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Should Kirstie Marshall be allowed to breastfeed her baby in Parliament? MP Kirstie Marshall has recently sparked controversy after breastfeeding her baby in a parliamentary chamber. Marshall was ejected from the Legislative Assembly for meeting her duties as a mother and as a parliamentary representative, when breastfeeding her 11-day-old daughter at work. Under the Equal Opportunity Act, Marshall should have been able to do this and supply her child with the best form of nutrition, however she was denied the right to meet her two obligations at once. Furthermore, the Bracks government has recently made innovative, more ‘family-friendly’ changes to Parliament, so how could they try to make Marshall neglect her families’ needs? MP Marshall, along with other mothers, would be aware that breast milk is the best source of nutrients for a newborn baby. However, while she was doing her best to ensure baby Charlotte will be healthy, she was ordered to leave her workplace. 11-day-old Charlotte Marshall would be on a very demanding food schedule, needing food every couple of hours. This demand would need to be met by mother, Kirstie, while she works at some time. “I would like to be able to provide for my baby…without compromising my role as parliamentarian”- Marshall, 27/2/03, The Age Baby formulas do not supply all the necessary nutrients to a baby that only breast milk can.
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