In a recent incident that sparked outrage, a mother was publicly reprimanded for breastfeeding her infant at a Chick-fil-A in Athens, Georgia. The encounter unfolded when Jennifer Hayes, who was nursing her 7-month-old daughter while dining with her niece, was approached by the restaurant’s manager. To her shock, the manager insisted she “cover up,” claiming that other patrons had complained.
In her Facebook post, Hayes recounted, “I was sitting in a booth, wearing a nursing tank top underneath a long-sleeve shirt. I was shocked when the manager handed me a jacket, saying that some customers felt uncomfortable about my breastfeeding.” Despite her discreet approach to nursing, Hayes found herself at the center of an embarrassing exchange in front of other diners.
Feeling frustrated and upset, especially as her niece began to question why she couldn’t feed her baby, Hayes decided to leave the restaurant. However, the incident left her simmering with anger. “I wasn’t causing a problem, yet I was humiliated in front of half the restaurant,” she wrote, detailing how the manager returned to further chastise her.
The following day, Hayes and a group of supportive moms returned to Chick-fil-A for a “nurse in,” where they proudly breastfed their children while enjoying their meals. Photos from the event show the moms comfortably nursing, a powerful statement that breastfeeding is a natural and legal right in public spaces. “They claim to uphold family values and Christian beliefs,” one participant remarked, “but it’s absurd that nursing in public is still an issue.”
The owner of the Chick-fil-A location later issued an apology to Hayes, acknowledging the disturbance caused. This event not only highlighted the ongoing struggle for breastfeeding rights but also showcased the unity among mothers advocating for a more accepting society.
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In summary, this incident at Chick-fil-A serves as a reminder that breastfeeding should be normalized and respected in all environments. The collective response from local mothers illustrates the importance of solidarity in advocating for women’s rights.