Target Calls the Cops on Breastfeeding Mother

STOP!  In the name of Hooter Hiders…

A Michigan mother who started breastfeeding her four-week-old daughter in the Electronics aisle at Target was told by Security that she had to stop because public breastfeeding was illegal — and, when she disagreed, Target called the police.  D’oh.

“I asked one of them if it was indeed illegal maybe in Harper Woods to breast-feed. He said, ‘No.’ And that was it. We got our stuff together and we left,” the father, Jose Martinez, said.

Hmmmm.  Maybe they should have tried feeding her in the magazine aisle.  From what I understand, people rarely go in that aisle anymore.

According to Target’s corporate headquarters, they do allow mothers to breast-feed in their stores.  However, “This specific situation escalated to a point where we were concerned for the safety of our guests, so law enforcement was called. We regret the incident in our store and will continue to provide a shopping environment that respects the needs of all guests, including nursing mothers.”

“Forcing me out of the store. Two security guards, the manager or team leader, two officers, they just made a spectacle and a scene. I feel like I can’t go to that specific Target anymore,” the breast-feeding mama, Mary Martinez, said.

That does seem ridiculous.  Although, even as a nursing mother, I can’t imagine whipping it out right in front of the Webcam section.  I’m still way too modest.  The one time I did have to feed a VERY cranky Miss Skye at Target, I scooted into the dressing room.  They’re fairly spacious and have chairs — and those fluorescent lights shining on my post-pregnancy breasts did WONDERS for my ego.  *Ahem*