When Stephanie Buchanan and her sister-in-law went for a day at the public pool, they probably envisioned lying poolside in the summer sun and ensuring their six children were having a safe, fun time.
One of the kids was Stephanie’s 3-month-old son Roman, who soon began to kick up a fuss as Stephanie relaxed in the wading area. Realizing he was hungry, Stephanie slipped the strap of her bathing suit down and began to nurse him.
Soon after, however, she and her sister-in-law were approached by another female guest. It’s safe to say what ensued has had a strong reaction online…
Mora, Minnesota. Stephanie Buchanan and her sister-in-law were enjoying a warm summer day at the public pool. But when Stephanie began to breastfeed her 3-month-old son Roman, she was confronted by another female guest.
Said guest asked her to cover up because her sons were swimming in the pool. Shortly afterwards, a member of staff came by to reinforce the instruction. As per reports, she told Stephanie to either cover up and be more discreet, or go to the locker area to continue. Her sister-in-law was also confronted.
Both women, however, remained defiant.
“The reason I didn’t get out of the pool to breastfeed is my kids,” said Stephanie’s sister-in-law. “I gotta watch my kids.”
After some back and forth between the women and the staff, a police officer eventually arrived on scene. Stephanie and her sister-in-law then decided to leave, but the former made sure her feelings were known in a Facebook post that quickly went viral.
According to Minnesota statute: “A mother may breast-feed in any location, public or private, where the mother and child are otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether the nipple of the mother’s breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breast-feeding.”
Feat not, though, Stephanie and her sister-in-law aren’t taking their rebuke lying down. Over the course of the weekend, dozens of fellow moms showed up outside the pool to nurse their children in protest. What’s more, the women are filing discrimination charges with the Department of Human Rights against the city and county.
For more on the incident, watch the video below.
What do you think? Should women have the right to breastfeed their babies no matter the location? I certainly think so! If you agree, leave a comment in the box.
Meanwhile, help us help their movement by sharing this article to spread awareness.
