Newark, NJ, US: A New Jersey mother is speaking out after she says a local retail store refused to allow her to breastfeed her infant inside a fitting room, igniting fresh debate over the rights of breastfeeding mothers in public spaces.
Mother’s Account
According to the mother, identified as 28-year-old Jessica Morales of Essex County, she entered the store earlier this week with her 3-month-old baby and asked to use a private fitting room to breastfeed. Morales claims the store employee told her the fitting rooms were “for trying on clothes only” and denied her request.
“I wasn’t asking for special treatment,” Morales said in an interview. “I just wanted a quiet, private place to feed my baby. Instead, I felt embarrassed and told I didn’t belong there.”
A Question of Rights
Under New Jersey state law, women are legally allowed to breastfeed their children in any public or private location where they are otherwise permitted to be. Advocacy groups argue that the incident highlights ongoing misunderstandings about these protections.
“This isn’t just about one store,” said a local mothers’ support group leader. “It’s about making sure women don’t have to choose between feeding their child or facing humiliation.”
Store’s Response
The store in question has not been officially named, but the broader company released a short statement after the controversy, saying: “We welcome all shoppers and strive to provide a positive experience. We are reviewing the details of this incident to ensure our policies are consistent with customer needs and applicable laws.”
However, critics say the response falls short of acknowledging the harm caused. Some mothers have already taken to social media to share their own experiences of being asked to breastfeed in bathrooms, cars, or even being told to leave premises completely.
Community Reactions
The story has quickly gained traction online. Parents and advocates flooded community forums and local news comment sections, both outraged by the act and vocal in support of Morales. Many noted that breastfeeding is not only natural but also protected by law, making the denial especially frustrating.
“I don’t understand how this is still an issue in 2025,” one commenter wrote. “If a mother needs to nurse, she should be able to do so anywhere without question.”
Pushing for Change
Morales says her decision to go public is about more than her own experience. She hopes her story will push retailers to better educate employees about breastfeeding rights.
“No mother should be made to feel ashamed for feeding her child,” Morales emphasized. “If sharing what happened to me helps even one mom out there, then it’s worth it.”
Advocates are also calling for stores to visibly post policies supporting breastfeeding, provide designated nursing spaces where possible, and train employees to handle such requests with empathy.
Looking Ahead
Local lawmakers have already weighed in, reminding businesses of existing protections. They stress that compliance is not a courtesy but a legal requirement. Meanwhile, advocacy networks are urging mothers to stand firm in exercising their rights.
Morales says she will continue shopping for her family but intends to choose businesses that show clearer respect and understanding of nursing mothers.
“This wasn’t about being difficult,” she said. “It was about being a mom. And being a mom means sometimes your baby comes first, no matter where you are.”
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