Jackie Johnson-Smith wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary that night.
It was a normal night with her family, a modest dinner at a local pizzeria where she enjoyed a simple meal. But as she sat down to nurse her baby, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something unusual was about to happen. There was a subtle tension, perhaps from past experiences breastfeeding in public where she’d been met with judgmental looks or whispered conversations. But tonight takes an unexpected turn, leading to a moment of kindness that restores her faith in the good of people.
She shared a photo of the bill from the restaurant on Facebook along with the statement: “I breastfed three children”. “I’ve taken care of them in various settings, public and private, during happy and unhappy moments. Although I got a lot of stares and stares, the bad vibes went away tonight. I never ate. I nursed Fongs briefly until tonight. a cranky child in a cabin before getting up early so as not to disturb other visitors.”
“The waiter handed this receipt to my husband. I was unable to communicate because of my intense emotions. I don’t need applause to feed my baby, but it was fantastic nonetheless. “It’s fantastic how women can support and uplift each other,” the letter concluded.
Bodi Kinney, a waitress, told KCCI 8 News in Des Moines that “we have to support each other when it comes to breastfeeding our babies.”
Jackie’s experience serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of simple acts of kindness. In a world where breastfeeding in public can sometimes be met with judgment or discomfort, Bodi’s gesture is an example of the support mothers everywhere deserve.
It wasn’t about applause or attention; it was about recognizing the beauty of caring for a child and offering a moment of encouragement to another woman. Jackie’s story has not only touched her family but has resonated with many others who have faced similar challenges. It highlights how small, thoughtful actions can have a profound impact and reminds us all of the importance of empathy and mutual upliftment in our daily lives.