Updated 22.29pm
A SIGN PUT up by Dublin Airport that asked breastfeeding mothers to “use discretion and respect the privacy of others” could have been worded better, the airport has admitted.
The sign was on the door into a new ‘dedicated baby feeding room’ for mothers and families travelling through Terminal 2 of Dublin Airport.
According to the DAA:
There is no lock on the door to the baby feeding room and the reason for the sign was to indicate that anyone waiting outside to use the room should respect the privacy of those inside the facility feeding their children.
They said however, that it was “a poorly-written sign that was being misconstrued” was removed a couple of days later, but Dublin Airport say no complaints were made about the sign while it was up.
Siobhán O’Donnell, Head of External Communications for Dublin Airport, said that the family room was based on customer feedback.
She said that when customers were asked about how their experience at Dublin Airport could be enhanced, the issue of mothers wishing to feed their babies was “something that came up a lot”.
A small project team then created a room for mothers to feed their babies in private.
The room is said to have “a bright and colourful vinyl”, a high chair, a microwave, a bottle warmer, and mobile lighting to help soothe babies to sleep.
There are seats outside for others who are travelling to wait and there is also a comment book inside the room for passenger feedback.
The team are currently looking for a location for a similar room in Terminal 1.
Breastfeeding in public places has become a topical issue, as some say it shouldn’t be done in restaurants or public places, including MP Sammy Wilson, who called it a “kind of voyeurism”.
Mothers and feminist groups have argued that the priority should be on feeding a child, not the opinions of others, and that breastfeeding, which is a natural act, should not be met with discomfort or dislike.
Dublin Airport have said that they ”welcome breastfeeding mothers throughout all areas of the airport and also has private rooms available for baby feeding if required”.
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