Jackie Johnson-Smith's dinner out with her family was quite the adventure. Along with her toddler, she also had her new baby, which meant her evening involved everything from a noisy stroller to soothing a crying baby. He got hungry in the middle of their meal, so Jackie did what she needed and nursed him right there at the table.

When it was time to pay, they received their bill with a bit of surprise—a note from their waitress. It wasn't expected, but the waitress had noticed Jackie nursing and wrote a note. This unexpected turn of events had a major effect on Jackie and her husband.

An Unexpected Adventure

Jackie, a Des Moines, Iowa resident, has always rolled with life’s punches. From her tomboy childhood to her days in the Army, she's tackled every challenge head-on. Motherhood brought its own chaos, with three kids turning her life into a constant whirl of activities.

One evening, overwhelmed by her never-ending to-do list, Jackie decided her family needed a break. So, they went out for dinner, seeking a simple escape. Little did she know, this meal would be more than just a break. It was set to become an unexpected adventure, a reminder that the best memories often arise from the most surprising moments.

A Family Night Out

Jackie and her husband really needed some time to themselves—a chance to reconnect. However, with a new baby and no babysitter in sight, their dreams of a romantic evening had to be put on hold. Instead, they opted for a family pizza night.

Choosing a restaurant that's both kid-friendly and nice enough for a date can be tricky, but they managed to find a cozy place that seemed just right. What they didn't realize was that this wasn't going to be just any family dinner. That night, an extraordinary event awaited them, one so meaningful that it would leave a lasting memory.

A Flavorful Twist at Fong's

Jackie and her husband, determined to enjoy their family pizza night, decided to try something different and headed to Fong's Pizza in Des Moines, Iowa. Fong's isn't your typical pizzeria—it's where Eastern flavors meet Western tradition, offering unique creations like Saucy Sichuan and zesty orange chicken pizza.

Their choice of Fong’s wasn’t just driven by the desire for unconventional pizza. Jackie had a more personal reason for picking this spot, adding a little extra excitement to their outing. What started as a compromise turned into an evening filled with surprises, being more than just a meal out with the kids.

A Family-Friendly Restaurant

Jackie's pick of Fong’s Pizza was about more than just their fusion flavors. She knew that finding a downtown restaurant that welcomed families with toddlers could be tricky. After some research, she discovered that Fong's was reputed to be exceptionally family-friendly. "Downtown spots can be hit or miss for families," Jackie remarked, "but Fong's came highly recommended."

The restaurant lived up to its reputation with a vibrant atmosphere that kept kids amused. However, the peace was fleeting; soon, their newborn started crying, hungry, and indifferent to the menu’s offerings. Jackie braced herself for motherhood’s call, ready to switch from diner to nurturer amidst the bustling setting.

Balancing Family and Stares

At Fong’s, the evening kicked off wonderfully, with Jackie's kids enjoying their adventurous pizzas and the lively vibe. However, it wasn’t long before the youngest member of the family demanded his own attention. Uninterested in the pizza, her newborn began to fuss for something more comforting—his mom.

Jackie, a steadfast breastfeeding supporter, had never used bottles for her baby. Now, amidst the bustling crowd, she felt the judgment of strangers. Despite the potential scrutiny, Jackie knew what she had to do. With a mother’s resolve, she prepared to feed her baby, prioritizing his comfort over the opinions of those around her.

Experiencing Bold Choices

In the sanctuary of her own home or the privacy of her car, breastfeeding was second nature to Jackie. However, the bustling restaurant like Fong's presented a different challenge. She was all too familiar with the unwelcoming stares that could make a natural act feel fraught with judgment.

But experience had fortified her. With two older children, Jackie had navigated this path before, growing more confident with each public breastfeeding experience. Now, as she sat in Fong’s, she realized just how far she had come. Jackie was about to tend to her baby, fully embracing her role as a mother.

Embracing Motherhood Openly

Initially, Jackie wasn't one to advocate strongly for breastfeeding in public. However, influenced by the global movement of mothers asserting their right to nurse openly, she recognized the importance of nourishing her child wherever necessary. These mothers promote it as embracing the most natural way to care for their children and challenge society to adjust its views.

