gladly discuss it. No hate please.
I just think if mom or baby goes into that pool that the baby is gonna ingest some of that water anyway. Babies putting their hands in the water then in their mouth, pressing their faces against mom's body etc. It would be really challenging not to ingest any water in a lazy river. The ones I've been to have waterfalls and mist you from the sides etc. I'm just guessing you'd be hard pressed to find anyone adult or child that went into a moving body of water and didn't ingest some.
Load More Replies... No one said she couldn't feed her baby at the park. They just said not in the water, which is perfectly reasonable. Why TF would you want to feed your kid while you are essentially floating in water filled with p*ss and other bodily fluids?!?
While I agree with everyone that it is gross and I would never have breastfed my babies in a pool, it is actually against the law for someone to tell the mom she can't do it. In the US anyway.
Load More Replies... You know in most European countries you're welcome to get your boobs out by the beaches whether you're breastfeeding or not.
Snow_White , Would you gulp down public pool water while whipping that boob out. No one cares about her breastfeeding in public. It is WHERE she chose to do it.
Load More Replies... Lady no food or drinks allowed for everyone. Her: So my baby should go hungry?!!! No you fucktuckle, just step out of the pool and do it. JFC! The moment she cited the Georgia code, I just can't.
Sorry, no. You want to breastfeed in public spaces where people normally eat? Sure, go for it. But no one goes around eating on the lazy river. And it's absurd to think just because it's breastmilk that that is in any way different. Stop looking for things to get upset about. Take the kid to the food court or somewhere else to be fed. This is just so ridiculous.
If the lazy river is something you lay in directly (so not in a boat), then I think she was wrong. I'm all for breastfeeding in public, but I'm not for eating or drinking in a pool, baby or no baby. Breastfeeding to the side of the pool (outside of it, that is), totally fine. Breastfeeding in a boat, also fine.
Sitting in a large rubber ring in let's face it filthy water.
Load More Replies... I wouldn't bat an eyelash if she breastfed the baby AT the pool. IN the pool though, is another story altogether. I'm pretty sure nobody wants their babies inadvertedly consuming chlorine, sweat, pee and who knows what else in those shared waters. Bleargh... X-(
Feed them anywhere you like but bear in mind how many people are pissing in that water.
I've whipped my boob out in swimming pools countless times in Germany, sometimes with another (unknown) mommy doing the same beside me. Nobody batted an eyelid and when other children were curious about it I told them the baby is getting fed, end of story. That was in Germany though
In the water? I'd be worried about the baby ingesting bacteria from the water or my skin.
Load More Replies... Breastfeeding in public is totally fine. Breastfeeding *in* a gross public swimming pool? Not fine.
Why?? Why do you need to do it where splashing and swimming is happening? It should be a time for bonding and feeding time for the baby. I know parents do this for attention like this and see how far they can go with it. Also, they are doing this to try to be all heroic about them being able to feed in public! But this isn't going to have any benefit to baby.
I'd rather sit next to a breastfeeding mom on a plane or wherever than a mom with a wailing baby...
I think if your baby likes motion when breastfeeding, perhaps just use a rocking chair or a sturdy swing? If it’s the floatation, though, maybe do it in a bathtub, where you do have the privacy. I definitely wouldn’t do it in unsanitary pool water, because goodness knows how many have “relieved themselves” in that water; even if they try to filter it, there will always be urine in it (& probably some small traces of poop/menses, too). Wouldn’t want the baby to suffer a potentially deadly e-coli infection! 🍼🤷♀️🤢
This lady is clearly NOT the brightest star in the galaxy. She is exposing her baby to multiple germs as well as bacteria in the pool but also failed to ask staff first if it'll be ok to do this. Despite what the law says it's common courtesy since taking place in a public setting. However, it's best to do that in private instead anyways. People would have definitely stared at her with a "WTF" expression on their face & she'll wonder why. If OP didn't go full Super Karen over this & was allowed to then she definitely would've for that. 😄
Even in Germany, where we have high standards for water and pools, it is necessary to wash your breasts or desinfect them before breastfeeding, when you had contact with the water.
No it's not, as soon as the baby is allowed to swim in a pool it'll get the water in it's mouth and ingest some. It might be necessary with untreated water outside, but not public swimming pools. There are baby swimming courses held in almost every one of them
Load More Replies... My standpoint right off the bat is that her breastfeeding in the pool is not far off from any other boldly fluids (pee or spitting) AKA gross. After reading the comments it dawned on me that pool water can't be the best environment for her "bundle of joy" to be breastfeeding in. In either case, can she not do it in the pool?
In every lazy river I've been in, children under five years old are not even allowed in as a safety precaution. But, I also go to the type of Lazy Rivers that DO let you drink and even have bars that serve directly into the pool. So, I guess I'm all for people doing whatever TF they want. But, yeah, sanitize that booby, sister. And don't let baby get water in their mouth.
This is a ludicrous argument that does not stand up to the most basic scrutiny.
Load More Replies... Where did you come by this curious idea that breastfeeding is indecent?! It is a perfectly normal part of life, and just as acceptable as an adult sitting down to have a cup of coffee.
Load More Replies...
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