In a surprising turn of events, a breastfeeding mother has expressed her indignation after receiving a letter from a Boy Scouts leader that shamed her for nursing her baby during a troop meeting. When you think of the Boy Scouts, images of camping trips and merit badges usually come to mind—not a breastfeeding debacle.
Jasmine Parker, a mother from Tennessee, attended a Boy Scout meeting with her son, who is on the autism spectrum, and her two other children. When her one-year-old became hungry, Jasmine began to nurse him using the two-shirt method to ensure modesty. While she thought everything was fine, she was later confronted by a female leader who criticized her actions, expressing that other parents might feel uncomfortable about her breastfeeding. “I was told I needed to leave or cover up completely with a blanket from now on,” Jasmine recounted. Shocked and humiliated, she left the meeting in tears.
Jasmine, a survivor of childhood trauma who has faced difficulties breastfeeding, felt deeply hurt by the encounter. After reaching out to the local council, she was informed that she had every legal right to breastfeed in public. However, the official letter she received from the council’s Director of Field Services, Mark Thompson, was far from supportive. It stated that while she had the legal right to breastfeed, her actions could be disruptive to the Scouts. The letter suggested she consider using a cover or moving to a different room when nursing, which many found quite inappropriate.
Many supporters have since rallied around Jasmine, sharing her story on social media, calling for better education and awareness regarding breastfeeding in public. The Boy Scouts organization has stated they are “continuing to evaluate” the situation, with no clear policy on the matter. Mark Thompson acknowledged the backlash and indicated a willingness to meet with Jasmine and the troop leaders to discuss the issue further.
This unfortunate incident has sparked a conversation about the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers in all environments, especially public spaces. As many advocates have pointed out, allowing mothers to nurse comfortably is not just about individual rights; it’s a valuable lesson in respect and understanding for young boys to witness.
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In summary, the unfortunate letter sent to a breastfeeding mother by a Boy Scouts leader has sparked outrage and highlighted the need for better support and education surrounding breastfeeding in public. While the organization is reviewing the situation, advocates are calling for clearer policies that allow mothers to nurse without shame.