Just when you think you’ve seen it all…
A woman recently found herself at the center of a social media firestorm after she was photographed breastfeeding her baby on a Disney ride. The controversial image quickly went viral, sparking heated debates and attracting intense backlash from Disney Parks fans and parents on both sides of the argument.
Breastfeeding at Disney: When Are Where Is It Appropriate?
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of motherhood, allowing mothers to nourish and bond with their babies. However, when it comes to mothers at Disney breastfeeding in public, opinions vary widely. Some advocate for the right of mothers to breastfeed wherever they feel comfortable, while others argue that it should be done in more private settings. When it comes to one woman’s decision to breastfeed at a Disney attraction, the public response ended up being overwhelmingly negative.
Disney theme parks have always been known as family-friendly destinations where parents and children can enjoy magical experiences together. They strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for all guests, including mothers and their infants while on their Disney vacation. In fact, Disney has a policy that supports breastfeeding mothers and allows them to breastfeed anywhere within the park, including on theme park rides. This policy is in line with many state laws that protect a mother’s right to breastfeed in public spaces within each Disney Park.
Related: The Results Are In: HUNDREDS of Babies Were Born at Walt Disney World This Year
However, despite the policy, the image of the woman breastfeeding on the ride drew polarizing opinions from the public. Some applauded her for exercising her rights and praised Disney for being a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers. They admired her ability to multitask and provide for her child’s needs while enjoying the park’s attractions. For these individuals, the incident shed light on the importance of normalizing breastfeeding and removing the stigma surrounding it.
On the other hand, there were those who criticized the woman for breastfeeding on a ride due to the potential dangers that could occur. They argued that the ride she was on had a surprise drop, which could have been dangerous for the feeding baby. Some expressed concern that the act could make other guests uncomfortable, particularly children who may not fully understand why someone would be breastfeeding at an attraction.
Was This Woman in the Wrong?
The photo of the breastfeeding mother was shared on Instagram by Joanna Goddard, whose cousin is in the photo. The photo is captioned;
“My cousin @meredithbarnyak being an absolute MOM on this Disney ride. 💪💪💪🏆🏆🏆❤️❤️❤️ @peaknegotiations“
One comment from @memesivemade responded negatively, saying,
“….she clearly did this for the sole purpose of attention. These rides are less than a minute. No way was her baby all of a sudden starving after 30 seconds. All the jostling on those rides….this is not the safest way to get attention. Parents should really put their babies first instead of attention on social media.”
Another comment from @laurasaurus923 says,
“Not to be a stick in the mud but this seems…kinda dangerous?? Am I overestimating the thrill level on this ride? The rest of the adults seem to be clinging on pretty tight!”
In conclusion, the breastfeeding incident on a Disney ride sparked intense debate and backlash, highlighting the ongoing societal discussions surrounding breastfeeding in public. While some commended the woman for exercising her rights and praised Disney’s supportive stance on breastfeeding, others criticized her for not being more discreet. This incident serves as a reminder of the need to normalize breastfeeding and create an inclusive environment that respects and supports all mothers. Through education, awareness, and acceptance, we can work towards a society where breastfeeding is fully embraced and celebrated, allowing every mother and baby to thrive.
