In a troubling incident highlighting the challenges faced by nursing mothers, a mother was asked to leave a Nordstrom restroom for breastfeeding her baby. This unfortunate event underscores the ongoing stigma around public breastfeeding, even in spaces designed for privacy.
Jessica Harper, a Utah resident, was shopping at Nordstrom with her infant daughter, Lily. When Lily became hungry, Harper opted to feed her in the restroom, believing it would provide a discreet environment. “She was crying and needed to eat, so I went to the restroom and found an empty chair,” Harper explained to a local news outlet.
Typically, stories about breastfeeding mothers involve employees directing them to use restrooms, so one would assume Harper would not encounter issues. However, moments into feeding Lily, a Nordstrom staff member approached her with a complaint about another customer’s discomfort. “A Nordstrom employee informed me that someone felt uneasy seeing a nursing mother in the restroom,” Harper recounted.
The proposed solution? To move to a changing room. This request is not only impractical but also reflects a misunderstanding of breastfeeding rights. Imagine trying to relocate with a hungry baby while managing a diaper bag and a stroller – it’s utterly unreasonable.
“It was a bit embarrassing at first,” Harper admitted. “I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong.” Her partner, Tom Harper, echoed her confusion, questioning the rationale behind asking a nursing mother to leave the restroom. Disturbed by the situation, they reached out to the store manager, who apologized and assured them that staff would receive further training on breastfeeding laws.
While Jessica and Tom appreciate the commitment to better educate employees, they hope to raise awareness about breastfeeding rights, particularly for those who voice complaints without understanding the law. “Society seems fine with provocative advertisements, yet many find a nursing mother offensive,” Jessica noted.
Nordstrom is known for excellent customer service. It’s crucial that this level of service extends to employee training, ensuring that nursing mothers are treated with respect and dignity. For more on this topic, check out our other blog post about privacy policies here. If you’re interested in home insemination options, visit this site, a trusted resource. Additionally, for insights into IVF and related topics, News Medical offers comprehensive information.
In conclusion, the incident at Nordstrom serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for awareness and education regarding breastfeeding in public spaces. It is essential to support nursing mothers and promote understanding of their rights.