Breast is best for brothel patrons
18 July 2003
By KRYSTI WETTON
A "working girl" offering fresh breast milk as an extra service at a Hawera massage parlour has drawn a mixed response from the public.
The 25-year-old woman, who goes by the name of Brooke, gave birth to a son six weeks ago. She and parlour owner Ruth Bain claim business has picked up since they began running the explicit advertisements – in an industry liberated by the recent legislation decriminalising prostitution.
The advertisements are the talk of Hawera. Members of the public questioned in the streets yesterday were mostly queasy about the activity and its brazen advertising.
Hygiene fears were also raised on behalf of the baby by the breastfeeding advocacy group, La Leche League.
League director Rosemary Gordon, of Taupo, said there could be a risk of infectious diseases like herpes, hepatitis and tuberculosis, being spread through cross-infection, between the baby, clients and the mother.
She said it would also be a concern if the baby's milk supply was being compromised. "The baby should have first option," she said.
However, Mrs Gordon said breast milk could contain nutritional value for adults. "In some societies, there's been a history for breast milk to be given to sick or old people."
She added that the organisation did not have guidelines on the issue.
Brooke said she washed herself with hot salt water and showered before feeding her son, and did not believe there was a risk of cross-infection.
"My kid comes first," she insisted.
She started offering her breast milk after a suggestion from a client.
"Most of these guys are clean cut, well-presented nice guys," she said.
They were generally aged over 30 and one man, who lived in Wellington, told her he would be travelling to Hawera for a repeat serving.
Acting Senior Sergeant Mike Hannah, of Hawera, said what Brooke was doing was not illegal.
The Daily News asked people on the streets of Hawera what they thought about the offer.
Typical was one woman, who said she had recently stopped breast-feeding her child.
"I wouldn't want men hanging off my breasts having a feed. It's a bit sick isn't it," said the woman, who did not want to be named.
Another Hawera resident, who would identify himself only as Jason, said he had tasted his partner's breast milk.
"But what you do in your own home is up to you. This is nasty," he said.
Labour MP Tim Barnett, Prostitution Reform Act promoter, said some brothels were becoming more daring since the law came into force.
The legislation decriminalises soliciting and brothel-keeping. "The law would make no difference on services one could offer," he added.
Under the new legislation, brothels would face public health inspections under guidelines yet to be written. "If there's a health danger, then it shouldn't be done," he said.
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