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