They argue that public nursing should not attract negative attention. By the time her third child was born, Jackie had grown comfortable with the concept. No longer hesitant, she was ready to stand with those who championed the cause that helped her fully embrace her role as a mother.

A Bold Decision

The lively chatter at Fong's Pizza filled the air, but beneath it all was the persistent cry of Jackie's youngest son, demanding his meal in the only way he knew. Normally, Jackie felt uneasy about breastfeeding in such a public spot because of the looks it might draw. “I usually try to avoid nursing out here because of the stares,” she mentioned quietly.

Despite her discomfort, she couldn't ignore her baby's cries. None of the toys or distractions worked. It was clear what needed to be done. Jackie took out her nursing cover, draped it over herself, and began to feed her son.

Someone Watching Her

As Jackie comforted her baby, she initially didn't notice the attention they were attracting. Focused on calming her child, she was oblivious to the watchful eyes of their waitress. When she did become aware, she started to feel a twinge of discomfort.

In a society often critical of public breastfeeding, Jackie couldn’t shake off a sense of shame, even while simply trying to enjoy a family meal. Her unease deepened under the persistent gaze, shadowing the peaceful moment she had created for her son. Unbeknownst to Jackie, this observant presence was set to turn their evening in an unexpected direction.

Under the Watchful Eye

Jackie felt uncomfortable as their waitress seemed to circle their table a little too often. "It felt like she was checking on us more than necessary. I started to think maybe she disapproved of me breastfeeding here," Jackie shared. Despite her convictions about the right to breastfeed in public, Jackie was not one to confront or challenge, especially not in a family-friendly place like Fong's, which she held in high regard.

The continual glances from the waitress weighed heavily on her, eroding her sense of ease. What began as a relaxed meal had transformed into a spotlight of scrutiny that Jackie desperately wanted to escape.

Tension Kept on Growing

Seated in a quiet corner, Jackie had hoped for privacy, but the persistent attention from the waitress suggested otherwise. "When she saw me breastfeeding, her look triggered all my alarms," Jackie recounted. She couldn't shake off the feeling that her natural response to comfort her baby might be viewed as inappropriate.

"All I wanted was to keep my baby quiet and not bother anyone else here," she explained. What was meant to be a peaceful family outing was now overshadowed by her worries about a potential confrontation, making Jackie think about whether to cut their dinner short to avoid any unpleasantness.

Resorting to the Car

Jackie tried to keep it together despite the waitress's looks, wanting to enjoy their rare night out. But when her baby started fussing again, Jackie chose peace and decided to head back to the car, leaving the noisy buzz of Fong's behind.

Sitting alone, just her and the soft tunes on the radio, she nursed her baby, feeling a bit left out. This was meant to be a fun family dinner, yet here she was, all by herself, in the parking lot. Little did she know, her evening was about to get a whole lot better, thanks to a sweet surprise that would change everything.

A Surprise from Fong’s

Jackie was still in the car, but back inside Fong’s Pizza, her husband kicked into high gear to wrap up their dinner. Anyone who’s dined out with kids knows that “quick” isn’t easy with little ones around. After a bit of coaxing, the kids finally finished their pizza, and he got the leftovers packed up.

While paying the bill, a handwritten note on the receipt caught his eye. Curious and with kids in tow, he hurried to the car, excited to share this unexpected find with Jackie. This note from the waitress was all set to flip their night on its head.

A Heartwarming Surprise

In excitement, Jackie’s husband passed her the receipt. Jackie quickly looked at the note written by Bodi Kinney, their waitress. It read, “I bought one of your pizzas... Please thank your wife for breastfeeding!” Suddenly, the mood in the car shifted from disappointment to disbelief and then to joy.

Bodi hadn’t been staring in judgment; she was actually supporting Jackie. This unexpected kindness from someone who understood touched the Smiths deeply. They now felt a strong need to thank Bodi, not just for the free pizza, but for her incredible support. They were determined to find out what inspired Bodi's generous act.

A Touching Gesture

Jackie was speechless and teary-eyed as she read the note. "I couldn't believe it," she admitted, deeply moved by the gesture. Bodi had done more than just acknowledge the breastfeeding; she celebrated it by paying for one of their pizzas. For Jackie, who had dealt with many public reactions while breastfeeding her first two children, this act of kindness felt like a validating nod from the universe. "It felt like the universe telling me I was doing okay."

