Target Store Sign Encouraging Breastfeeding in Store Garners Praise From Thousands of Moms Online

(Illustration - Shutterstock)

A Target in Weatherford, Texas, has become famous among nursing mothers after a photo of a new sign hanging in its store was uploaded to Facebook. Other businesses are sure to take note with all the social media attention it’s gotten.

Women now have the right (legally) to breastfeed wherever they choose, but for a business to publicly state they recognize and support breastfeeding moms goes a step beyond that.

Illustration - Shutterstock | Iryna Inshyna

One employee at the store confirmed to USA TODAY that the policy is genuine. Target spokesperson Meghan Roman shared in an official statement:

At Target, we want all of our guests to feel like they belong at Target by being welcomed, valued and respected. Our breastfeeding policy, which applies to all stores, is just one of the ways in which we support our guests. Guests who choose to breastfeed in public areas of the store are welcome to do so.

Although it is the law that women can breastfeed in public, it is often frowned upon by various individuals and businesses. An outlet such as Target publicly encouraging women to do what is natural with their babies can go a long way to changing attitudes.

Community page Breastfeeding Mama Talk posted a report on the story on their Facebook page. The comment section of the post was lit up with comments expressing support.

“Goes to Target again ... Because hey, they are my people,” wrote one person.

“Breastfeeding son at self check out ... Clerk lends a hand and says ‘I remember those days,’ I ask my son if he was done because he unlatched to look at the lady. Then he gets right back on his boob,” wrote one woman.

She adds, “I say ‘Of course not.’ Clerk: ‘Oh no, never done. My boys were always hungry.’ Me: ‘right’ leaving the store with latched kid and bag in hand thinking to myself ... She gets me. Thanks again @Target! [You] people GET IT!”

Another Facebook user commented, “They aren’t ‘allowing’ it by the way. Legally they have no choice! It’s our right as mothers to feed our children. They are just being awesome about it, unlike other stores.'”

Another wrote:

As moms, I think we already know we can nurse anytime/anywhere. This is more so a reminder to their employees, who sometimes don’t know to keep their mouths shut and say stupid things that make headlines and make the company as a whole look bad. It’s also for all of the ignorant passerbys [sic] that sometimes feel the need to speak ignorance. Now it'll be pretty common knowledge that breastfeeding moms are not to be disturbed at Target.

While some moms prefer a quiet room to feed their babies, this is also provided at the Target outlet, with “free goodies” to make their visit “even sweeter.” That’s sure to make some of the dads envious!

While public breastfeeding is legal in all 50 states, the fact remains that it is still frowned upon by some and in certain places. And that’s led some moms and advocates to take a stand in various ways. Some are not without a sense of humor.

Melanie Dudley (shown below) from Austin, Texas, is taking a stand by covering up in a conspicuous way in order to make her point: