Breast-Pump Mom ‘Humiliated’ By Flight Attendant

A mom using a breast pump said she was “humiliated” by an American Airlines flight attendant earlier this month.

Dawnella Brahos was on a flight from Minneapolis to Chicago when the incident occurred. She said she was plugging in and preparing to use the device when the attendant approached her.

When the mom explained that she had used the pump on previous American Airlines flights, the employee called her a liar. Brahos said the attendant then proceeded to humiliate her in front of the other passengers.

“When I got on, she was very loud about saying no, that wasn’t going to be an option and then she soon after followed me back to my seat,” she explained to FOX 32 News.

Brahos added, “Not being able to pump when I’m scheduled to pump it could cause an effect in the future on not having as much of a supply.”

The woman said the attendant was “loud and cold and argumentative” during their exchange. She explained that quite a few people on the flight “knew my business. I could see them talking amongst themselves.”

American Airlines has since apologized to the mom who was humiliated after attempting to use her breast pump during one of the company’s flights. Spokeswoman Andrea Huguely said Brahos should have been allowed to use her Medela pump without trouble from the attendants.

The company said in an official statement:

“We apologize for the experience Ms. Brahos had on a recent flight. Our in-flight personnel are trained to handle these situations with professionalism and discretion. American does not have a policy prohibiting the use of breast pumps in-flight. As with other devices that have an on/off switch, customers will be asked not to use them during takeoff and landing. Our procedures advise our crews to ensure that mothers who are breast feeding or using breast pumps have the privacy they need.”

Brahos received a $100 voucher from American Airlines for her trouble. She explained that she hopes the company improves its training program going forward.

“The rules have to be clear. It’s not like you can fight with a flight attendant these days,” Brahos explained.

What do you think about the mom who was humiliated by a flight attendant for attempting to use her breast pump during an American Airlines flight?

[Image via Shutterstock.com]