TSA Apologizes for Humiliating Breastfeeding Mom

Photo: Veer

The Transportation Safety Administration has admitted that they were wrong to tell a mom that she couldn’t bring her breast pump on the plane. According to KITV4 News, Amy Strand, who was with her 9-month-old daughter Eva, was traveling last Wednesday when she was flagged for additional screening. She was told that she couldn’t bring her electric breast pump with her because the bottles inside her bag were empty. When she asked for a private space to pump some milk to fill them, a TSA agent told her she would have to use the public restroom.

Strand was reportedly “embarrassed and humiliated” when she had to pump next to the sink and in front of mirrors, facing women who were walking in and out of the restroom. TSA allows women to carry breastmilk on planes, but breast pumps are subject to additional screening since they are classified as medical equipment. TSA admitted in a statement that the agent misinformed Strand when they told her that she could only bring the breast pump if it was medically necessary.

TSA takes responsibility for the mistake and the agent involved will go through remedial training.

What do you think of this incident? Have you ever ran into problems traveling with feeding supplies?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Breastfeeding Fiascos

10 Breastfeeding Problems Solved

Breastfeeding in Public

-- Sarah Yang

See More: Breastfeeding , Mommy Life