In a recent incident aboard a United Airlines flight, a mother faced harassment while breastfeeding her four-month-old daughter. Despite breastfeeding being legal and a natural act, societal stigma persists, as demonstrated by this unsettling encounter.
The mother, whom we’ll call Lisa Harper, was traveling from Denver to Seattle when she began nursing her baby. The flight was uneventful until a fellow passenger expressed discomfort to a flight attendant. Lisa, having just finished feeding, was cradling her sleeping baby when she overheard the complaint. The other passenger insisted that the crew tell her to “go cover up.”
A flight attendant approached Lisa and requested that she use a cover, to which Lisa responded that her baby was calm and at peace because she was being nursed comfortably. It’s baffling that in 2023, women still face such scrutiny for a natural activity that promotes bonding and nourishment.
The situation escalated when the disgruntled passenger began vocally criticizing Lisa, declaring it “disgusting” to nurse in public. It’s hard to imagine how a mother quietly breastfeeding could be more disruptive than the scene unfolding with the complaining passenger. For those of us on board, it’s clear that a shouting adult is far more embarrassing than a baby peacefully feeding.
Mothers often find themselves in a no-win situation. If they choose to breastfeed, they risk attracting negative attention. If they pump, they navigate a minefield of disapproving looks, whether in their seats or in the bathroom. Moreover, opting for formula can invite its own set of critics. It seems that no matter the choice, mothers are scrutinized.
Feeling uncomfortable with the attention, Lisa draped a blanket over herself, but the incident left her justifiably upset. It’s vital for flight crews to understand that breastfeeding is a legal right, and the only true disruption was caused by the loud passenger. Instead of confronting the nursing mother, perhaps the woman could have simply immersed herself in a book or the in-flight entertainment.
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In summary, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges mothers face in public spaces when breastfeeding. It’s a call for more awareness and acceptance, allowing mothers to nourish their children without fear of judgment or harassment.