Connecticut – Jessie Maher posted on her Facebook account a video that shows an overweight man verbally assaulting her because she was breastfeeding in public. The scene took place at a Target store in Torrington.
Apparently, even before approaching her, Maher could clearly see as the man looked at her with evident disgust. Then, the man lost his temper and confronted the woman who was just feeding her baby. Moreover, the man got even to call her names and curse her, even though the state of Connecticut protects breastfeeding in public areas.
The man unleashed at the woman that managed to keep her cool, but the other customers would not have it. Both women and men came into Jessie Maher’s rescue. The situation escalated to the point that two Target employees escorted the man out of the establishment. Minutes before, the man was asking for a refund.
“He was coming back, that’s when he started screaming at me.” Said Jessie Maher “Because I’m feeding my baby, this man is going crazy,”
It is the nightmare of every mother
In all the United States, the law establishes that a mother can breastfeed her baby in public when she thinks it is necessary. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has worked with governmental agencies, and they have reported the benefits of this practice for both the mom and the infant in his first year of life.
However, some establishments were given jurisdiction over their area which means, they have the right to make anyone leave, but there hasn’t been a single report of a mother being kicked out of a place for breastfeeding in the United States.
In spite of all the governmental and scientific support, some women do not do it in fear of social scrutiny. The law protects them, but it cannot prevent them from having an awful time like Maher did. Nonetheless, it is critical that the man’s behavior does not go viral because the physical benefits breastfeeding has on an infant are vital for proper development.
In response to this kind of situation, a lot of support organizations like Parentstoday or breastfeedingUSA, have created a list of tips for mothers that refrain themselves from feeding their babies in public. The first thing they suggest is to know the law, disturbing a woman while she is nourishing her baby is illegal.
It is also a good idea to wear comfortable clothes that can be used as a cover, and things like an easy-access bra. In order to build up confidence, a woman could practice in front of a mirror at home to corroborate she is not showing anything she does not want to. If someone just does not like to do it in public, it is important to note that there are more private areas specifically designed for mothers.
Ultimately, the list suggests women to plan an answer in case anyone dares to confront her over her feeding her baby, and frankly, that answer should be “I’m going to sue you.”
Source: Boston.com