A mother in Nova Scotia, Kelsey Hutchinson, expressed feeling embarrassed and overwhelmed after being told she couldn’t breastfeed her baby at the poolside or in the pool deck at the 14 Wing Greenwood Aquatics PSP in Greenwood, N.S.
Hutchinson, 30, recounted that during a family outing last Wednesday, she began nursing her baby Violet in the water when a lifeguard approached her, instructing her not to breastfeed there. She then moved to the pool deck but was again told by the lifeguard that she couldn’t nurse there either and should go to the washroom or leave the property.
Despite explaining her rights as a breastfeeding mother under Canadian law, Hutchinson faced resistance from the lifeguard and later from a manager who suggested she nurse by a fence, a proposal Hutchinson declined, feeling it was unreasonable.
Feeling increasingly embarrassed and upset, Hutchinson’s family eventually left the facility. She later shared her experience on social media, prompting widespread support and outcry.
In response to the incident, 14 Wing Greenwood Aquatics PSP issued an apology via Facebook, acknowledging the need to respect the rights of all individuals and pledging to revise its policies to align with provincial guidelines and best practices. The facility confirmed that breastfeeding will now be allowed anywhere on the base, including in the water and on the pool deck.
Lt.-Col. Alexandre Gignac, acting commander for 14 Wing Greenwood, reiterated the base’s support for a mother’s right to breastfeed and emphasized that all staff have been educated on these policies to prevent future incidents.
Carrie Clem from La Leche League Canada emphasized the need for continued efforts to normalize breastfeeding in public spaces, noting the importance of advocacy and support for breastfeeding mothers.
Hutchinson, reflecting on the incident and subsequent community support, expressed gratitude for the policy changes resulting from the public outcry, highlighting the collective impact of community support in fostering change.
