It’s a familiar situation that continues to unfold across various public spaces: a breastfeeding mother is asked to cover up to accommodate the comfort of those around her. In a recent event, new mom Emma Scott faced such a request while nursing her two-month-old baby at a local H&R Block on a military base. Rather than submitting to the request, she delivered a clever retort that garnered attention.
While visiting the office with a friend, Emma was approached by the manager, who asked her, “Could you cover up with a towel or something?” Taken aback by the request, Emma raised her voice slightly and responded, “No, but I have a cloth if you’d like to cover your face. You might not be aware of the breastfeeding rights in Georgia.”
Surprisingly, the manager declined her humorous offer to cover his own face. Instead, he asked Emma to leave, claiming he was assisting her friend rather than her. Determined to stand her ground, Emma decided to call the Military Police to inform them of the situation. She shared on her social media, “I’m glad they came to explain to him that I had every right to be there and nurse my baby.” The officers confirmed that breastfeeding in public is perfectly acceptable.
Since the incident, Emma has received overwhelming support online and has addressed many questions in a follow-up video. When asked if the manager should lose his job, she expressed, “No, I don’t want anyone to lose their livelihood. This situation just called for some education.”
As for whether she would consider using a cover in the future to avoid similar situations, her answer was a firm “No.” Emma also addressed comments suggesting she could wait until she got home to feed her baby, laughing off the impracticality. “My baby doesn’t wait for my convenience,” she pointed out.
Emma’s experience highlights the importance of normalizing breastfeeding in public and educating others about mothers’ rights. For those interested in exploring more about parenting and fertility journeys, check out our blog post on navigating artificial insemination here. Additionally, if you’re looking for solid information about your fertility journey, this site is a great resource. For those seeking assistance with fertility-related matters, be sure to visit this excellent resource for insights on insurance coverage.
In summary, Emma Scott’s bold response to being asked to cover up while breastfeeding not only stood up for her rights but also sparked a valuable conversation about public breastfeeding norms. Her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting mothers in their parenting choices.