Woman's Facebook Post About Her Museum Experience Goes Viral

An Ohio museum is encouraging breastfeeding after a Pennsylvania mother's Facebook post drew a flurry of responses.

Emily Locke, of Beaver Falls, said Monday that she was breastfeeding her 9-month-old at the Cleveland History Center over the weekend when an employee told her it violated the museum's policy. When Locke refused to move, another employee approached her and told her she had to move to a private area.

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Center Director Angie Lowrie told Cleveland.com on Tuesday that the museum doesn't prohibit breastfeeding and that the employees have been disciplined.

"We are a family institution and welcome to all," she said. "It is a safe place to come with a family, and women have every right to feed their children."

Lowrie responded to Locke's post, apologizing.

Locke accepted Lowrie's apology and said she may visit the museum again someday.

"I hope to find the warm and accepting atmosphere there that I did not on this visit," she wrote. She said she hopes more women understand their rights "so these incidents become fewer and further between."

The museum has contacted the Ohio Breastfeeding Alliance, Lowrie said, and they plan to train staff on how to address breastfeeding in public spaces.

The "Plan Your Visit" section of the Cleveland History Center website has added a "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" banner at the bottom of the page.

Locke told NBC that breastfeeding moms should not feel isolated, embarrassed or powerless.

"The ability to breastfeed a child is a blessing and a privilege and it should be embraced and celebrated," she said. "I hope that this story helps all women to feel empowered."