In a shocking incident, a gym reached out to a mother at home to instruct her to cover up the next time she breastfeeds her children. This story quickly garnered attention online, highlighting the ongoing issue of public breastfeeding harassment.
Just two days into 2023, we are reminded that some individuals still face stigma for nursing in public. Thanks to brave mothers like Emma Johnson for sharing their experiences, we can bring awareness to this unacceptable behavior. When Emma arrived at KidZone, the daycare at her gym, her children were upset and needed to be fed. She decided to breastfeed them before heading home, thinking nothing of it.
However, after her visit, Emma received a disheartening phone call from a gym staff member informing her that she should either cover up or find a more private location to nurse. Seriously? Do they not realize that breastfeeding is a legal right wherever a mother is allowed to be? Fortunately, Emma was prepared to educate them on the law.
Upon speaking with the employee, Emma highlighted that legally, she cannot be forced to cover up or leave. She expressed concern over how devastating such a call could be for a less experienced breastfeeding mother, potentially dissuading them from nursing in public altogether. Despite her attempts to escalate the issue to a supervisor, she faced repeated runarounds. When she finally connected with the general manager, rather than receiving an apology, she was shamed for breastfeeding publicly.
Emma pointed out that such experiences could dishearten a new mother attempting to breastfeed in public for the first time. She called for businesses to recognize the importance of supporting nursing mothers rather than making them feel ashamed. After her story went viral, the gym attempted a feeble apology on their social media, claiming they never interrupted her breastfeeding. Yet, they cowardly chose to insult her afterward instead of addressing the incident directly.
Fortunately, many commenters on the gym’s post voiced their disapproval of the treatment Emma received, emphasizing that if gym-goers can wear revealing workout clothes, nursing mothers deserve the same respect when feeding their babies. In fact, Emma’s husband, Tom, is in touch with the attorney who helped draft Virginia’s law protecting breastfeeding mothers’ rights, aiming to ensure the gym complies with these regulations.
The shaming of mothers for breastfeeding must come to an end, especially since the law supports their right to nurse openly. After all, would the gym stop someone from eating a sandwich if they were hungry? A mother and her baby deserve the same courtesy.
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In summary, the incident at the gym serves as a stark reminder that breastfeeding mothers should not have to face harassment or shaming for simply nourishing their children. It’s time for all businesses to recognize and support the rights of nursing mothers.
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