In a story that’s hard to believe, a mother was asked to leave a Nordstrom bathroom for the crime of breastfeeding her baby. Yes, you read that right.
Utah resident Lisa Thompson was shopping at Nordstrom with her little girl, Ella, when it was time for a feed. Though she had every right to breastfeed in public, Lisa opted for the bathroom, hoping to be considerate. “She was crying and clearly hungry, so I found a chair in the restroom to nurse her,” Lisa explained to local news.
You’d think a mother feeding her baby would be a non-issue, right? Wrong. Just minutes into nursing, a Nordstrom employee approached Lisa, citing a complaint from another customer who felt “uncomfortable” with a nursing mom present. The employee suggested Lisa move to a changing room instead.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the absurdity of this situation. Imagine juggling a hungry baby, diaper bag, and possibly a stroller, only to be told you need to relocate because of one person’s discomfort. It’s not just ridiculous; it’s downright unfair. “At first, it was embarrassing,” Lisa admitted. “I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong.” Her husband, Mark, echoed her confusion, questioning why a nursing mother was being asked to leave a bathroom.
The couple decided to reach out to the store manager, who apologized and promised that staff would be educated on breastfeeding laws. While they appreciated the response, Lisa and Mark felt it was important to raise awareness about breastfeeding rights, especially for those who may be quick to judge. “We accept provocative advertisements and revealing outfits, but a mother nursing—suddenly that’s scandalous?” Lisa pointed out.
Nordstrom might be known for its exceptional customer service, but it’s clear that employee training on this issue needs a serious upgrade.
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In summary, Lisa Thompson’s experience at Nordstrom highlights the ongoing stigma faced by breastfeeding mothers, even in supposedly accommodating spaces. It’s crucial to continue advocating for breastfeeding rights and educating others on the law.