NJ Mom Denied Breastfeeding in Fitting Room, Speaks Out on Rights

Incident at Jersey Gardens Mall

• 🤱 A mother in New Jersey, Sahana Chowry, was reportedly denied the use of a fitting room to breastfeed her 8-month-old baby, Alina, at a Burlington store.
• 📹 Chowry recorded her exchange with store employees, who stated that fitting rooms were for trying on clothes and that feeding babies in public was not allowed.
• 📍 The incident occurred on a Sunday at the Jersey Gardens mall while the family was returning from an outing.

Mother's Experience and Rights

• 🚗 Chowry typically breastfeeds in her car but opted for a fitting room for her baby's comfort due to the crowded mall and family in the car.
• ❓ She questioned whether she was doing the right thing by asking to feed in public, but New Jersey law permits breastfeeding in any public accommodation where a mother is legally present.
• 🗣️ Chowry is sharing her story to ensure other mothers are aware of their rights and to advocate for better awareness of these laws.

Store's Response and Call for Training

• 🤝 Burlington's parent company stated they regret the customer's experience and that it is inconsistent with their values.
• 💬 The company is working with the store to ensure such situations are handled differently in the future.
• 🎓 Chowry emphasized the need for brands to train their employees on these matters, calling the experience insensitive and something no mother should endure.