Mother Asked to Stop Breastfeeding Infant at Haifa Cultural Venue

A mother of a two-month-old infant reported being asked to stop breastfeeding her son at a cultural institution in Haifa on Sunday. The mother, identified as A., stated she was sitting in a discreet area, using a cover, when a staff member approached her and requested she cease breastfeeding, citing it was a public space. She recounted that the staff member then followed her as she searched for an alternative, private location, leading her to feel like a "criminal." The situation escalated to the point where she left the venue with her baby showing signs of dehydration.

A. described the incident, which occurred between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM during a festival, as deeply upsetting. She had chosen a secluded spot near the restrooms, believing it to be appropriate and private. When asked to stop, she attempted to find another location within the building but felt she was being monitored by the staff member. Unable to find a suitable place and with her baby crying, she decided to leave and return home.

In an email to the cultural institution following the event, A. expressed her distress, stating that the staff member's actions made her feel like a criminal. She suggested that the proper procedure would be to offer a designated nursing area or not to prohibit mothers from feeding their infants in public.

The cultural institution responded to the incident, calling it an "isolated and unfortunate event" involving a single staff member who had not understood the guidelines. They clarified that there is no policy against breastfeeding within the venue and cited an instance from the same week where another woman breastfed without any interference. The institution stated that they are addressing the matter internally.