Nursing mom harassed at Walmart Cara Jones
EAST NAPLES, Fla., Aug. 1 - Ivette Sanchez was trying to do what any other mom would do if their baby were hungry. She chose a discreet location to breastfeed her daughter Ariana, but that’s when the problems began. Sanchez claims two Walmart employees harassed her by trying to throw a baby sling over her daughter and then gave her dirty looks.
NBC2 News Online
Sanchez didn’t understand why employees harassed her. Many Americans, including Sanchez, consider Walmart as a family friendly store. “I just wanted to be able to nurse in a place where they wouldn't stare at you,” she said. Sanchez thought that the patio furniture section would be enough out of the way. But a store clerk told her she shouldn’t because her breast was exposed. “I had a baby sling on my lap and she grabbed it and tried to cover the baby,” she described. “I grabbed it from her and said, ‘She’s fine. I’m fine.’ She said, ‘People can tell she’s sucking your nipple.’” Sanchez says that the harassment didn't end there. Another employee soon chimed in. “She just walked by and said ‘baby breast, huh’ and gave me a dirty look. “I mean I was just nursing my baby, it’s not like I’m doing anything wrong here.” Spokespersons for the Collier County Health Department say these types of incidents are not uncommon. When babies cry, health department officials say that they teach breastfeeding is the best option no matter where it has to happen. “Women in other countries have that freedom,” said Laurie Owens, from the health department. “Here in the United States., it’s such a bottle-feeding culture that they are made to feel it’s something wrong.” Sanchez has a message to Walmart: If you don’t like it, don’t look because this mom’s not compromising. “Why should I hide?” she said. ”That’s my qualm.” According to Walmart officials, the chain has no policy against breastfeeding and even issued an official apology Wednesday afternoon. They also said they will try to do a better job educating their employees.
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