I read about 2 ladies who received a 'rough' deal at a local gym on the front page of the Canberra Times and thought hey that sounds familar. Well done ladies and good luck with any further media appearances. I hope you get some reasonable explanation rather than the babies weren't members so they can't go to the gym.

Hi, thanks for your supportive comments. Both of us have been seriously trying to work it out with the facility and believe we exhausted every avenue before it got sent to the Canberra Times. Mind you, we were contacted yesterday by: Today Tonight, ACA, Sunrise and Today all wanting the exclusive - and the phone ringing since 6am this morning hasn't been nice either (we didn't know it was on the front page until radio 666 told us). At the end of the day, we are not wanting to press the issue nationally, the ABA or Human Rights can do that. We are just two 'young' (according to CT and Win News) mums trying to get the facility to recognise the treatment we have gone through. It has been a very stressful and frustrating week and hopefully we can resolve the issue via conciliation with them, later this week.
Kath

Oh man i miss everything!!!
Didnt see the paper today and my DD just told me something was on WIN about it.
I hope that you 2 young ladies (LOL) get this sorted quickly and as peacefully as you would like.
Just let me know if there is anything i can do. (i think a Breastfest is sounding like a great idea) LOL just kidding.

Carol 34 DH Milton 41
DD Taylor 6/9/93
DS Ethan 30/6/02
DD Brielle 31/12/04 Mosaic Down Syndrome <ahref="http://www.snugglepie.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.snugglepie.com/ezb/122702.png"></a>

dh told me it was on the radio this morning. it's such a shame it's had to get to this. but that was their call really...

Hi i read all about you in the Canberra Times, I had just joined Club Pink but have now cancelled my membership.. Below comment from friend who has also cancelled. When we cancelled we told them why.. You go girls, the Manager/staff were once babies, and would their Mums leave them at home???? I dont think so!!!!

Well you can see from the add in CT that Club Pink is for selfish, single women
who spend their time being the best they can be so they can never find a
partner who lives up to their standard (or something like that!). CISAC and
all associated parts lick as far as I'm concerned

Kath and Mel, I really hope that you get this issue sorted out... BUT if you go on Sunrise I want to be in the audience... (its the only way I might see Grant)

Honestly though; I missed the story, radio stories but I just read the Canberra Times online and I am so proud of you both for taking this further. They shouldn't be allowed to get away with this.

We are all behind you!

Thanks

Rohan & Harley 1 Oct 02




This message was edited by Dino-Mite on Tuesday, 26 July 2005 @ 8:05 PM

It is horrible that you have had to go through this. I wish I had
a membership to that club, just so I could go and cancel it!!!!!!
Good on you for sticking up for your rights...and my rights for
that matter.

How is it discriminatory against non BF parents? They just keep making things worse for themselves don't they. Hopefully things will get sorted out for you soon Kath and Mel.

Susana & DH Chris[size=1] aka GoateeCat
DD Delia Jade 13/11/02 & DS Darcy Cole 2/11/04

Good luck with your anti-discrimination claim. I have just submitted this to the CT "Have your say" page:




Steph
DD Alex (March 04)


This message was edited by s_m on Tuesday, 26 July 2005 @ 9:44 PM

Thanks Everyone

It is amazing that this is still happening but I actually think things are moving now (geez, they'd want to be).

We have certainly received some negative attention, but that was always to be expected. That's why the support is so important and valued as it keeps us grounded with this issue.

I am sure you will be kept 'a breast' of the situation ha ha ha!! man the jokes are on a roll today - anyone hear the one about a storm in a 'D' cup - LOL!!!

Mel
DH - Tim
DS - Ayden born 06.04.05
<a href="http://www.tickercentral.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.tickercentral.com/view/1mt3/2"></a>

Hi Kath & Mel,

I missed the news as I never buy newspaper here. All the best for you both. Hope everything will move on soon. Take care.

Yani

Good luck. I read the paper yesterday in my doctors office. I just happend to glance at the front page and thought I definately have to read that.
On another note if you have to choose which TV program to go with I second Sunrise LOL - its my favourite and Nat is back this week!
I hope to see them issue a public apology when they realise they are wrong.
Take care
Shelly

Just for info:
It's on page 3 of today's paper and it was actually continued on page 2 of yesterday's paper where the Director at CISAC said he was 1000% correct.

