Breastfeeding Moms Stage Demonstration at Target Stores

Although it's a right protected by law, many times a mother breastfeeding in public is still looked at wrong, taboo, or even gross. And one Texas mother has had enough.

The decision to breastfeed or bottlefeed is a personal decision. Breastfeeding has numerous advantages, and is the main source of nutrition for many babies during their first months of life.

Michelle Hickman was at her local Target store in Webster, Texas, when her infant son became fussy from hunger. So, she did what any mother would do-- she fed him. Since her son was breastfeeding, Hickman settled down in the women's clothing department to feed her son.

Although Texas law states that a mother can breastfeed her child anywhere she is authorized to be, eight Target employees thought what she was doing wasn't right.

Two suggested she use a women's fitting room.

Other's rolled their eyes. Some shot her dirty looks.

Hickman called Target's corporate offices, but wasn't satisfied with their response. So, she took to social media to bring attention to her less-that-positive experience.

She started a Facebook page detailing her ordeal, which gained over 6,000 likes and garnered the support from pro-breastfeeding group Best for Babes.

On December 28, breastfeeding moms staged a demonstration at Target stores across the country. This "nurse-in" was organized to bring attention to the way many breastfeeding moms are treated when feeding their children in public.

How do you feel about this issue? Are you offended when you see a mother breastfeeding her child in public? Do you think she should move to a more private area, such as a fitting room, or her car? Why or why not?

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