Newton Mom Told To Pump Breast Milk In Airport's "Pet Relief Area"
BOSTON (CBS) - United Airlines is apologizing and changing their policy after a Newton mom was forced to pump her breast milk in a public terminal. The other options she argues were disgusting and dirty.
"I cant believe that in 2015 this is happening," says new mom Liz Meagher Cooper.
"I'm not looking for free drinks, I don't want a free meal, I don't want your Wi-Fi, I don't want anything," she says. "I just want a secure private location for 15 minutes to express my breast milk then I will be on my merry way."
But when the Newton mom asked United Airlines during her layover in Washington Dulles where to pump her breast milk, they gave her two options: the family bathroom that had no outlet for the breast pump or the "Pet Relief Area."
"There was a red fire hydrant in there for dogs to relieve themselves. That's obviously not where I'm going to pump my breast milk for my baby."
She snapped some pictures and posted to Twitter, calling out both United Airlines and the airport. They refused to let her in the club area and said this was her only option.
So instead she sat in the terminal. She says this is a choice no mother should have to face.
"And people just don't get it, it's 2015 it's not like I'm a pioneering breast pumping woman, there are a lot of working moms out there who need to pump their breast milk this is not groundbreaking!"
United Airlines apologized to Liz Tuesday, and said they are adding a place to pump at Dulles. They say they are glad she brought the issue to their attention.
Logan Airport in Boston does have a breast pumping area for new mothers.