Kath

I've just sent the club in question an email.

You can go to their page http://www.clubpink.com.au/default2.cfm

Yours in breastfeeding solidarity

I know I am essentially preaching to the converted here, but I
can't help myself. I am flabbergasted. I had not read the
"Have You Say" responses on the Canberra Times website
in response to the "Breastfeeding mums challenge gym's
ban" article. I read them just then. I can not believe the
replies that are against breastfeeding in public. Are they for
real?

The one from "Jessica" about her being a childcare centre
director and not wanting to smell or even see a child after her
job makes me so mad. What type of person is this? What is
wrong with her? I think she needs to rethink her career and I
can only hope she never takes a job at my childcare centre! I
see stupid computers all day, I don't then go whinging when I
see them outside the office. How would the world run if we all
insisted we were not subjected to anything job-related
outside office hours?

It is a GYM and cafe. Are these people seriously under the
impression that their membership to this prestigious
establishment entitles them to uninterupted personal
pleasure?

Seeing people in ill-fitting lycra outfits offends me...but I don't
insist they leave my sight. Smelling smelly underarms
offends me...but I don't write to newspapers about it. I am also
personally offended by the smell of coffee, but I don't go
insisting that people in coffee shops drink theirs in the toilet,
when I'm having my hot chocolate.

We are talking about mothers and new born babies here, not
mothers and their pet ferrets! I am trembling I am so angry.
Count me in for any breastfest out the front of this place.

i'm with you tinka. i read those last night and i had to walk away from the computer. some people are just so narrow minded.

Thanks so much for everyone who has responded to the "have your say' section - I can see Steph & Julie's artciles

I have refrained from commenting on there. Annoyed as I feel. If I was going to make a comment it would be more publicly then on that section, and I would have done it ysterday when the TV reporters showed up on my door step! I think that some people have far too much time on their hands if they are actually going to pick on us over this. To me this means they are picking on my son also who can not speak for himself in regards to where I feed him, so I will do it for him & I!

It was in a Cafe for goodness sake! The Club's creche only runs for limited hours of the day and we are PAYING for breakfast in our membership so why shouldn't we be able to enjoy it whilst feeding our boys! If anyone in particular has an issue with it, then in all honesty it is their issue and not mine!

I hate the fact that people seem to think that we just LOVE flashing our breasts around! In the begining I found it awkward and I felt very shy. Now I realise that my son is 100% dependent on my being able to feed him wherever we are at the time he DEMANDS it. It is amzing how some people turn this into an issue about breasts and appropriateness when the only reason behind the act is to FEED the babies! I think some people are just amazingly inconsiderate!

I just laughed at RED FLAG's comments about demanding the right to pee in public! Yes, cause feeding and peeing are so similiar after all!

Anyway, I am drawing on your support for strength so THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU

Mel
DH - Tim
DS - Ayden born 06.04.05
<a href="http://www.tickercentral.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.tickercentral.com/view/1mt3/2"></a>

I, too, read yesterday's Have Your Say's and was so disgusted by some of the responses that I had to walk away.

Specifically, my blood boiled when I read that response from the so called caring childcare worker AKA Jessica. Are her views for real? If we mums are to do as she suggests then we and our bubs are to stay at home on house arrest until our behaviour meets with her approval. I just hope that Jessica's boss sees her HYS and gets stuck into her for her very uncaring attitude. That female needs a good kick in the pants IMO.

Good luck Mel and Kath.

Cheers,
Helen.
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://www.lilypie.com/pic/050724/db7c5bf.jpg" alt="Lilypie Baby Pic" border="0" /><img src="http://lilypie.com/baby2/040422/0/5/4/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

Hey media stars Kath and Mel

What can anyone say - the anti breast feeding responses in the Canberra Times are just nonsense - you are two brave and committed women - well done!! Keep up the fight and we are all 1000 per cent behind you and are very proud of your stance and determination.

I lived for 2 years in the ACT and if as other women have suggested you stage a "breast fest" I might even make the trip back to participate!

I can't believe that a so called "women only" facility in the 21st Century could be so backward - not only that they have made you feel unwelcome and upset you - shame on them and their narrow minds.

