In a recent incident in New Jersey, a mother was confronted while breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter in a local park. Amanda Thompson was enjoying a day at Franklin Pond Beach when a member of the park’s recreation committee approached her and suggested she cover up. “She said, ‘I see what you’re doing there, do you think you can do that somewhere else?’ I quickly responded, ‘Actually, I have the legal right to nurse wherever I am,’” Thompson shared with NBC News.
Legal Rights and Public Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding in public is legal across all 50 states, and New Jersey has permitted it in public spaces since 1997. Yet, despite this, the park official decided to call the police in an attempt to enforce her personal views. Fortunately, the officer who arrived was well-versed in state laws regarding breastfeeding. “He was very supportive, thanking me for my patience and confirming that I was within my rights,” Thompson recounted.
Continued Confrontation
However, the situation didn’t end there. After the officer left, park administrator Claire Johnson approached Thompson, acknowledging her right to breastfeed but still asked her to cover up. Thompson stood firm, reiterating her rights. In a statement to the local press, Johnson claimed the park aimed to create a “family-friendly environment.”
The Comfort of Nursing
It’s worth noting that covering up can be quite uncomfortable for both mothers and babies, especially in warm weather. As Thompson pointed out, “Would you want to eat lunch under a blanket in the middle of summer?” She believes that breastfeeding should be normalized and not viewed as something to hide.
Empowering Other Mothers
Thompson has been sharing her story to empower other mothers who may feel uncomfortable nursing in public. She even organized a nurse-in event at a nearby beach to advocate for the rights of nursing mothers. “There are new moms out there who might be intimidated by someone in authority. If they’re confronted, they may never nurse in public again or feel they have to stay home,” she explained.
Ongoing Challenges
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges many mothers face when it comes to breastfeeding in public. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination options, consider checking out this post on at-home intracervical insemination syringe kits. Additionally, for those looking to boost fertility, these supplements are worth exploring. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC provides excellent resources.
Conclusion
In summary, Amanda Thompson’s experience at Franklin Pond Beach emphasizes the importance of supporting breastfeeding rights in public spaces. Despite facing unnecessary challenges, she remains committed to advocating for nursing mothers everywhere.
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