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Breast-feeding mum abused by teenagers
A mother had to endure verbal abuse from a gang of teenage girls while trying to breastfeed her 14-week-old baby daughter.
Staff at McDonald's in Wellingborough came to Melissa Donovan's aid after she was subjected to the abuse while in the fast food restaurant.
The mother-of-three, of Ashton Grove, Wellingborough, said there are not enough places in the town centre for breast-feeding mothers, and she worried that the attitude of people like the teenage girls in McDonald's might put many young mothers off breastfeeding completely.
She said: "I was subjected to some vile abuse from a group of teenage girls when I fed my baby, which made me feel quite uncomfortable and angry.
"The girls suggested I feed her in the toilet, but how many adults would like to eat their lunch in a toilet?
"The staff at McDonald's were very supportive and helped me out, but the incident left me feeling shocked.
"I am a firm believer that breast is best, and, having breast fed my two sons until they were 10 months old, I intend to do the same with my baby daughter, Yvainne.
"I am not that shy and if Yvainne needs feeding I'll feed her, no matter where we are, but there is nowhere comfortable and private in Wellingborough where a shy new mum could feed their baby."
Mrs Donovan said she was concerned the reason that only 20 per cent of new mums consider breastfeeding their baby is because they are scared of the public reaction when they are out and about.
Nicola Hollis, general manager at McDonald's in Wellingborough, said: "I was happy to support Mrs Donovan during this incident.
"The girls were only about 16 years old and their suggestion that the baby could be fed in the toilet was wrong and showed a lack of education.
"I told them that if they had an issue with the baby being breast fed in the restaurant they should take their food and go outside.
"We have no problem with mothers breast feeding in store, but I do agree that there should be more places to breast feed in the town centre."
The Evening Telegraph approached Wellingborough Council to ask whether it would consider creating a breast feeding area in the town centre but no-one was available for comment.
Should our town centres have places where mums can breast feed in comfort? Have you had a bad experience of breast feeding in a public place? Let us know your views by signing in and posting your comments below.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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