Initially too shocked to thank Bodi in person, Jackie soon gathered her courage. She wanted to reach out to Bodi to understand what inspired her to support breastfeeding in public openly.

Unexpected Support

Not every mom meets a supporter like Bodi. Bodi herself felt a surge of admiration the moment she saw Jackie nursing. "I just thought, 'Right on!' the second I saw her," Bodi recalled, reflecting on the evening. "She made my night brighter." Bodi wanted to support Jackie and sought a method to show her encouragement.

But before she could make her move, Jackie and her baby had already headed out. That’s when Bodi chose to cover the cost of one of their pizzas as a supportive gesture. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Jackie felt compelled to share her experience on Facebook, celebrating the unexpected support she received.

A Story Goes Viral

Back at home, Jackie couldn't stop thinking about the note. "I was just in total disbelief," she said, still amazed by the kindness. Feeling inspired by the support, Jackie decided to share her gratitude publicly on social media. In her Facebook post, she shared her experiences of breastfeeding her three children in various places, encountering both support and criticism.

"Tonight changed everything," she wrote, sharing her uplifting experience at Fong’s. Little did Jackie know her post about Bodi's thoughtful gesture was about to catch fire online. Her story began to spread far and wide, touching hearts and igniting discussions around the world.

A Ripple of Support

In her Facebook post, Jackie shared how moved she was by the unexpected act of kindness. "I didn't expect a reward for feeding my child, but the support felt incredible," she wrote. She highlighted how significant backing from others can be, especially from strangers: "It really does make a difference."

Jackie's story resonated widely, reminding everyone that parenting, often a solitary journey, can be profoundly influenced by simple acts of kindness. Her post sparked a wave of discussion. Numerous mothers joined in, echoing that while such gestures are rare, they are incredibly cherished and crucial in fostering a supportive atmosphere for parents and their children.

A Necessary Balance

Imagine if every time a mom breastfed in public, she received a reward or acknowledgment. It would be odd, right? Usually, it's best to maintain a respectful distance unless the conversation naturally opens up about the topic. What made Bodi's gesture stand out wasn't just the act of covering the cost of a pizza; it was the empathy and understanding that accompanied it.

Bodi handled the situation with grace, showing support without crossing any boundaries. Jackie's reaction speaks volumes: "I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Having breastfed for years, I've never received such heartfelt affirmation. It was a moment of unexpected kindness that I'll always treasure."

A Wave of Validation

For breastfeeding moms like Jackie, feeling accepted is crucial. It's not just about the choice to feed your child; it's about respecting the natural bond between mother and baby. Jackie was all too familiar with the discomfort of stares and comments during her public breastfeeding experiences.

These past challenges made Bodi's support not only surprising but also profoundly healing. When she read Bodi's note, Jackie felt a wave of validation sweep over her, a refreshing change from her usual encounters. This sparked a desire in her to thank Bodi personally. It was a gesture of appreciation for a moment of understanding that felt like a long-overdue, comforting embrace.

Reaching Out with Gratitude

Days after their memorable night at Fong's, Jackie found Bodi’s husband on Facebook. Eager to express her thanks, she wrote a heartfelt message, sharing her regret for not having thanked Bodi in person at the restaurant and acknowledging the gratitude she still felt compelled to express. "

Her act of kindness was a beacon of warmth in a world that often feels cold to breastfeeding mothers," Jackie wrote, still touched by Bodi's empathetic support. Although she hadn’t returned to Fong’s that night to thank Bodi face-to-face, the memory of that empathy fueled Jackie, inspiring her to push for a more accepting world for nursing mothers everywhere.

A Message of Unity and Change

Jackie's message to Bodi did more than thank her; it underscored the impact of Bodi’s empathy on mothers nationwide. Jackie highlighted the complexity of breastfeeding in society, a natural act now tangled in public scrutiny.