Love and many supportive vibes
Kelly and Finn

P.S. I followed the link to the club and registered my disinterest in membership at thier club!



<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/baby1/060315/1/15/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

Mel & Kath, I have sent you both a pm.



Thanks

Rohan & Harley 1 Oct 02

Dh rang me yesterday morning to say that he had just heard you on the radio Kath

Sorry that it had to come to this for both of you though, with all the attention, as I know that it was the last thing you wanted really! As has already been stated though, they brought it on themselves really.

Cheers
Alexandra

Hi,
I dont have a baby but I would just like to say that I am disgusted with the gyms attitude towards breastfeeding. I will NOT be joining this women's only gym. Does anyone know if Fernwood has a similar policy?
Thanks,
Lynda

Hey my fellow March Mum Kel Thanks for your support in this thread and this issue

OK, Fernwood are CERTAINLY not like this! In fact they are super supportive or mums of any kind and certainly b/feeding ones. They have couches in most of their facilities, breakfast bars and creche that they are happy for you to use at any time! They even run classes for mums & bubs - postnatal excercises I think. We will more then likely convert to Fernwood

Alex - Neither Kath or I spoke with the radio announcers, despite their best attempts to get us on the radio. We have still got many media offers up our sleeves though but will give the gym yet another chance to get this issue right tomorrow at their meeting! See what happens from there!

Thanks again! You guys are GREAT!

Mel
DH - Tim
DS - Ayden born 06.04.05
<a href="http://www.tickercentral.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.tickercentral.com/view/1mt3/2"></a>

Good luck at the meeting. I think what you're doing is really important for all the other mums that might also be told not to feed their babies there, but are too shy to do anything about it. It's about time society realised that feeding a baby is not a shameful "bodily function", it's a normal part of life.

I celebrated my second wedding anniversary yesterday, and so far I've spent all but two weeks either pregnant or breastfeeding. Given we want to have more than two kids if we can, I expect I've got lots of breastfeeding years ahead of me! And I'll be doing it in public if that's where I am when the baby's hungry!

Well done guys, it can't be easy on you but you are doing the right thing for all BF mums and bubs out there. I hope the Human Rights Commissioner takes this further, I can't believe the gym's ludicrous attitude, it is medieval and insulting.

The ridiculous opinions expressed online with CT p!ssed me off no end too but then I realised that there are many people out there with what I consider to be bizarre ideas - be it that BF mums want to flash themselves or nuclear weapons are wonderful or GW Bush is a sane person LOL The good thing is they are in the minority and their opinons have nothing to do with the fact that it is illegal to tell a mother to not BF in a public place.

Mind you, if anyone told me my DD SMELLED I would be out for their blood so I commend your restraint!

And the members only policy excuse is SO weak - I belong to many clubs in Canberra that don't demand an infant show his/her membership card when taken in with its parent/s. How pathetic can these guys get?

PS Congratulations emd on your 2nd wedding anniversary! Time flies!

Veronica

Thanks Veronica. your post was timely as I was just feeling enraged and discouraged by the "sour milk and feeling sorry for our sons" comment on the CT! You have enabled me to once again put this into perspective and gather up my strength

Happy wedding Anniversary Em

Mel
DH - Tim
DS - Ayden born 06.04.05
<a href="http://www.tickercentral.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.tickercentral.com/view/1mt3/2"></a>

Dear Mel and Kath,

I'm a bit of a serial lurker in the ACT section (Canberra born and bred, currently living in Switzerland but hoping to get back to Canberra soon) and just wanted to write and express my support for you. Not only was I outraged to read what you have been going through with the gym but I was also shocked at some of the responses that you've received.

I'm constantly astounded by the fact that while it's almost universally acknowledged that breast feeding should be encouraged as a matter of public health, when it comes down to it, it's still perceived as something that should only happen in private. :confuse:

As for "Jessica" the childcare centre director, what can I say ? By day I'm a human rights lawyer, if I take what she says to its logical conclusion then I should avoid all human beings after office hours ...

Please keep us updated on how things are going and I really hope that the gym's management will finally realise that their discriminatory policies are not only illegal but also bad for business.

