Protest after breastfeeding mother asked to move
- Published
Dozens of mothers and children gathered at Guernsey’s Premier Inn to show solidarity with a mother who posted on social media that she was asked not to breastfeed there.
The meeting was organised after Kelly Corbin said she was asked by a member of hotel staff to feed her baby “out of the way of the public” as “the residents won’t like it”.
Ms Corbin posted about her experience on social media, writing that she felt “humiliated”.
Premier Inn said: “We’re sorry for the confusion between one of our team members and Ms Corbin in our Guernsey hotel and we wish to apologise to her."
Ms Corbin wrote on Facebook after the incident on Sunday that she left the Premier Inn restaurant at Admiral Park in tears and fed her baby in her car after being asked to move by a member of staff.
Fellow mother Rebecca Greening organised the protest by sharing the post and asking “breastfeeding mothers past, present and future” to show the woman was "not alone”.
About 30 women and children met at the Premier Inn on Monday and those with hungry babies breastfed them in the restaurant.
Premier Inn provided free teas, coffees and snacks to the mothers.
During the protest, one woman described the behaviour of staff as “absolutely lovely".
A spokesperson for Premier Inn said, “Breastfeeding mothers are wholeheartedly welcome in all our sites across the UK.
“We’re proud to be a family-friendly business and it’s really important to us that all our guests including new mums and their babies have a relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable experience when they stay, enjoy a coffee or dine with us."
They said they had "reached out to speak to" Ms Corbin and "hope to welcome her back soon”.