As their story spread widely, it emphasized a vital message: the need to normalize breastfeeding in public and create a supportive environment for mothers. "This isn't just about breastfeeding," Jackie stressed in her message. "It’s about women uplifting each other in all aspects of life." She strongly advocated for the benefits of breastfeeding, asserting, "It’s about nourishing my children, and it shouldn’t concern anyone else. It’s time for a change."

Challenging the Norms

Throughout her journey as a breastfeeding mom, Jackie has encountered her fair share of discomfort. In her exchange with Bodi, she shared, "Feeling unwelcome has become a part of my journey. The stares, the whispers—it's disheartening." Jackie recalled a particularly uneasy moment at a mall: “Even with a cover, a woman suggested the nursing rooms as if to say I didn't belong in public with my child.”

Jackie has often found that her act of nursing caused others to leave the area. These personal anecdotes underscore a wider societal issue, pointing to the need for a change in how breastfeeding in public is perceived and accepted.

Addressing the Silence

Jackie pointed out a concerning trend: "Despite the growing number of breastfeeding mothers, we rarely see them nursing in public. Why is that?" She believes the answer lies in societal pressures. "Fear has been instilled in them. They're worried about being the next one asked to leave or confronted by someone who disapproves," Jackie explained.

This atmosphere often paints nursing mothers as if coming together is an act of defiance. For Jackie, Bodi's supportive act at Fong's Pizza shone as a beacon of acceptance, reinforcing that it's entirely okay to feed your baby wherever and whenever needed, free from fear or shame.

Calling for Inclusive Support

Jackie firmly believes in unity that goes beyond how parents choose to feed their children. "Formula-feeding parents don't face the same scrutiny," she pointed out. "A bottle never raises eyebrows or draws unwelcome comments. But when it comes to breastfeeding, attitudes often change—suddenly, all based on the comfort level of onlookers."

Jackie's observations highlight a significant issue: the need for a supportive environment that respects all aspects of nurturing a child, whether by breast or bottle. Her voice adds to the growing call for a society where feeding a child is recognized purely as an act of love and care, unhindered by public opinion.

Emphasizing Empathy Over Judgment

For Jackie, the real issue isn't about choosing between breastfeeding and formula feeding; it's about supporting a mother's right to care for her child in the way she believes is best. "It's about empathy, not judgment," Jackie emphasizes. "Every mom is just doing her best for her little ones."

Her own breastfeeding experience has been more than just a way to bond—it's been essential for her children's nourishment. Jackie advocates for a shift towards understanding and kindness in how we respond to all mothers in public settings. She stresses that each mother's choice is rooted in a deep commitment to providing the best for her child.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to Motherhood

Jackie's take on motherhood goes beyond just how she feeds her children; it includes a commitment to a more environmentally conscious lifestyle, like her choice to use cloth diapers. "I'm all for returning to simpler methods if it means being kinder to our planet," she explains. For Jackie, parenting isn't about following strict rules. It's about making thoughtful, individual choices that best serve her children's well-being.

"Breastfeeding is a part of my journey, but every mom's path is unique," she points out. Jackie's story celebrates the diverse experiences of motherhood, underscoring the need to support and trust each mother's innate understanding of what's best for her family.

Wooden Toys for the Win

Jackie chooses to make organic, homemade baby food, which cuts down on waste and guarantees that her kids eat healthily. Instead of plastic, she prefers wooden toys, supporting sustainable practices and reducing chemical exposure. Jackie also ensures her family spends plenty of time outdoors, valuing fresh air and physical activity as essential for her children’s health and happiness.

She incorporates mindfulness into her parenting, teaching her kids about gratitude and resilience and fostering their mental well-being along with their physical. Jackie’s every decision—from breastfeeding to eco-conscious living—shows her holistic approach to motherhood, highlighting the diverse ways a mother cares for her children.

The Heart of Jackie's Motherhood

Jackie's story serves as a reminder that the essence of motherhood is the bravery to nurture our children with love and a deep commitment to their well-being. Her experiences emphasize the need for empathy, support, and understanding in a world often too quick to pass judgment. Jackie lives by the principle, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Her mindful choices show that even small actions can contribute to a healthier planet and a more compassionate society. Her story urges us all toward greater acceptance and sustainability, proving that every act of kindness, however small, is part of a greater wave of positive change.