A MUM says she was forced to breastfeed her hungry two-week-old daughter on a pavement after Asda staff refused to let her use the store's baby-changing facilities.
Jenna Wiffen, 28, says they told her she could not go back into the supermarket she had just left because it was closing in 15 minutes.
Instead she had to feed Iliana outside on the pavement.
Despite pleas from passers-by to let her inside, staff even refused to bring out a chair to make her more comfortable.
Jenna said she was left feeling "mortified" and "humiliated".
She said: "I was disgusted. It felt so degrading. I was really embarrassed because people were walking past and looking at me.
"It was quite cold as well so I had to wrap a blanket round my baby.
"I had no other choice but to stand up and struggle to feed her in the doorway with loads of people walking past.
"It's really difficult breastfeeding a baby standing up. I just wanted somewhere to sit down. There were seats in the foyer but the security guard stopped me from going in.
"I am just shocked at what happened."
The full-time mum had visited the supermarket in Telford, Shrops, with her three young children, including Tyler, eight, and Tierra, four.
When she left she phoned a taxi to get home and feed Iliana. As none was available she attempted to go back into the supermarket to breastfeed the baby, who was already crying.
Jenna said: "The supermarket wasn't shut but even then you think they would take pity on a mother with a young child breastfeeding while standing in the cold.
"We were technically customers as well as I'd just picked up some shopping - it's not like I just went there to use the facilities.
"I just wanted somewhere to sit and feed my baby. This was at about 9.45pm and they said they were closing at 10pm.
"The security guard asked the manager and he said no.
"He asked the manager if I could just have a chair and he still said no. I was absolutely disgusted.
"The security guard apologised to me but I had to stand outside by the doorway and breastfeed my baby.
"Then one of the staff came out and asked why don't I go inside, and I explained.
"So she went and spoke to the manager too but he still said no. Some of the staff thought it was out of order too.
"I would've been satisfied with a chair outside. I want to make people aware of this so it doesn't happen to another poor baby.
"My two other children were there as well, which made it even more difficult because I had to look out for them as well.
"I've had an email from Asda. They've said they're sorry and they're sending me a discount voucher.
"They told me they've spoken to the manager about it."
Asda has now apologised for the "misunderstanding" but claimed the store had already closed when Jenna tried to go back in. A spokesman said: "This is a case of an unfortunate misunderstanding.
"Although the store was already closed, we do have a policy of supporting mums and their breastfeeding needs and will always try to accommodate individual requests.
"We are very sorry for any distress this matter caused and we are speaking to Miss Wiffen to apologise directly."
UK Express
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