Breastfeeding mother told to feed 'near drain or go into a cubicle' at swimming ... trends now
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A breastfeeding mother said she was left 'flabbergasted' after leisure centre staff told her to move to the side of a swimming pool and feed her baby 'near a drain or go into a cubicle'.
Rachel McCarey claims she was discriminated against while feeding her one-year-old daughter Annie in the pool at Haven Point Leisure Centre in South Shields.
The 39-year-old, who lives in Newcastle, said she was first approached by a staff member while feeding Annie in the swimming pool last November.
She said she was asked to move to the side in case her baby was sick.
After the swimming session, Ms McCarey said she spoke to a person she believed was the manager and they assured her that the situation would be investigated and appropriate measures taken.
Rachel McCarey, 39, claims she was discriminated against while feeding her one-year-old daughter Annie in the pool at Haven Point Leisure Centre in South Shields
Ms McCarey claims leisure centre staff told her to move to the side of a swimming pool and feed her baby 'near a drain or go into a cubicle'
However, when she recently returned to the same pool a lifeguard told her she was allowed to breastfeed, but that she needed to stand beside a drain.
Ms McCarey, who works as a teacher, has now lodged a complaint with South Tyneside Council, which runs the leisure centre.
She received an email back from the local authority on Wednesday stating that the leisure manager was investigating the legislation.
They said she would need to move to the side of the pool or use a cubicle while breastfeeding until the investigation was complete.
Ms McCarey, who is
