In a striking incident in New Jersey, a mother faced a surprising challenge while breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter in a local park. Sarah Thompson was enjoying a day at Franklin Pond Beach when a member of the park’s recreation committee approached her with an unsettling request to cover up. “She said, ‘I see what you’re doing there, do you think you can do that somewhere else?’” Thompson recounted to a local news outlet. In defense of her rights, she quickly replied, “Legally, I can nurse wherever I am.”
Legal Rights and Public Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding in public is permitted in all 50 states, and New Jersey has upheld this right since 1997. Yet, in this instance, the park official felt it necessary to escalate the situation by calling the police. Thankfully, the responding officer was well-versed in the state’s laws regarding breastfeeding. “He expressed his support for me and acknowledged how ridiculous the situation was,” Thompson noted.
A Continued Challenge
However, the encounter didn’t end there. After the officer departed, park committee administrator, Jane Smith, approached Thompson, reiterating her support for breastfeeding but still requesting that she cover up. Thompson stood firm, asserting her right to nurse freely. Smith later stated in a press release that the committee aims to maintain a “family-friendly environment that is welcoming and accommodating to all.”
Letting mothers nourish their children without unnecessary barriers is a true testament to family-friendliness. After all, feeding a hungry baby should be a normal sight in any public space, not met with discomfort or embarrassment. It’s important to recognize that covering a baby with a blanket during the sweltering summer months can be uncomfortable for both mother and child.
Encouraging Other Mothers
Thompson is sharing her experience to encourage other mothers who might feel intimidated about breastfeeding in public. She organized a “nurse-in” protest at a nearby free beach to advocate for the rights of nursing mothers, emphasizing that no one should feel pressured to confine themselves at home. “There are new mothers out there, and if someone in authority confronted them, they might never nurse again,” she explained.
A Celebration of Breastfeeding
Thompson’s story serves as a reminder that breastfeeding should be celebrated, not shamed. For those interested in enhancing their journey into motherhood, exploring options like fertility supplements can be beneficial, as discussed in our other post at Make a Mom. Additionally, for more information on family building, check out Resolve.
Conclusion
In summary, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers in public spaces. Education and advocacy are vital in ensuring that nursing mothers feel accepted and supported, allowing them to nourish their babies without fear or discomfort.