In a surprising turn of events, a mother in Tennessee found herself at the center of a breastfeeding controversy involving the Boy Scouts. Most people think of scouting as a place for camping and earning merit badges, but this incident has sparked outrage among parents.
Jasmine Thompson, attending a meeting with her son who is on the autism spectrum, was nursing her one-year-old in the back of the room using the “two-shirt method” to maintain modesty. Everything seemed to be going well until a female scout leader approached her, expressing that her actions were inappropriate. Thompson recounted, “I was told repeatedly that others would be uncomfortable and that I should leave or cover completely with a blanket moving forward.” Shocked and humiliated, she left the meeting in tears, feeling shamed for simply nourishing her child.
As a survivor of childhood trauma, Thompson had faced challenges with breastfeeding, making this experience even more distressing. After reaching out to the local council and confirming her rights to breastfeed in public, she anticipated an educational response. Instead, she received a letter from Vance Lackey, the Director of Field Services for the Middle Tennessee Council. The letter stated, “While you absolutely have the legal right to breastfeed in public… some young boys do not understand about breastfeeding and have families who may not be ready to have this discussion.”
This response left many baffled. Are we really saying that a natural act of feeding a baby is akin to something inappropriate? The letter suggested that Thompson consider using a cover or finding a separate room to nurse, as it might ease discomfort among the other parents.
Since the letter went viral, it has garnered widespread attention, with nearly 3,000 shares and numerous comments calling for better education on breastfeeding. The Boy Scouts of America has acknowledged the situation, stating they are still evaluating their stance, yet they currently lack a formal policy on breastfeeding.
Larry Brown, the executive director of the Middle Tennessee Council, expressed that he didn’t intend to create controversy. “We just want to hopefully get people to talk and work things out,” he said. Brown plans to meet with Thompson and troop leaders to address the matter and offer an apology for how the letter was perceived. This incident could serve as a catalyst for the Boy Scouts to adopt a more supportive approach to breastfeeding, which could foster a positive lesson for young boys about respect and acceptance.
In the end, it’s vital that mothers feel comfortable nursing their children. Such acceptance can teach valuable lessons about compassion and understanding, which is certainly something every scout should learn.
For those interested in pregnancy and home insemination topics, check out this informative resource. Additionally, Make a Mom offers great insights on related products. For further information about IVF and fertility preservation, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is an excellent resource.
In summary, the Boy Scouts’ recent letter to a breastfeeding mother has ignited a discussion about the rights of mothers in public spaces. Many are calling for the organization to establish clearer policies that support breastfeeding, promoting a culture of respect and understanding.