NEW BRAUNFELS -- Robyn Ross sat in the furniture department at Target on Creekside Way on Wednesday, breastfeeding her hungry daughter.
Ross was one of a handful of moms at the New Braunfels Target, and just one of hundreds who participated in a nationwide 'nurse-in.'
The protest was organized by Michelle Hickman, who claims she was humiliated by Target employees while breastfeeding her baby inside Houston-area store. She spread word of the alleged incident through Facebook, drawing more than 4,000 supporters to join the group.
Nurse-ins were planned at more than 100 Target locations nationwide, including the New Braunfels store and the Super Target at Loop 1604 and Bandera.
“So people were surprised that I would open my blouse and feed my hungry baby in public," Ross said. "But we sat there in their furniture department, in their glider, and she nursed for about 15 minutes. And it was really nice.”
In an official statement released by Target, the company said, "Guests who choose to breastfeed in public areas of the store are welcome to do so without being made to feel uncomfortable.
"We continually educate our team members in stores across the country on store policies to ensure all guests have a great experience. ... Target is proud to support all mothers who breastfeed year-round, including today."
For Ross, it was a first-time experience.
“I’ve never actually nursed in public before, and she was hungry, and we nursed and we got some looks from people that seemed pretty surprised that I would have my shirt open,” Ross said.
