200 UK Women Protest Breastfeeding Discrimination at Cafe

In July 2024, a UK mother was told to move to a corner to breastfeed her baby during lunch at a Bristol café — and later harassed by staff. This incident sparked national outrage and a powerful response from the breastfeeding community.

More than 200 mothers protested the discrimination by peacefully nursing their babies inside the café, leading to a public apology and a new 'Breastfeeding Welcome Here' sign.

The Incident That Sparked the Protest

On an ordinary lunch outing in Bristol, 28-year-old Kelly Schaecher was told by café staff that if she wanted to breastfeed her baby, she should do it in a corner. Later, as she left the premises, a staff member reportedly shouted after her, "Don’t come back to my café."

The Community Response

Kelly shared her experience online, quickly drawing support from breastfeeding advocates. A Facebook protest was organized, and over 200 nursing mothers gathered at the café with their infants. They participated in a calm, silent demonstration by openly breastfeeding their children on-site — a direct, peaceful act of solidarity.

The Café’s Response

Following the protest, the café owner acknowledged the mistake. The business issued a formal apology to Kelly and took visible action by installing a sign that clearly states "Breastfeeding is allowed here," affirming the right to nurse in public spaces.

Why This Protest Matters

This incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers in public spaces. Public breastfeeding is legally protected in the UK, yet social stigma and misinformation persist. Protests like this help reinforce that feeding a child — however a parent chooses — is a basic right, not a privilege.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly happened at the Bristol café?

A breastfeeding mother, Kelly Schaecher, was asked to move to a corner to nurse her baby, then harassed by staff as she left. She posted about it online, sparking wider outrage.

How many women joined the protest?

Over 200 breastfeeding mothers gathered at the café with their babies to peacefully demonstrate by nursing in public as a show of solidarity.

What was the outcome of the protest?

The café apologized to Kelly and installed a sign that reads "Breastfeeding is allowed here" to make clear that nursing mothers are welcome.

Is public breastfeeding legal in the UK?

Yes, public breastfeeding is legal and protected across the UK. However, social stigma and misinformation still lead to incidents of discrimination.

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