Breastfeeding mother 'not allowed to board bus for health and safety reasons'

Official advice states babies should be fed on demand, meaning many mothers will need to breastfeed on the go

The UK has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in Europe - with just a third of babies still receiving breast milk at the age of six months

(Rex Features)

A mother was reportedly turned away from boarding a bus because she was breastfeeding.

Katherine Guest was on her way to a hospital appointment in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, when the driver allegedly turned her away for "health and safety reasons".

The 22-year-old told the BBC she was therefore forced to run to her appointment in order to make it on time, while carrying her 10-week-old baby Zachary.

"The driver turned around and said 'I can't let you on here'," she said. "When I asked why not, he said it was because of the potential health and safety risks associated with breastfeeding."

Arriva Midlands said it was investigating the incident.

The UK has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in Europe - with just a third of babies still receiving breast milk at the age of six months.

Some argue this is a result of societal attitudes that mean breastfeeding in public is still taboo.

Ms Guest said she would like an apology from Arriva and recognition that it is normal to breastfeed in public.

Official advice says babies should be fed on demand, meaning many mothers will need to breastfeed on the go.

The 2010 Equality Act states it is unlawful for businesses to discriminate against a woman if she is breastfeeding a child.