As an organization that is committed to personal development and holistic health, the YMCA supports breast feeding of children. We understand and appreciate the nutritional, emotional, and psychological benefits of breast feeding for child and mother. When I approached you with regard to the breast feeding of your child, therefore, i was not questioning your rights to do it or putting into doubts its merits. I was concerned with ensuring that you could breast feed in a place that would allow for increased dignity and privacy for you and your child. As a private charitable organization, we welcome everyone to our programs and services.
People come with a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, and expectations.
We strive to nurture an atmosphere that enhances the experience for all. Therefore we reserve the right to serve and program in ways which are sensitive to the diversity. Some of our members felt uncomfortable with breast feeding done in public before themselves and their children. Their discomfort lessens the quality of their experience at the YMCA and potentially could create discomfort for you. Thus it was not and is not our intention to deny you your right to breast feed your child in our facility.