Eric n I were bursting to find a toilet before starting our shopping at Aldi. As I enter the female toilet, I saw a young Indian lady sitting right next to the hand washing basin, On The FLOOR. Yes, you are right, on the dirty toilet floor. And in her arms, is a small baby, nursing on her breast.
As I was bursting to get to the toilet, I took a quick glance at her direction and quickly rush into a cubicle. While reliving myself ( sorry for the imagery), I wondered in my mind, what she was doing? How long has she been sitting on the floor for? Does she needs help? Does she knows that there are parenting rooms to safely breast feed in a hygienic environment?
As I came out of my cubicle, I saw many women, glancing/ staring at her direction, before exiting the toilet. Why did no one approach her?
I approached her. And with very simple English, I asked if she knows there are a very comfortable parenting room just around the corner. ( yes, I did washed my hands)
Waving her over and showing her the parenting room sign on the wall ( basically a baby sign), I ushered her into the parenting room, that is just 2 doors down the hallway. To tell the truth, I had never been into one before and I had always wanted to find out what is in there. There in the parenting room, welcoming us is a big comfortable sofa. Along the walls are two microwaves (for heating up baby milk/food) and nappy change tables. Gesturing her to take a sit here on the sofa instead, I said "comfortable".
"Ok, yes, ok" was her replied. Confirming my suspicion that she could be a new migrant and not know much English. The baby gave me a big smile that melts my heart. I left them to continue the baby's meal time. However, I feel sorry that women in our society had failed to care for her. How could a women (many already with or past the age of having children) just turn a blind eye to a fellow woman, sitting in the middle of the toilet floor, breast feeding her baby! This is so degrading.
While waiting for Eric to come out of the toilet, I saw the woman carrying her son out to meet with her husband. She pointed to him the parenting room sign on the wall. I hope they will not have such experience again.
Kcan
1 comment:
I'm glad you did what you did. :3
There are a lot of people who won't bother since it doesn't benefit them. There was a time in Singapore when I saw this uni age girl about same age as me riding the escalator in front of me a short distance away. Her skirt was caught by her bag from the back, and everyone could see her butt and underwear. There were several guys and girls between us and no one bothered to tell her. (the guys were probably enjoying the view.) Some of the girls just pointed out and giggle among themselves. I had to chase after her and let her know, and she was really thankful. But I was really pissed off that no one actually bothered to let her know...
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