A mother is gaining widespread admiration for her bold stand against a hotel that refused to provide her a proper space to pump breast milk. Lila Thompson, attending a conference at an Embassy Suites in San Francisco, faced a frustrating situation when she inquired about a private area to pump. Instead of receiving assistance, the front desk staff suggested she use the restroom—a completely unacceptable option for any breastfeeding mother.
In her passionate social media post, Thompson expressed her frustration, stating, “Seriously? I wouldn’t eat lunch in a bathroom, so why should I have to pump there?” When she requested the use of an empty hotel room, she was met with resistance, with staff claiming she couldn’t access a room because she “hadn’t paid for it.” However, Thompson argued that her seminar registration essentially made her a paying customer. Despite her efforts, the staff insisted that no rooms were available.
As a persistent advocate for her rights, Thompson asked for any office space, but was told only the general manager had an office, and she was not permitted to enter. It’s worth noting that she wasn’t engaging in anything inappropriate; she was simply expressing her need to pump milk, a necessity for her baby. Eventually, the hotel relented, allowing her to use the wine cellar. While some might have indulged in a glass of wine after such an ordeal, Thompson chose a different path. She set up her pumping equipment in the hotel lobby, capturing the moment with a smile and sharing it online to highlight her experience.
Following her post, the general manager of the hotel reached out to apologize, attributing the incident to a lack of proper training among staff members. This incident highlights an important issue: while many states protect a woman’s right to breastfeed in public, there are few laws ensuring that mothers have suitable accommodations for pumping outside their homes or workplaces. The fact that such protections are necessary is concerning, but Thompson’s experience is a step toward raising awareness of these challenges faced by mothers everywhere.
Since going viral, Thompson has received a flood of supportive messages from mothers globally. She expressed her gratitude in her post, declaring, “Do NOT underestimate a mama who stands up for her rights—especially one who’s also a social worker.” In closing, she encouraged other mothers, stating, “Pump on!”
For those looking for more insights into motherhood, check out our post on the home insemination kit. Also, for ideas on celebrating your journey, you can explore unique baby shower themes that might inspire you. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, Hopkins Medicine offers excellent resources.
In summary, Lila Thompson’s bold act of pumping in a hotel lobby has sparked a conversation about the rights of mothers in public spaces, emphasizing the need for better accommodations for breastfeeding. Her experience resonates with many, highlighting a crucial issue that demands attention and action.