thanks for this Emma, have
been having interesting exchanges off list as well - pass on your email
address if you want to continue off list.
thanks,
Sharan
Great Sharan, I would be keen to know what guidelines you come up with.
When I had my children I was a serious advocate of breastfeeding in public,and
still believe that it should be possible everywhere. So I was surprised
at my own reaction to your question which was an instant I don't think
this is a good idea. One has to question the support that the mother is
getting around this and really is having a baby with you in class a good idea
for her own stress levels and concentration levels etc, let alone the
other group members. Has she been supported to look into other options,
for example putting her in contact with local breastfeeding support groups, or
even including deferement to wait until the baby is less dependant on her. I
absolutely agree that there should be adequate comfortable premesis where
staff and students could go to express milk in the day if necessary, and we
should all wholeheartedly support this, but my gut feeling is that where
possible, and with good support, mothering duties should be left to the care
of someone else if you want to study, for everyones benefit. (just
personal opinions here, not Bournemouth Uni policy) but is is a very
interesting subject.
Emma
-----Original Message-----
From: HE
Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Virdee, Sharan
Sent: 01 October 2007
11:27
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re:
query
Yes Emma that's my
thoughts already. I'm chasing this with the School to find out more details.
I thought in the meantime I would be as well drawing together some
guidelines for practical support.
thanks,
Sharan
From: HE Administrators equal opportunities
list on behalf of Emma Stephens
Sent: Mon 10/1/2007 11:17
AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re:
query
Dear Sharan,
I
have had a discussion with colleagues around this for you. We think that if
you haven't already I think first port of call will be to check with Student
services about any policies they have on bringing children/babies into
classes in the first place. It seems unlikely that this would be allowed in
the first place and therefore you may not even have to broach this issue. I
would be interested in knowing if they did.
Kind regards
Emma
Bournemouth University
Dear all,
I wondered if any of you had any advice you
can share with me. We have been asked about breastfeeding during classes
for one of our students. However, how to we best support mothers to
breastfeed and support students to practice their religion when they may
be offended by this? My thoughts are that we match the provision we have
for staff. Any thoughts are very, very welcome.
thanks,
Sharan
