A determined mom is winning applause from parents everywhere for her bold stance on public pumping. Lila Thompson has captured the internet’s attention after sharing her experience at a San Francisco hotel that refused to provide her with a suitable place to express breast milk. During her stay at an Embassy Suites for a seminar, Lila found herself in a bind when she asked the front desk for a space to pump, only to be directed to the restroom.
In a fiery Facebook post, Lila expressed her outrage, saying, “Seriously? I wouldn’t eat my lunch in there, so why should I be expected to pump my baby’s food in a bathroom?” When she requested to use an unoccupied hotel room, the staff claimed she couldn’t because she hadn’t booked it. Never mind that she was a paying customer attending a seminar—Lila made this point clear, but the staff insisted there were no rooms available.
Determined to find a solution, Lila asked for any office space in the hotel, only to be told that only the general manager had access to an office, and she couldn’t use it. It’s worth noting that she wasn’t trying to manufacture anything illicit; she was simply providing nourishment for her child. Eventually, the staff relented and offered her the wine cellar as a pumping space.
Instead of heading down to the cellar, Lila chose to make a statement by pumping right in the hotel lobby, where she snapped a photo of herself with the equipment, milk pooling in the bottles, and a proud smile on her face. Talk about a powerful moment! She later filed a complaint with the general manager, who apologized for the situation, attributing it to the inadequately trained staff.
It’s crucial to highlight that while many states protect a woman’s right to breastfeed in public, the laws regarding accommodations for pumping outside of home or designated workplaces are often lacking. This reality is absurd; women shouldn’t need laws to guarantee basic rights. Lila’s experience sheds light on the challenges mothers face and emphasizes the need for more protections.
Since her post gained traction, Lila has received an outpouring of support from mothers globally. She expressed her gratitude, reminding everyone, “Do NOT underestimate a mama who knows her rights and has a background in social work.” Her final words? “Pump on and nurse with pride!”
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In summary, Lila Thompson’s experience at the hotel highlights the ongoing struggles many mothers face regarding their rights to pump in public spaces. By standing her ground, she’s sparked a conversation that may lead to much-needed changes in how we support nursing mothers.