A New Jersey mother recently found herself in a troubling situation when a local park official summoned law enforcement because she was breastfeeding her two-year-old in public. Sarah Thompson was enjoying a day at Franklin Pond Beach with her daughter, Emma, when a woman from the park’s recreation committee approached her. “She said, ‘I see what you’re doing there, could you do that somewhere else?’” Thompson recounts. She quickly responded, “I’m legally permitted to breastfeed wherever I choose,” affirming her rights as a mother.
The Legal Right to Breastfeed
Public breastfeeding is legal across the United States, having been recognized in all 50 states, and New Jersey has supported this right since 1997. Despite this, the park official proceeded to call the police, which highlights a concerning trend of misunderstanding about breastfeeding laws. Thankfully, the officer who arrived was knowledgeable about these regulations. “He told me, ‘I totally support your right to breastfeed. Is everything okay?’” Thompson recalls, relieved by the officer’s understanding.
Confrontation with Park Officials
However, the situation didn’t end there. After the officer left, the park committee administrator, Lisa Johnson, approached Thompson and reiterated that while she acknowledged the legality of breastfeeding, she still suggested that Thompson cover up. Thompson stood firm, reminding Johnson that the law allows her to nurse freely. Johnson later commented that they were trying to maintain a “family-friendly atmosphere” at the beach.
The Comfort of Breastfeeding
It’s worth noting that covering up while breastfeeding, especially on a hot summer day, can be uncomfortable for both mother and child. Eating a meal with a blanket draped over one’s head is hardly appealing, so why should breastfeeding be any different? The act of feeding a hungry baby should be seen as natural and normal, rather than something to be shamed or hidden.
Empowering Other Mothers
Thompson decided to share her experience to empower other mothers who might feel intimidated about breastfeeding in public. She organized a nurse-in protest at a nearby beach, aiming to raise awareness about the rights of nursing mothers and to encourage them to feel comfortable feeding in public spaces. “There are new mothers out there who might be deterred by someone in authority confronting them. They need to know they can nurse without fear,” she stated.
Conclusion
In summary, Sarah Thompson’s experience underscores the ongoing challenges many breastfeeding mothers face in public, despite legal protections. By sharing her story and advocating for the normalization of breastfeeding, Thompson hopes to inspire confidence in other mothers.
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