Your cart is currently empty!
Boy Scouts Issue Controversial Letter to Breastfeeding Mother
When you think of the Boy Scouts, images of campfires and merit badges likely come to mind—not breastfeeding disputes. However, a Tennessee mom named Laura Simmons is making headlines after claiming she was shamed for nursing her child during a Boy Scout meeting.
In a post shared on the Facebook group Breastfeeding Mama Talk, Simmons recounted attending a meeting with her son, who has autism, and her other two kids. When her one-year-old grew hungry, she began breastfeeding in the back of the room, employing the classic two-shirt method to keep things discreet. Everything seemed fine until a female scout leader confronted her afterward. “I was told repeatedly how inappropriate I was being,” Simmons shared. “I was warned that other parents might be upset and that I needed to either leave or cover up completely with a blanket in the future. I was just so shocked and embarrassed… I left in tears and cried the rest of the night.”
Simmons, a breastfeeding advocate who has faced challenges in her journey as a survivor of childhood trauma, was appalled by the experience. After reaching out to the local council, she was informed that she was legally allowed to breastfeed in public. However, instead of receiving a supportive letter, she got one from Michael Thompson, the Director of Field Services for the Middle Tennessee Council, which stated, “While you absolutely have the legal right to breastfeed in public and we support that right, there are those in your Troop who feel uncomfortable.” He went on to suggest that she consider wearing a cover or moving to another room while nursing, which many interpreted as further shaming.
Wait, what? Is this about breastfeeding or something scandalous? It’s just a natural way for babies to eat! The letter sparked outrage, garnering nearly 3,000 shares, and prompting numerous comments on the Boy Scouts of America’s Facebook page, urging for education on the topic. As of now, the BSA has only stated that they’re “evaluating the situation” and do not have an official position on the matter.
Michael Thompson later told reporters that the letter was not intended to create controversy. He acknowledged the isolation it caused for Simmons and expressed a desire for open dialogue. He plans to meet with her and the troop leaders and has even hinted at apologizing for the phrasing. Let’s hope this situation nudges the Boy Scouts towards implementing more inclusive policies that support breastfeeding mothers, as allowing them to nurse comfortably is a valuable lesson for everyone, especially young boys.
In the meantime, if you’re on a journey of your own regarding pregnancy or home insemination, check out this link for some helpful tips on intracervical insemination. Also, for more resources on fertility, visit Make a Mom and Facts About Fertility.
In summary, Laura Simmons faced an unfortunate situation at a Boy Scout meeting when she was shamed for breastfeeding her child. The subsequent letter from the Boy Scouts sparked widespread outrage, leading to calls for better education on breastfeeding rights. This incident highlights the ongoing conversation about supporting mothers in public spaces.