Premier Inn sorry after telling mum to breastfeed in corner

A mum was left feeling humiliated after being told to breastfeed in the corner by a member of Premier Inn staff recently.

After posting her experience online, she received a wave of support and about 25 women and babies met outside the hotel yesterday, wheeling their buggies and prams into the venue in an act of support for her.

But while an irate member of staff initially came outside to question the media yesterday, the mums went on to receive a warm welcome.

Rebecca Greening organised the movement after she saw Kelly Corbin’s breastfeeding post and wanted to show support.

She has three children, all of whom she has breastfed.

‘I just felt awful for her. It happened to me 18 years ago when I had my son. You’d think in 2024 that some things had changed,’ she said.

‘We want to show Kelly support after what happened and to show other mums as well that all mums are together in this, and we should be able to breastfeed like we’re naturally supposed to do.’

Premier Inn has apologised for the situation, stating that breastfeeding mothers are ‘wholeheartedly welcome’ in all of its sites.

‘We’re really proud to be a family-friendly business and it’s really important to us that all our guests, including new mums and their babies, have a relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable experience when they stay, enjoy a coffee or dine with us,’ said a Premier Inn spokesperson.

‘We’re sorry for the confusion between one of our team members and Ms Corbin in our Guernsey hotel and we wish to apologise to her. We have reached out to speak to her directly and hope to welcome her back soon.’

The mothers were able to breastfeed their babies in the restaurant yesterday and it is understood they were given their drinks for free.

Tammi Wynne has two children, including five-month old Phoenix, who she is currently breastfeeding.

‘I just feel it’s really important that women stick together on this kind of thing. It shouldn’t be an issue in this day and age and the fact it is is madness,’ she said.

‘Mums go on such an emotional journey and it is a challenge, so for us to come together, it shows a united front.

‘I’ve been lucky and never had an experience like Kelly. Nowadays breastfeeding isn’t really an issue, but there are still the odd few people and when it does happen we have to support each other emotionally.’

Ms Corbin had expressed her frustrations online after she was told by a Premier Inn employee to sit in the corner to breastfeed her crying baby because ‘the residents won’t like it’.

She had already been suffering with post-natal anxiety before her Premier Inn visit, but the incident had shaken her up and she was too overwhelmed to attend the movement in person.

‘I’ve breastfed all my children as it’s the commitment I have to giving them the best start in life,’ she wrote.

‘The feelings I have after this are awful, humiliated. I don’t think I will ever breastfeed her in public again.’

A Guernsey Press video of the march drew more than 1,400 positive reactions within hours of being posted yesterday, while more than 200 comments were wholeheartedly supportive of breastfeeding mothers.

• Bosom Buddies at Bright Beginnings provides support for breastfeeding mums. Find out more here.