Parenting
A mom’s determination to pump breast milk in public is making waves online, and rightly so. Can we start a fan club?
Meet Jessica Allen, who is earning praise from mothers everywhere for her bold stand against a hotel that refused to provide her with a suitable place to pump. While attending a conference at a downtown hotel, she found herself in need of a pumping session. Upon inquiring at the front desk about a private space, she was directed to the restroom—can you believe it?
In her candid Facebook post, she expressed her frustration, saying, “Really?! I told them nobody dines in the bathroom, so why would they expect me to pump milk for my baby in there?” After requesting to use an unoccupied hotel room, her pleas were met with resistance. Staff members claimed she couldn’t use a room because “she hadn’t paid for it.” Excuse me? She was a paying customer attending the seminar!
When Jessica pushed back, explaining that she had indeed paid for the seminar, the staff continued to deny her requests, stating, “We’re sold out.” Not one to back down easily, she sought an office—any office—and was told only the general manager had one, and she couldn’t enter.
Let’s be clear: she wasn’t trying to pull a heist or create chaos. She was simply providing essential nourishment for her child. Eventually, the hotel staff relented and offered her the wine cellar for pumping. While that could have led to a delightful glass of wine, Jessica chose a different path. She set up her pumping station right there in the lobby, snapping a photo with a smile as breast milk filled her bottles. Talk about sweet revenge!
Following her experience, Jessica filed a complaint with the general manager, who later apologized, attributing the incident to poorly trained staff. It’s vital to recognize that, while breastfeeding in public is protected in many states, reasonable accommodations for pumping remain a grey area. It’s absurd that we even need laws for such basic rights. Jessica’s story shines a light on the challenges many mothers face, and her brave stand could help spark much-needed changes.
Since her post gained traction, Jessica has been inundated with messages of support from mothers around the globe. In her follow-up, she urged other moms to know their rights and not to be afraid to stand up for themselves.
For more on empowering mothers and understanding their rights, check out this piece on intracervicalinsemination.org. Additionally, if you’re considering home insemination, reputable retailers like Make a Mom offer kits designed for at-home use, which can be found at cryobaby-at-home-insemination-kit. For more comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit the World Health Organization at who.int/health-topics/pregnancy.
Summary
Jessica Allen’s stand against a hotel’s refusal to provide a pumping space highlights the ongoing struggle many mothers face regarding their rights to pump in public. Her viral post has resonated with moms everywhere, sparking conversations about necessary accommodations and the importance of knowing one’s rights.
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