Jo
* Matteo Jasper 3/12/2002
* Ruben Elliott 1/12/2004

This message was edited by wombat on Wednesday, 27 July 2005 @ 10:39 PM

Hi there, I have just read the article in the CT's and I just wanted to lend my support to you guys.I have also read the comments on the your say section and cannot believe that some people think like they do.


I have only been to the pool area over there about 2 months after it opened and vowed never to go there again after nearly stepping on vomit and trying to pop the towels and backpack down somewhere that was not wet) on the ground close to the pool so we could see our bags from the pool. And also trying to find a garbage bin around the pool area to pop our rubbish in before leaving. Then having to go to the toilet before leaving and the floor was SOAKING wet and was coloured brown (from peoples feet I assume) with enough hair on the floor to make a long haired wig for some poor person who has none.

You girls were just mentioned on the Mix News at 8:30am. No names mentioned (the gym included, though they nearly said their name) but listeners no doubt will be wondering who they are talking about.

Watch out CP - the news of your despicable behaviour is getting around, all over this region.

Good luck with your talks with them today ladies - let's hope they finally do the right thing by you and all mums.

Cheers,
Helen.
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://www.lilypie.com/pic/050724/db7c5bf.jpg" alt="Lilypie Baby Pic" border="0" /><img src="http://lilypie.com/baby2/040422/0/5/4/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

Morning all,
Thanks for continued support.
Poor Mel was woken by a tv programme desperate for the scoop - at 5.00 THIS MORNING....
They are all interested again today as it has gone to the national papers, there is even a little cartoon on page 3 of the SMH.
We are accepting that there are always going to be two sides to every story and I think the letters page of the Canberra Times shows that today.

Kath

Edited to add: Great minds think alike - posting at the same time...

This message was edited by Charling on Thursday, 28 July 2005 @ 8:58 AM

Thanks Helen.

It is going to be another big day i'd say. The article is now in the Sydney Morning Herald and another Sydney paper. The phone has been ringing at our places since 5am with those TV networks again.

Hopefully we will get an answer of some kind after this meeting at 11am!

In the meantime I am hibernating

Mel
DH - Tim
DS - Ayden born 06.04.05
<a href="http://www.tickercentral.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.tickercentral.com/view/1mt3/2"></a>

Hi Loverlies!

I have been lurking and following this both here and on the CT page. And I just wanted to let you know that I am another outraged mum! I cannot afford to go to a gym nor do I have the inclination but at least 2 of my friends are members there - one is a mum of 4 and a huge advocate of b/fing and another is undergoing IVF treatment (and attending the gym to lose weight to help this process). I will be sure to let them know about your issues (although I suspect they already know from all this media attention! LOL) and I will also be looking seriously at removing my DD#1 from swimming lessons at Club Blue in support of you guys (and I will be letting them know why). I have put up with what I consider below standard facilities AND teachers in an effort to support my local business and to keep some continuity with her learning but this is the straw that broke the camels back.

Good Luck with your meeting today and also, well done for maintaining your grace and dignity in all the pressure from the media. You are truly remarkable and an inspiration to us all!

YOU GO GIRLS!!!!!!!!!

Rach

DD#1 - 27/12/2000
DD#2 - 17/01/2005
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/baby1/060117/2/13/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

Hi Guys,

Just lending my support as well. I have been following this thread, and the previous one, since it was first posted. Like everyone else, some of the comments posted by people on the CT website got my blood boiling and made me cranky. I love the notion that people think we breastfeeding mums are looking for any opportunity to flash our tits!!

Stay strong Kath and Mel, and I applaud you for standing up for our rights!

<a href="http://www.tickercentral.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.tickercentral.com/view/1c5u/1"></a>

Hey if I wanted an opportunity to flash my tits, why would I bother doing it in a gym full of WOMEN???

Steph

This message was edited by madkat on Thursday, 28 July 2005 @ 9:57 AM

methinks you'd best change your phone numbers to silent.... o:

I just wanted to say that I hope that the meeting with the Club went well today.

Hi Girls,
I too have been following this story and had to comment on the CT website (which I had never done before) as I think it is a really important issue and I was upset at some of the comments on the CT website which supported the gym.

Sometimes when i am in public I do not always feel comfortable breast feeding so I think it is really important that people understand the importance of supporting women to feed there babies anywhere.

