Short Pump Town Center apologizes after mall security attempts to stop mother from nursing

Short Pump Town Center has apologized after a video showing a nursing mother being told by mall security she had to leave the area went viral. Chesterfield mother Ashley Cooper was breastfeeding her 8-month-old on a bench while her husband waited in line for the family to see the Easter Bunny. While doing so, a security guard immediately rushed over to ask her to move to a designated, private nursing area in another part of the center.

Cooper, however, knew her rights. Virginia law allows mothers to nurse in any public place. She replied to the security officer that she didn’t want to move, and continued nursing her child.

After calling for backup due to what the security guard viewed as noncompliance, Cooper reported the incident to Guest Services, who apologized and offered the family free tickets on the mall’s train ride, according to Style Weekly, which has more coverage surrounding the incident.

At press time, the Facebook Live video had racked up almost 100,000 views.

Short Pump Town Center also released the following statement to the media:

We are very sorry for Ms. Cooper’s experience at our center. As soon as mall management was aware of the situation, the security officer was advised of the inappropriate way it was handled and all associates will receive additional training to ensure this behavior is not repeated. Short Pump Town Center’s policies aim to support our family friendly values and we will work to ensure nursing parents are treated with the utmost respect. We responded to Ms. Cooper’s complaint in person, with our apology, immediately after the incident happened as well as through a post on her page. Short Pump Town Center strives to offer a family friendly environment for shopping, dining and entertainment and we will continue to find ways to enhance the overall appeal of the center in order for our guests to feel welcome.

The incident sparked the idea for a “nurse-in” where local moms plan to breastfeed to raise awareness of the issues sometimes faced by nursing mothers. It will take place May 20th at Short Pump Town Center.