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Breastfeeding Moms Stage Protest At San Jose Target Store

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) – Breastfeeding moms were out in force at more than 100 Target stores across the country, including one in San Jose on Wednesday, all prompted by the alleged mistreatment of a breastfeeding mom at a store in the Houston area.

The mother claimed employees made her feel uncomfortable when she fed her son while Christmas shopping last month.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

Melisa Nunez was among those gathered at the San Jose store at The Plant shopping center.  She said that many women are afraid to breastfeed their children in public.

"That's why you find so many moms that just don't go out or always carry a bottle," she said. "Or they hide in their car or in a bathroom. Who would want to eat their lunch in a bathroom? Why should I feel obligated to do that for my child when we're not causing anyone trouble. We're keeping to ourselves. I'd rather if no one looks at me. I don't need anybody staring at me while I'm feeding my baby."

Richard Piche, assistant manager of the Target at The Plant on Curtner Avenue, was asked what he would say to someone who complained about someone breastfeeding their child in the store.

"I would just restate our policy, that we allow our mothers to breastfeed in any public area in our store," said Piche.

Target said all employees have been updated about the company's policy.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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