Goodluck with the talks and I hope it gets resolved soon.

Larissa

Hi ladies,
I also went and made comments on The Canberra Times "Have your say" page. Unbelievable the sort of comments some have said.
Whether people agree or disagree, I bet the staff member involved regrets saying anything about the issue now!!
I hope all the bad karma comes back to bite Club Pink on the bum!!

I was just logging in to see if there was an update from the meeting today. I am really hoping for your sake that it has now been resolved to the point that your happy with it.
I cant imagine how stressed you both must be feeling right now. I am serious if there is anything that i can do just let me know.
Cheers

Carol 34 DH Milton 41
DD Taylor 6/9/93
DS Ethan 30/6/02
DD Brielle 31/12/04 Mosaic Down Syndrome <ahref="http://www.snugglepie.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.snugglepie.com/ezb/122702.png"></a>

On behalf of us both, thanks again for your support...I sound like a broken record!

The situation has not been resolved at this stage.
Look out for us on 'Sunrise' just after 8...

Kath

Kath,

Good luck.
I (along with ACT EB) will be poised in anticipation. Especially since Nat is back after having a baby and Mel had one too not that long ago. Great choice of program. Hope all goes well.

Renee
DH Ian
DD#1 Maddison Anne 21/11/00
DD#2 Kody McKenzie 27/8/04
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/baby1/050827/2/2/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Days" border="0" /></a>

Mel and Kath, Just remember that we are all behind you. Good luck with everything tomorrow.



Thanks

Rohan & Harley 1 Oct 02




This message was edited by Dino-Mite on Thursday, 28 July 2005 @ 10:12 PM

I've been following this for a while and just wanted to say how great you both are for pursuing this issue. It's not about b/feeding only, but about peoples' rights. Good on you!

Best luck,
Alex.

Kath & Mel, i have also been following this thread for some time now, and just wanted to let you both know that i admire you for standing up for the basic human right of feeding your children, and also for doing it with such dignity. Im sure that your children will admire you when they are old enough to understand.
I hope that it is resolved soon and that it has not been to taxing on you both and your families.
Good luck tomorrow on Sunrise.

*count me in for a breastfest*

Hi Mel and Kath,

I just caught you guys on Sunrise. You both came across really well. Well done on raising breastfeeding awareness in the community. So I take it the gym is still sticking to its 'no children' policy? I figure if they had back down you would not have gone to the media.

Hopefully I will see you both this afternoon and you can fill us all in then.

Susana & DH Chris[size=1] aka GoateeCat
DD Delia Jade 13/11/02 & DS Darcy Cole 2/11/04

Kath and Mel, well done for your appearance on Sunrise
this morning. You were both so articulate and
composed. What you are doing is indeed admirable; I
hope you get a positive outcome soon.
alex

Hey Guys,
Just saw you on sunrise - what great ambassadors for all breastfeeding mothers you are. Mel and Kochie were obviously supportive of your stance and it was a great interview. I loved your last comment Mel. I think bottle feeding has become so normalised that many people don't realise that bm is some babies one and only source of nutrition.
I heard a bit on talk back radio yesterday and couldn't believe some of what I heard. One guy (the announcer) was saying that mothers shouldn't feed while out at restaurants just cause its their legislated right, and that the issue is about being considerate of others. I am always considerate of others, but my first consideration is always for my children and if that means a breastfeed is in order then so be it. As someone who has always happily breastfed in public I never realised I would have offended so much of our society.
Anyway good luck with everything and I hope matters are resolved quickly for you.

Leanne

Hey Mel and Kath you are now really "media stars".

I just watched you both on on "Sunrise" and was so very impressed in the manner in which you presented and spoke about the issue. No rational individual could dispute what you were saying after listening to the two of you. Well done - I (and everyone else here on EB)are all so very proud and impressed by you both.

Just wish it didn't happen and cause you distress.

I am also breast feeding at the moment and am getting more comfortable with attempting it in public - but have been really saddened by the attitudes of the gym as well as the people who have responded negatively in the press.

Well done again - particularly for stressing the issue is about "babies" and them getting the nutrition they need when they need it".

Keep up the fight

Love Kelly and Finn
XXX

I too just saw you both on Sunrise...You were both amazing and I am proud to *know* you ;p