A mom is speaking out after a troubling experience at a YMCA in Limerick, Pennsylvania, where she was asked to leave a toddler gym class for breastfeeding her son. In a viral Facebook post, Emily Johnson recounted how she found a quiet spot in the gym to nurse her 19-month-old during their weekly class. However, two employees approached her with an unexpected request.
“I was sitting on the balance beam, next to some storage shelves full of toys,” Johnson shared. “I started to nurse my son, but then management came into the room and asked me to relocate outside the classroom because there were ‘men’ present who felt uncomfortable.” It’s hard to believe that in this day and age, such a situation would arise.
When a friend of Johnson’s inquired about a designated nursing area, the staff suggested the locker room, which is co-ed and full of people. “I explained I wouldn’t be nursing my child in a bathroom,” she stated. “She insisted I couldn’t nurse in the classroom, and when I mentioned the legality of the situation, she argued that it wasn’t against the law.” In fact, it’s illegal in 49 states to ask a nursing mother to move to a private area. After Johnson pressed the issue, the employees checked the law but still insisted she use the locker room.
Johnson later spoke with the class instructor and associate director, who confirmed that it is indeed illegal to ask a nursing mother to leave a room. However, the associate director suggested that she nurse with a cover or in the locker room, which he noted had stalls with curtains. Johnson expressed her disbelief that in such a family-friendly environment, she was facing discrimination for simply feeding her child.
The YMCA’s CEO, Mark Thompson, later addressed the situation, stating that the employee’s intent was miscommunicated. He clarified that Johnson was not asked to stop breastfeeding, but rather to move from a location that was part of the class activity. Johnson received apologies from YMCA representatives, and a group of supportive moms organized a nurse-in to stand by her side.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges breastfeeding moms face in public spaces, and it’s crucial for establishments to be more aware and sensitive to the needs of nursing mothers. For those navigating similar situations, be sure to check out this excellent resource on infertility and pregnancy and consider learning more about fertility boosters for those looking to expand their families. If you’re interested in the topic of home insemination, feel free to reach out through this contact page for additional insights.
In summary, Emily Johnson’s experience at the YMCA raises important questions about support for breastfeeding mothers in public settings. Despite the challenges she faced, her willingness to speak out may help raise awareness and promote understanding for nursing moms everywhere.