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Breastfeeders not welcome in Sports Direct after mother-of-two is removed for feeding child

 

Jack Simpson
Friday 25 April 2014 05:12 BST
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Researchers are unpicking the science behind the anti-microbial properties of breast milk
Researchers are unpicking the science behind the anti-microbial properties of breast milk (Getty Images)

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It might be one of the most successful retail outlets in Britain, offering sports goods and clothing to all sectors of society. However, there is one group of people that Sports Direct is less willing to accommodate.

A mother-of –two had to leave the sports shop after staff told her that breast feeders “were not welcome. “

The Nottingham Post Wioletta Komar, was feeding her three-month-old son on a bench inside Nottingham City Centre’s Sports Direct when staff told her that she had to leave.

Despite Komar arguing that there was no law against breast feeding in public, the shop’s staffs were insistent that she had to leave.

She was then forced outside and had to feed her baby in the rain, while waiting for her husband.

Since the event occurred, Miss Komar has attempted to contact the chain five times by email and phone to complain about her treatment – as of yet she has had no reply.

Breatfeeding in public is protected by the Equality Act 2010, which states that businesses must not discriminate against a woman who is breastfeeding.

However, there is an increasing taboo around breastfeeding in public.

Patti Rundall, policy director for Baby Milk Action said: "All mothers have a legally-protected right to breastfeed in public.

"It is important, it's their right and we will do what we can to support them."

When asked for a response by The Nottingham Post, Sports Direct refused to comment.

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