When it comes to healthy babies, experts say breast feeding is best. But a Central Ohio mother of five says she was humiliated for doing so while shopping at American Eagle.
Bonnie Morris took her daughter to shop for school clothes at the Easton Town Center American Eagle Outfitters store Tuesday. During her trip, Morris' 10-month-old son decided it was time to eat. Bonnie took a seat on a couch near the dressing rooms and began nursing.
She said a sales associate approached her soon after.
"I asked her if she had a bathroom my 3-year-old could use. She said no and she got a real funny look on her face when she came around and looked at me. And I didn't know what to make of it," she recalled.
A few moments later, Morris said, another employee approached her.
"She leaned down close to me and was very direct, 'We have someone who has a dressing room waiting for you so you can finish up what you're doing in privacy.' And I thought, oh, she must think I'm uncomfortable. I said, 'No thanks,' but before I could speak, she said, 'No, we recommend it,'" Morris said.
Morris and her four youngest children were ushered into a tiny dressing room. She soon left angry and contacted NBC 4. Ohio Revised Code 3781.55 provides that a mother is entitled to breastfeed her baby in any location of a place of public accommodation.
NBC 4 contacted American Eagle Outfitters for their account of the incident. Spokesperson Jani Strand disputes Morris' claim.
"American Eagle Outfitters' company culture is built on making all customers feel comfortable in our stores. Our associate's intention was to go the extra mile to give this customer a positive shopping experience by offering her the option of using a fitting room. We value her business, and apologize if our actions were misinterpreted."
Morris said American Eagle employees need better training and understanding of Ohio law.
"I'd like them to educate when someone is employed there that it is Ohio State Law. Therefore, you may not address a person in this way or require that they do this or that," she said.
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