A mother flying with United Airlines recently found herself at the center of a distressing incident while breastfeeding her baby. It’s hard to believe that in 2023, women still face harassment for feeding their infants in public, despite it being completely legal to do so without covering up. This situation unfolded when a new mother, Emily Johnson, was nursing her four-month-old daughter during a flight from Denver to San Francisco.
Emily was enjoying a peaceful moment with her baby, who was quietly nursing and dozing off in her lap, when a fellow passenger decided that her act of breastfeeding was inappropriate. According to a report from Parenting Today, the woman complained to a male flight attendant, insisting, “You need to go tell her to put some clothes on.”
A flight attendant approached Emily and asked her to cover up. However, she stood her ground and explained that the reason her baby was so calm was that she was nursing. Breastfeeding is not only a natural part of motherhood but also a legal right in many places. Despite this, the original complainant escalated the situation further, shouting, “This is disgusting! Someone needs to tell her to cover up!”
It’s worth noting that there are far more disruptive things that can happen on a flight than a mother nursing her baby. For instance, a fellow passenger making a scene could easily be more uncomfortable for everyone involved. In fact, a baby crying out of discomfort or boredom would likely create more of a ruckus than a peacefully napping infant.
Mothers seem to be in a no-win situation. If they breastfeed, they may face backlash; if they pump, they risk being told they’re not allowed to do it in public spaces, and if they choose formula, critics may come out of the woodwork to scold them as well. The reality is that mothers and their babies often feel unwelcome in spaces where they should feel safe and supported.
Although Emily felt embarrassed by the confrontation and decided to cover herself with a blanket, her frustration was entirely justified. She had every right to feed her child comfortably and without judgment. The only real disruption was caused by the other passenger, who could have simply chosen to ignore the situation or engage in a more productive activity, like reading a book or watching a movie.
If you’re interested in more discussions about family and parenting, check out this insightful article on intrauterine insemination, which provides great resources for those looking into pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re considering at-home insemination options, Make a Mom offers reliable products like fertility booster kits for men to assist in your journey.
In summary, the experience of Emily highlights the ongoing struggles that breastfeeding mothers face in public. It serves as a reminder that supporting mothers in their choices is essential, and that dialogues surrounding breastfeeding need to shift toward understanding and acceptance.
Leave a Reply