Breastfeeding Mum Told to Nurse Outside or in Toilets at Greggs—What Happened?

A breastfeeding mother has spoken out after being refused the right to breastfeed inside a Greggs store at Westwood Cross, Kent.

In a Facebook post that has sparked outrage, the mum described how she and her partner visited Greggs with their baby. After ordering food, she asked if she could sit at one of the open tables to breastfeed her child.

A trainee staff member sought advice from a colleague, who then informed her: “I’m really sorry, breastfeeding isn’t allowed in here. You’ll have to use the public toilets or the benches outside.”

The mother, shocked by the response, later asked another staff member if she could breastfeed, only to receive the same answer: “Sorry, breastfeeding isn’t allowed in here, you’ll have to use the public toilets or outside seating area.”

Feeling frustrated and humiliated, she was forced to leave Greggs and walk to another restaurant to feed her baby.

Is This Even Legal?

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal for any business or public place to ask a breastfeeding mother to stop or move elsewhere. Breastfeeding is a legally protected right, and mothers have the right to nurse their children anywhere they are otherwise allowed to be.

This incident has left many questioning Greggs’ policies and staff training when it comes to breastfeeding rights.

Greggs, Do You Have an Explanation?

The mother concluded her post by calling out Greggs directly: “Greggs, do you care to explain? It’s shocking that in this day and age, women are still being refused the ability to breastfeed their children.”

At the time of writing, Greggs has yet to publicly respond to the incident.

What Should You Do if This Happens to You?

If you are ever told you cannot breastfeed in a public place, remember:

• You are protected by law – The Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal to ask a mother to stop breastfeeding or move elsewhere.
• Stay calm and stand your ground – Politely inform staff that you have the legal right to breastfeed there.
• Ask to speak to a manager – Often, staff members are simply unaware of the law.
• Report the incident – If you are discriminated against, you can report it to EHRC (Equality and Human Rights Commission) or speak to the venue’s head office.
• Share your experience – As this mum has shown, speaking out can help raise awareness and drive change.

We will update this article if Greggs issues a response.

Have you ever been asked to stop breastfeeding in public? Share your experience in the comments below!