In a baffling turn of events, a new mother was told she could not breastfeed her baby in a dressing room at a high-end department store, all due to unfounded concerns about shoplifting. This incident occurred at Barneys in Scottsdale, Arizona, where mom Sarah Thompson reported that staff members prohibited her from nursing her infant in the dressing room, citing “loss prevention” as their reasoning.
You’d think a dressing room would be one of the more acceptable places for nursing, yet Thompson found herself facing scrutiny simply for trying to care for her child. According to reports, the store staff insisted that a nursing mother posed a greater risk of theft than any other customer, which raises serious questions about their logic. After all, it’s hard to believe that a four-month-old baby could be suspected of swiping a designer handbag or a luxury belt. The only difference between a breastfeeding mother and a solo shopper is the presence of a baby—are they implying that the infant is somehow complicit in theft?
Thompson even offered to allow the staff to search her and her stroller to alleviate their concerns, but this gesture was met with indifference. Instead, she was directed to a public restroom, which lacked any seating beyond a toilet—hardly a suitable or comfortable place for a nursing mother.
In Arizona, the law is clear: women have the right to breastfeed anywhere they are permitted to be, whether in public or private spaces. In light of the ongoing stigma against breastfeeding in public, one might expect a retail establishment to encourage nursing mothers to use dressing rooms for privacy. They typically provide a more discreet environment compared to public restrooms, which can be unpleasant and unsanitary.
Barneys has since responded to Thompson’s complaint, stating that they will be revisiting their policies concerning lactation and employee training. It seems prudent for them to ensure their staff is well-informed about the rights of nursing mothers, as this misunderstanding could easily be avoided with proper education.
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In summary, the incident highlights a growing issue surrounding the rights of breastfeeding mothers in public spaces. It’s essential for retailers to create welcoming environments for all customers, including nursing mothers, to ensure they feel comfortable and respected while caring for their children.
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