We, the following mothers and supportive family and friends, are dismayed and appalled by the recent events and comments surrounding breastfeeding at Children's Hospital for the King's Daughters (CHKD) in Virginia. Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy way for any baby to receive nourishment. There is absolutely no reason why a mother should apologize for or be asked to remove herself from any place because she is feeding her baby. CHKD's notion that it is not appropriate for a woman to "expose" herself in front of children at a children's hospital implies that breastfeeding in itself is an inherently sexual act, rather than a function of a woman's body. The published statement,
"It is not our policy to disallow breastfeeding in public areas. As a children's hospital, we do ask that breast feeding mothers take care to be fully covered in public areas."

is neither practical or appropriate for most breastfeeding mothers. Many babies do not tolerate covers and some refuse bottles. If a breastfeeding mother has more than one child with her it is unreasonable to assume that mother, nursing child, and additional children should be sequestered while nursing takes place. CHKD should celebrate and encourage breastfeeding mothers. Implying that it is indecent to breastfeed around children only continues the pervasive and detrimental stigma of breastfeeding in our country.

We, mothers and supporters of breastfeeding, ask that CHKD revise its policy on breastfeeding in its hospital and formally apologize to Mildred Musni for her humiliating experience.