Texas Moms Contact TV News over Right to Breastfeed in Public at Park

Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:15:57 +0000

When a playground volunteer at Discovery Green Park approached nursing mother Jennifer Hill and told her she needed to cover up with a blanket while breastfeeding, Jennifer declined and informed the employee about the Texas law governing breastfeeding in public. Unfortunately that did not deter the employee, who left but came back with a security guard and told Hill, “You can’t do that here.” Hill later wrote to the park and received an apology along with an unsatisfying promise only to interfere with breastfeeding mothers if another patron complains! Two weeks later, two other mothers were approached by a park employee and told that while she knew the mothers had a right, that breastfeeding was against park rules that do not allow food and drinks on the playground. When Ms. Hill learned of the latest incident, she and the two other mothers contacted the local FOX news outlet. MyFOX Houston ran the story, which includes an interview with the mothers and a statement by the park conservancy president Guy Hagstette:

I am very sorry that you guys had to experience this. I hope that you come back. I think you … you’re educating us, again, and we probably need to revise this policy.

Congratulations ladies, for having the courage to stand up to the park and appear on television. It cannot be easy to be thrust into the spotlight when you simply wish to breastfeed your child in public as you have a right to do. You’re paving the way for other mothers, and I am sure your efforts are appreciated!

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Texas Moms Contact TV News over Right to Breastfeed in Public at Park