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Perth Mum Humiliated For Breast Pumping In A Parents' Room

by Jemma Fletcher (follow)

News (1)

"I will not pump my milk in a public toilet!"

Across our platform of online mum groups, members regularly ask each other for advice and suggestions on a range of topics.

This week in Perth Mums Group, mother of two Natalie Cramp, told her story of being reported by another parent for pumping breast milk in Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre's parent room.

"Yes I may not have my baby with me, but I'm pumping to be able to feed my baby while I'm at work. I was humiliated, exposed and intimidated by security."

Natalie continues to explain that after the other parent complained, security escorted her out of the room saying next time, she needs to inform them what she's doing in there.

This has caused a huge reaction in the group with, over 1000 member comments expressing their shock and disgust at the situation.

"Totally agree with this being appalling and disturbing and should never have happened." - Perth Mums Group member

"I'm so sorry you got treated like this. Every parent has a right to use that room especially when breastfeeding or pumping." - Perth Mums Group member

A publication from the Australian Human Rights Commission is Getting To Know The Sex Discrimination Act: A Guide For Young Women. It says, "The law in Australia protects you from being discriminated against because you are a breastfeeding mother. This includes if you are expressing milk by hand or with a breast pump to give your baby later."

Meaning, you can breastfeed anywhere, any time.

After being bombarded with complaints, Lakeside Joondalup has responded on their Facebook page, apologising for any hurt to the mother, and agreeing that she should be able to use the parent room.

However, the centre denies escorting Natalie out, saying instead, they checked the parents' room to perform a “welfare check”.

"Our security yesterday attended the parent room to perform a welfare check after another customer raised concern about an unattended woman entering the room."

Have you faced discrimination for breast-pumping? Let us know in the comments.

Online mum groups are a great way to ask questions and receive support. Find your nearest group in the list below:

Australia