Breastfeeding

olgadapolga

ianmackay88 said:

ItsComingRome said:

The_Fat_Controller said:

Outrageous behavior on behalf of Costa !

Go see the manager asap and demand an apology and if they refuse take it further as above.

As it's your local and if you are a regular, ask for some kind of restitution as well as an apology, a month of complimentary drinks and cake at least.

You could really have them over a barrel if you have the time and energy to pursue the issue.

I hope you do !

EDIT. You have the moral support of this 62 year old male duffer !

Not really.

It's poor behaviour of a likely undertrained and underpaid member of staff who thought the easy option was to get the OP to stop what they were doing rather than argue with an irate customer.

I'm aware that they represent the company whilst working, but I hardly believe this is "company policy" by Costa, so blaming them for this is a bit unreasonable.

Costa are responsible for their employees actions and like you say they are undertrained and underpaid. Who has undertrained them and underpaid them? Costa. No one is suggesting it is their company policy but they are responsible for this.

Costa policy is irrelevant, it's illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place (which includes cafes, etc.).

Costa are, absolutely, responsible for the poorly-educated response of their staff to a poorly-educated, small-minded customer who decided to make a complaint about another customer. Costa need to invest a bit of money into training their staff properly. 

MalMonroe

What olgadapolga says is spot on.

I would ensure that Costa Head Office receives another complaint from a customer - you. In writing, direct to their head office.

Reminding them of the law concerning breastfeeding mothers. As below -

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-in-public/

You also have my very full support! (a 71 year old retired mother who endorses breastfeeding, wherever it may be done)

So sorry this happened to you, disgusting behaviour by that other customer. But please, do complain! 

macman

Bear in mind that Costa is a franchise operation, so the buck will stop with the shop manager or the regional franchise holder, depending on the actual ownership.

LippyDoodle

I really don't get it when this happens because it's the most naturally thing in the world. Yet we have had topless women shoved in our face (no pun intended!) for years. Page 3, top shelf mags, topless sun bathing etc. I know which I'd prefere to see. 

kayleighali

LippyDoodle said:

I really don't get it when this happens because it's the most naturally thing in the world. Yet we have had topless women shoved in our face (no pun intended!) for years. Page 3, top shelf mags, topless sun bathing etc. I know which I'd prefere to see. 

Ah but therein lies the issue...breasts have been sexualised to the extent that many people forget their function...it ain't for the entertainment of the viewer. It's sad really because I know people who have said they would never breastfeed their children as they think it is perverse. Bizarre opinion but I suppose we are all entitled to one!!

LippyDoodle

I couldn't agree with you more. I also know someone who had children and couldn't bare the thought of breast feeding them for similar reasons as you have said. I think if you are offended by someone breast feeding DON'T LOOK! 

kayleighali

Exactly. I am currently pregnant with number 3 and will be giving it a go again after failed attempts with the first two. If I am successful this time, woe betide anyone who complains about me

LippyDoodle

Good for you! Get a t shirt that says, "Don't mess with this mum!" 

zagfles

LippyDoodle said:

I really don't get it when this happens because it's the most naturally thing in the world. Yet we have had topless women shoved in our face (no pun intended!) for years. Page 3, top shelf mags, topless sun bathing etc. I know which I'd prefere to see. 

Maybe the world is getting more prudish, haven't seen any of those things for years!

ElefantEd

zagfles said:

LippyDoodle said:

I really don't get it when this happens because it's the most naturally thing in the world. Yet we have had topless women shoved in our face (no pun intended!) for years. Page 3, top shelf mags, topless sun bathing etc. I know which I'd prefere to see. 

Maybe the world is getting more prudish, haven't seen any of those things for years!

I don't think it's a question of the world getting more prudish, it's more that there is a recognition that it is sexist and exploitative. There is plenty of nudity in other contexts - if you've watched any of the Game of Thrones you would be well aware of it!