In a shocking incident that has garnered widespread attention, a mother received a call from her gym demanding she cover up while breastfeeding her children. The situation ignited a viral conversation about public breastfeeding rights and the ongoing stigma surrounding it.
Jenna Thompson was at her gym’s daycare, KidZone, picking up her children when she decided to breastfeed them after a long day. According to her Facebook post, her kids were fussy, and she quickly nursed them to soothe their distress before heading home. However, shortly after, she received a phone call from a gym employee who informed her that she needed to either cover herself while nursing or find a more private area to do so. It’s hard to believe that in this day and age, such attitudes persist, especially since breastfeeding in public is a legal right.
In her post, Jenna explained how she made it clear to the employee that there was no legal basis for their request. She expressed her concern for other mothers who might feel discouraged or ashamed by such an experience. After multiple attempts to speak with a supervisor, Jenna encountered a frustrating series of evasions and lies from the staff. When she finally reached the gym’s general manager, instead of an apology, she was met with criticism for breastfeeding in a public space.
As Jenna highlighted, experiences like hers can be detrimental, especially for mothers who may be trying to nurse in public for the first time. The pressure to hide or cover up can deter women from breastfeeding altogether, leaving them feeling isolated. It’s time for businesses to recognize that breastfeeding is a natural act, deserving of respect and acceptance, just like any other form of nourishment.
After her story gained traction online, the gym, ACAC Midlothian, issued a lackluster apology on their Facebook page. They claimed that the mother was never directly interrupted or asked to stop breastfeeding, which many found to be disingenuous given the circumstances. Thankfully, numerous comments on their post condemned their actions, emphasizing that public breastfeeding should not be stigmatized.
Furthermore, Jenna’s husband, Mark Thompson, is now in contact with an attorney who played a key role in establishing Virginia’s breastfeeding law, advocating for compliance with the legal protections granted to nursing mothers. This kind of mom-shaming must come to an end; after all, a mother feeding her baby should be treated with the same respect as someone enjoying a meal.
This incident serves as a reminder of the need for awareness and advocacy regarding breastfeeding rights. For those interested in exploring options for starting a family, we invite you to visit Make a Mom. Additionally, for more information on fertility and home insemination, check out Intracervical Insemination. If you’re looking for resources to help you navigate your family-building journey, Resolve is an excellent place to start.
In summary, a mother’s right to breastfeed in public should be upheld and respected, as recent events demonstrate just how necessary it is to advocate for change in public perception and policy.