Stacey Louise, manager at the Royal Hotel In Gympie of Queensland, Australia questioned the prevailing state of hypocrisy where women can come to public places almost half-clothed and semi-naked but are considered a disgrace for breastfeeding in public. In defiance of people's negative behavior toward breastfeeding mothers, sympathetic staff at the Royal put up a welcome sign outside the pub: "Breastfeeding mums - pop in and have a free cup of tea if you need a pit stop." Louise posted a photo of the sign on Facebook and it had gone viral since.
As The Mirror reported, the photo championing breastfeeding mothers came with this note. "Now's a good time to remind you all that we welcome breastfeeding mums at the Royal. We offer a free cuppa with no strings attached. You're absolutely not obligated to order a meal. Just come in, take a load off on one of our couches and feed bub in air conditioned comfort," Louise posted.
"Bottle feeding parents, you're obviously welcome also and the same offer applies. We also have nappy changing facilities.
"I was appalled to hear that recently, a cafe in our town ordered some feeding mums to 'cover up or leave'!! Like really??? I see more boob on a Saturday night in the pub than I do when someone is feeding their baby. Folks need to get over it!! Breastfeed those babies with us anytime ladies."
Ummm holy crap!!! Just got sent these pics. They're from a publication in the UK. We've actually been doing the free...
Posted by Stacey Louise on Sunday, 17 January 2016
Louise assured breastfeeding mothers and parents that food purchase is not mandatory to be able to take up the offer of hospitality from the Royal. The offer has been in effect for a few months already. Louise's reminder, however, sparked renewed attention and interest in the light of debates that have been cropping up regarding breastfeeding in public. Among the more recent, as Parent Herald reported, was between actress Alyssa Milano and talk show host Wendy Williams during an interview in "The Wendy Williams Show."
According to The Huffington Post, response to the pub's humanitarian act was very favorable. Breastfeeding mothers who have been forced to stay at home in fear of repercussions from breastfeeding in public were especially grateful to the Gympie pub.
