Any mom out there would do anything for their child to be very well taken care of, including making sure they are fed on time. This is true for the babies who are breastfed as well. When they are hungry, it’s their moms duty to provide them with food, no matter where they are, at home or at a public place.
The issue, however, is that many times moms who choose to breastfeed their little ones in restaurants or other public places come across judgmental stares and people who believe what they are doing is beyond wrong.
Jackie Johnson-Smith is a stay-at-home mom of three, two of which are older, and her youngest, who she still breastfeeds, is only 12 months old.
It was Jackie’s birthday and she wanted to celebrate it out with her loving family.
“I usually don’t go downtown for dinner because lots of places aren’t family-friendly but I had heard good things about Fong’s,” Johnson-Smith said.
When the time came for her baby to be nursed, this mother felt anxious because she didn’t know how people would react.
“I usually don’t like to breastfeed in public because people can be judgmental,” Jackie said.“The waitress kept walking by, and I was worried she didn’t want me nursing in the restaurant.”
However, the reason behind the waitress’ walking back and forth the family’s table wasn’t because she wanted to judge Jackie. On the contrary, she only had words of praise for the brave mother.
When the family got the bill they could see something written on it.
‘I bought one of your pizzas. Please thank your wife for breastfeeding!’
“I was in total shock and started tearing up,” Jackie said. “After dealing with people’s reactions for so long, it was like the universe was giving me a pat on the back. I was too stunned to go back inside and thank the waitress.”
This experience made Jackie feel good about herself, knowing there were people who supported what she did.
“I have breastfed three children…I have breastfed them in a countless number of places both pleasant and unpleasant, discreetly and out in the open. I have gotten many looks and stares, but tonight erases any negativity I have ever received. I ate at Fongs for the first time tonight. Having a fussy baby I nursed him for awhile in the booth and eventually left the table early as to not disrupt the restaurant. The waitress gave this receipt to my husband. I was speechless and emotional. Although I don’t need a pat on the back for feeding my child, it sure felt amazing. It is amazing how we women can make each other feel when we empower each other.”
It looks like the saying that “it takes a village to raise a child” is really the case. Being supportive of each other results in a community of happy people, and that’s all this world needs.
We are thankful for what the waitress did because breastfeeding a hungry baby has to be accepted as something normal, and not as something out of the ordinary.
However, we would like to hear your thoughts on the subject. Would you mind dining at a restaurant where a mother nurses their child?
Please share to inspire others to show their appreciation for those who risk their lives every day to keep us safe.
Bored Daddy