Mum’s Response To Museum Employees Who Said She Couldn’t Breastfeed Is Perfect

HerFamily

A mum’s response to being told that she wasn’t allowed to breastfeed in a museum is perfect.

Emily Locke from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was attending her sister’s wedding when they stopped to take photographs at the Western Reserve Historical Society.

When she sat down for a moment to breastfeed her 9-month-old baby, she was apparently approached by a member of staff who told her that she wasn’t allowed. She replied by saying that legally she is allowed to nurse her child. The manager of the establishment was then called and she too said that Emily needed to go somewhere private to “do that.”

At this point, Emily reiterated her legal right. She explained in her Facebook post: “I truly did not have time to stop the feeding and move to another location even if I wanted to.) She then told it was a family museum. I explained this is a family moment. She then told me she was just trying to protect the innocent children. I was pretty shocked.

“I think I responded with a blank stare, considering the place was nearly empty and the only innocent children around were my children, and also, I was nursing a child not walking around topless. She stared at me for a moment and said ‘I guess there is nothing I can do then.’ I said ‘I guess not’ and she walked away while I finished nursing my son.

“I was so disappointed and saddened by this. I was treated as if I was doing something disgusting and inappropriate. That I was in some way hurting the innocence of children. I was treated this way by women in a museum which actually has exhibits celebrating the civil rights movement, and women’s rights. A museum that has nude female form on display as art, but could not see the art and beauty of a woman nursing her child.”

This past weekend I was in my sisters wedding. It was a beautiful day darkened by one situation. While taking pictures…

Posted by Emily Locke on Monday, 21 March 2016

She continued: “Mostly though, it concerned me that they believe it is okay to have a policy against nursing. That they would so aggressively try to stop me. I am a confident woman and mother. I have nursed three children. I know my rights and will always crusade for justice. There is nothing anyone could tell me that would hurt my nursing success.

“However, if they approached me, I am fairly certain they have or would approached other nursing mothers. Perhaps mothers getting out in public for the first time. Perhaps mothers struggling with figuring out how nursing will fit into their lives. To be treated with such disgust and disrespect could hurt their chances of being successful at breastfeeding. That is wrong.”

Emily later updated her post to reveal that The Cleveland Historical Society had contacted her and apologised. They also said that they were taking steps to improve the experience of breastfeeding mothers at their locations and were going to introduce proper training for staff.

Emily finished by saying: “I do believe this experience has ultimately helped to further the conversation about breastfeeding in public, both covered and uncovered, and to inspire positive change. I believe it is helping give other mothers and future mothers the words to say if they are approached.

“It is my hope that breastfeeding moms never feel isolated by feeling the need to remove themselves from activities 6-14 times a day in order to feed their baby. It is my hope that breastfeeding moms not feel ashamed or powerless.

“Breastfeeding is a wonderful blessing and privilege, which should be embraced and celebrated. I want all women to feel empowered by their bodies and their knowledge. We are strong.”

While we’re not happy about the fact that she had to do this, we think Emily’s response was bang on. Let us know what you think in the Facebook comments or get in touch on Twitter (@HerFamilydotie).