Pool breastfeeding rule reversed

Wellington’s ‘‘impractical policy’’ around breastfeeding at swimming pools has been reversed and mums can now feed their babies poolside.

Yesterday, the council confirmed the ban on breastfeeding either in pools or by the poolside was changed, following a review into policies implemented by other councils.

City councillor Fleur Fitzsimons said the change was excellent and followed months of the community pushing hard for change.

In May, Wellington woman Rebecca Robertson was feeding her 20-month-old son Frankie at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre in Kilbirnie when she was told she needed to get out of the pool.

Talking to Stuff at the time, she said a lifeguard approached her and told her that breastfeeding in a Wellington City Council pool breached its food and beverage policy.

Under the policy, food and drinks can’t be consumed in pools to maintain water quality standards and prevent contamination.

Fitzsimons said Robertson took a brave stand and brought together members of the community to campaign for a change.

‘‘It was really just an impractical policy not based on science.

‘‘Babies have a right to feed when they’re hungry.’’

She said that after talking to council staff, she understood the policy change would be immediate and would allow all mothers to feed poolside or in the pool.

Rebecca Robertson said she was ‘‘generally really happy’’ about the reversal of the decision.

‘‘I don’t know what the council did as part of the review, but it’s awesome it’s been changed. A lot of women took a lot of time out their busy days to take part in this.

‘‘There was a bit of concern over the process – I know a group of really strong women took time to complain to the Human Rights Commission about this.’’

Council community pools manager Amy Carter said staff had spoken with other New Zealand councils about their breastfeeding in pools policies and decided to make a change.

‘‘There doesn’t appear to be any consistency among councils about breastfeeding in pools. However, Auckland and Christchurch City councils do allow mothers to breastfeed their babies in the pool, and our policy was out of step with this approach.’’

She said the council respected a mother’s right to breastfeed and wanted to ensure parents and caregivers felt relaxed as possible when visiting council pools.

‘‘It was really just an impractical policy not based on science. Babies have a right to feed when they’re hungry.’’

Fleur Fitzsimons Wellington City councillor