In a disheartening incident that highlights the ongoing stigma surrounding breastfeeding, a mother found herself asked to leave a Nordstrom restroom while nursing her baby. This occurrence reflects the unfortunate reality that many breastfeeding mothers face, even when attempting to nurse discreetly.
Jessica Thompson, a mother from Colorado, was shopping at Nordstrom with her infant daughter, Lily, when the baby grew hungry. Opting for the restroom for privacy, Thompson settled into an open chair to feed her child. Although she had the full legal right to breastfeed anywhere in the store—cover or not—she believed the bathroom would be a more comfortable choice. “Lily was fussing and ready to eat, so I thought it would be best to find a quiet spot,” Thompson explained to a local news outlet.
However, just minutes into her feeding, a Nordstrom employee approached her, stating that someone had complained about her presence in the restroom. “We were approached by an employee who mentioned a complaint regarding a nursing mother making some customers uncomfortable,” she recounted. The employee suggested that Thompson move to a changing room to continue nursing.
This request raises serious questions about the logic behind such a decision. To expect a breastfeeding mother to stop, gather her belongings, and relocate just because of one person’s discomfort is not only impractical but also unjustifiable. “It felt awkward and embarrassing. I didn’t see anything wrong with what I was doing,” Thompson admitted. Her partner, Mark Thompson, echoed her sentiments, questioning why a nursing mother should be made to leave a private area for the sake of someone else’s unease.
Disturbed by the experience, the Thompsons reached out to the store manager, who offered an apology and assured them that staff would be educated on breastfeeding rights. While they appreciated the manager’s response, the couple aims to raise awareness about breastfeeding laws to help prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. “It’s surprising that society is more accepting of revealing clothing than a nursing mother,” Jessica noted.
Nordstrom is celebrated for its exceptional customer service, and it’s crucial that this standard extends to training employees on breastfeeding rights. For more insights on fertility and family planning, you might find our article on fertility supplements helpful, as well as an excellent resource on IVF and fertility preservation.
In summary, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges nursing mothers can face, even in spaces that should be welcoming. It’s essential for society to better understand and support breastfeeding as a natural part of motherhood.