A new mother in Scottsdale, Arizona, recently faced an astonishing situation when she was asked to leave a dressing room at a Barneys store while attempting to breastfeed her infant. The staff expressed concerns about “loss prevention,” suggesting that the presence of her baby could somehow lead to theft. This reasoning raises significant questions, especially since non-nursing customers are welcome to use the same dressing rooms without scrutiny.
Expert Opinions on Breastfeeding in Public
Dr. Sarah Thompson, a pediatrician, emphasizes that a department store dressing room is typically a discreet and suitable place for mothers to nurse their infants. In fact, Arizona law supports a woman’s right to breastfeed anywhere she is allowed to be, whether in public or private spaces. It’s perplexing that a nursing mother would face more restrictions than a solo shopper. If the store was truly concerned about theft, why would they not extend the same trust to a mother with a baby?
The Response from Jessica Harris
The mother, who has been identified as Jessica Harris, even offered to allow the staff to search her belongings to ease their concerns. However, the store remained unmoved, suggesting she use the public restroom instead—a location that lacked any comfortable seating and is often less hygienic than a dressing room. The irony here is undeniable; the dressing room, intended for privacy, seems like a more appropriate place for breastfeeding than a restroom.
The Broader Issue
Breastfeeding mothers frequently encounter societal pressure to be discreet, and Jessica was trying her best to comply with these expectations. Yet, her experience at Barneys illustrates a broader issue regarding the treatment of nursing mothers in public spaces. Many might anticipate that stores would offer a supportive environment for breastfeeding, especially given the ongoing discussions about normalizing nursing in public.
Barneys’ Response and Future Steps
In response to the incident, Barneys stated that it would be reevaluating its policy on lactation and employee training across all locations. Ensuring staff understand the legal rights of breastfeeding mothers is a crucial step toward fostering an inclusive shopping atmosphere.
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Conclusion
In summary, Jessica Harris’s experience at Barneys highlights the ongoing challenges breastfeeding mothers face in public spaces. It underscores the necessity for stores to create supportive environments that respect the rights of nursing mothers.