LETHBRIDGE – A Lethbridge McDonald’s restaurant saw a mid-afternoon spike in attendance Monday after a controversy over breastfeeding last week.
More than a dozen mothers took the chance to meet and breastfeed in the restaurant. The sit-in was a show of support for Kayla Pontarolo, a mother who said she was asked by an employee to leave the restaurant Friday while breastfeeding her daughter.
“We felt it was important to raise awareness that breastfeeding in public isn’t a problem,” said Mary Siever, one of the event organizers. “It’s normal and every mother should feel comfortable breastfeeding where she needs to, because you can’t just stay at home all the time.”
The McDonald’s restaurant was quick to react, reaching out to Pontarolo and meeting with her Saturday.
“I’ve been in business now for over 30 years and I’m a father, and I do agree with the right for mothers to be able to breastfeed,” said Dan Brown, the owner and operator of the restaurant.
Brown said steps are being put in place to try to avoid any similar future incidents.
“We’re welcoming anyone who feels the need to breastfeed their child in the restaurant,” said Brown. “Secondly, we’re making sure to educate our employees on what our policy is and how they can accommodate mothers.”
Pontarolo is happy with the response from Brown, and hopes the incident leads to change.
“I think it would be right to have the signage saying it is breastfeeding-friendly,” said Pontarolo. “Just so others know, ‘okay, there’s going to be breastfeeding happening here,’ so that if you see someone under a cover and you’re uncomfortable with breastfeeding – don’t sit beside them.”
She is also thrilled with the support she’s received, both at home and from afar.
“I knew that there was going to be support, I just didn’t think it would come from everywhere in Canada,” said Pontarolo. “I’ve had people from Newfoundland and Quebec message me. I’m glad it had such a good turnout; women should be able to feel comfortable.”
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