When you think of the Boy Scouts, images of outdoor adventures and earning merit badges likely come to mind—not controversies surrounding breastfeeding. However, a Tennessee mother, Sarah Thompson, has sparked widespread indignation after revealing that she was publicly shamed for nursing her baby during her son’s Boy Scout meeting.
In a post shared on the Facebook group Breastfeeding Support, Thompson described attending a meeting with her son, who is on the autism spectrum, along with her other children. When her one-year-old became hungry, she began breastfeeding in the back of the room using the two-shirt method to maintain modesty. Although the situation seemed to be going smoothly, she was soon approached by a female scout leader who accused her of being inappropriate. “I was told multiple times that my actions were unacceptable and that other parents would feel the same,” Thompson recounted. “I was advised to leave or cover up with a blanket in the future. I was utterly shocked and ended up leaving in tears.”
As a survivor of childhood trauma, Thompson had already faced challenges in her breastfeeding journey. Feeling humiliated, she reached out to the local Boy Scouts council for clarification about her rights. They confirmed that she was legally allowed to breastfeed in public and promised to send a letter to address the issue. However, the correspondence she received from Mark Johnson, the Director of Field Services for the Middle Tennessee Council, was far from reassuring.
“While we fully support your legal right to breastfeed, some members of your troop feel uncomfortable with it,” the letter stated. “Nursing in the same room as the Scouts can cause disruption, and some young boys may not understand breastfeeding. It might be better if you could use a cover or step into another room while feeding your child.”
This response prompted a wave of backlash, with many questioning whether the organization was equating a natural act with something inappropriate. Many supporters voiced their opinions online, calling for education and awareness regarding breastfeeding rights in public spaces. The Boy Scouts organization has since mentioned that they are “continuing to evaluate” the situation but have yet to issue a definitive policy on the matter.
Larry Green, the executive director for the Middle Tennessee Council, expressed that the intention was not to isolate the mother. “She has every right to breastfeed wherever she chooses. We hope to foster dialogue and encourage understanding among everyone involved,” he stated. Green plans to meet with Thompson and the troop leaders to facilitate a resolution and even apologized for the letter’s tone.
Ultimately, this situation highlights the need for organizations like the Boy Scouts to support breastfeeding mothers and educate their members on the normalcy of breastfeeding. After all, allowing mothers to nurse without fear of judgment is a valuable lesson for young boys to learn.
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In summary, Sarah Thompson’s experience at the Boy Scout meeting has raised significant awareness about the rights of breastfeeding mothers and the need for more education on this natural practice. The backlash against the Boy Scouts’ letter demonstrates a growing demand for support and understanding in communities regarding breastfeeding.