BERKSHIRE MALL NURSE-IN
       by Lasi Leavy

Berkshire Mall Nurse-In
February 24, 2007

The Nurse-In at Berkshire Mall is over, but the day’s events are still being discussed among those who were present. What an amazing experience!
 
Despite the fact the time to begin was scheduled for 1:00p.m., center court was filling with breastfeeding moms and supporters by 12:30p.m. By 1:00p.m., center court was overflowing with supporters and the upper level and staircase was lined with “spectators.” It was so full of people at one point, that maneuvering through the crowd was not an easy task. It's estimated between 150-200 people were present. That number may be on the conservative side.

The media did not let us down. There were no less than five television stations, several newspapers and publications, and at least one radio station present.

Several of the mall stores came in a show of support and also took advantage of the Nurse-In to promote their businesses. The Picture People handed out balloons to all the kids. Not just any balloons either. They were giving out large punching ball balloons. Several others passed out store coupons.
The participants came from as far away as the states of New York, Delaware, and New Jersey. There were also individuals from Allentown, Philadelphia and Harrisburg areas, and from everywhere in between.
 
Attorney, Jake Marcus, had the opportunity to speak with mall officials and the changes that the corporate office could make with regard to their current “lack of” breastfeeding policy. Jake will be issuing her own statement about her experience with mall management. That information will be posted on MMBN’s website once it is received.

Mothering & More Birth Network extends sincere thanks all who were involved in making Saturday’s Nurse-In at Berkshire Mall a successful event. The Nurse-In could not have happened without the participation and dedication of every individual who took the time to contribute.

Many of you helped by sending the word via email, telephone calls, and by telling family and friends about the Nurse-In. Others made signs, t-shirts, buttons, flyers, and stickers to hand out. And though security did their best to prevent picture taking, many of you got some great photos too. Our families got involved by distributing the handouts and stickers, and by getting individuals to sign lists.
Of course, a huge thanks to all who took time out of their day to come in a show of support for the Bellini’s and all breastfeeding families across our state.

Someone asked, “What now?” Now - we do our utmost to ensure our elected officials realize and understand the importance of enacting legislation to protect breastfeeding families in the State of Pennsylvania. It’s about time we move forward; this is the 21st century after all!

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