We have an airline update for you on this fine Thursday morning! No, it’s not about your delay or a canceled flight. Nor is it about traffic backing up at Schiphol. This airline update is about KLM’s official policy about women breastfeeding their child. Did you know that the Dutch airline requires the mother to cover herself when she is breastfeeding so as to not offend anybody?
Yep, it’s true! You can see for yourself here!
Breastfeeding is permitted at KLM flights. However, to ensure that all our passengers of all backgrounds feel comfortable on board, we may request a mother to cover herself while breastfeeding, should other passengers be offended by this.
— Royal Dutch Airlines (@KLM) July 16, 2019
This whole conversation was started over last weekend when Shelby Angel posted a warning on Facebook, telling mothers who are still breastfeeding their child to be weary with the airline after her experience with them. Long story short, she wanted to breastfeed her one-year-old child because it would help calm her down for the long flight from Amsterdam to San Francisco. It was then that a flight attendant approached her and told her “if you want to continue doing the breastfeeding, you need to cover yourself.” She left her with a warning of having to deal with the “issue” if someone complains. No one around her complained.
It’s like this Dutch company is going backward in time!
Found in the book “Cabine”. A KLM flight attendant in uniform putting a baby to breast. @KLM this was 44yrs ago! Why are you going backwards?! I expect more from a progressive Dutch company! #breastfeeding #KLM https://t.co/VQcccsKa5T pic.twitter.com/g2Q0pGubKX
— Sophia Goslings (@sgoslings) July 17, 2019
When people realize the Netherlands isn’t actually as liberal as they thought (based on famous examples of Dutch liberalism) #KLM breastfeeding policy causes turbulence https://t.co/WCnV6bIkFn https://t.co/EXd1SoatPw
— anna holligan ? (@annaholligan) July 17, 2019
#KLM as a Dad I cannot claim to be a #breastfeeding expert, but you have got it wrong, Mum and baby just do what they want to do, anyone offended give them your eye masks, some earplugs & maybe have a "its not all about YOU conversation" with them. Good luck #heatheryemm pic.twitter.com/OTbPkNfgRj
— david mcglinchey (@halfcenturyman) July 17, 2019
Erm. Not sure it’s the best time to ask…? #KLM pic.twitter.com/EOSd62L0uD
— anna holligan ? (@annaholligan) July 17, 2019
Covering yourself while breast feading ? #KLM pic.twitter.com/eX6l6fbm3O
— OndeRob (@ondeRob) July 17, 2019
#KLM
none of my children would have put up with a blanket. they would have screamed the plane down.
i've seldom seen a woman's breast when she's breast feeding, it's usually covered with her shirt.
how hard would this 'offended passenger' have been looking to see her breast?— s meyer (@1812meyer) July 17, 2019
I'm SHOCKED that a previously wonderful airline would require a mom to cover up while FEEDING HER BABY if someone else is uncomfortable. There are so many reasons that this is wrong, and @KLM should 100% retract their statement. ???#KLM #breastfeeding #breastfeedinginpublic
— Danika Viola (@DanikaViola) July 17, 2019
It would be a welcome change to look at company policies, laws, opinions, and everything out there not worrying so much about controlling everything a woman is doing with her own body, and start focussing on the people who are trying to control it. People are even asking each other about other airlines they could use instead!
What is your policy on breastfeeding on board? Seeing as @KLM isn’t an option anymore…
— Lyndsey Marie (@Lyndsey_Marie22) July 17, 2019
I flew with @emirates recently with my baby and breastfed her frequently throughout the flight. Not one person batted an eyelid. Staff were fabulous and attentive
— Olivia Major (@LivvyMajor) July 17, 2019
@airfrance @flySAA_US @qatarairways @BritishAirwaysT we’re planning a trip to South Africa & @KLM policy horrifies me. What are your breastfeeding policies please?
— Vicky Sibson (@SibsonVicky) July 17, 2019
What has your experience been with breastfeeding during a flight, or in any public space in general? Let us know in the comments below!