Solicitor Breastfeeding Twins in Nando's Mocked by 'Barbie and Ken' Couple
A solicitor from Blackpool has claimed she was subjected to mocking and complaints while breastfeeding her nine-month-old twin sons in a Nando's restaurant, with a couple she described as resembling 'Barbie and Ken' allegedly expressing disgust at her feeding in public.
Incident at Squire's Gate Nando's
Victoria Soltani, 29, was enjoying a meal at the Squire's Gate Nando's in Blackpool on January 12 with her husband and three-year-old son Elias. After finishing their food, she decided to breastfeed her twins, Phoenix and Amari, before driving home. However, what should have been a routine parenting moment quickly turned into what she described as a 'ridiculous' ordeal.
Ms Soltani alleged that almost immediately after a well-dressed couple entered the restaurant, she noticed them whispering, laughing, and staring directly at her as she fed her babies. The solicitor, who is no stranger to breastfeeding in public, said the behaviour was unmistakably targeted and made her feel uncomfortable and judged.
Couple's Alleged Complaint and Reaction
According to Ms Soltani, the man then approached a waitress to complain about her breastfeeding and requested to be moved to another table. The staff at Nando's, however, handled the situation with professionalism and support. They informed the couple they could sit wherever they wished but did not accommodate their request to move due to the breastfeeding.
'I noticed straight away. I'm not new to this, but it's not nice to be laughed at and sniggered at and spoken about,' Ms Soltani recounted. 'They would stare, then they'd say something to each other and they'd laugh. If my husband wasn't there, I'd probably want the ground to swallow me whole.'
The waitress later confirmed to Ms Soltani that a complaint had indeed been made, and the couple had relocated to the farthest table possible from her family. Ms Soltani expressed her disgust at their behaviour, noting that the man even 'ran off' to the toilet when her husband attempted to confront them about their actions.
Restaurant's Response and Apology
The manager of the Nando's branch later apologised to Ms Soltani for her unpleasant experience and went so far as to offer to ban the couple from the restaurant. Ms Soltani, however, declined this offer, focusing instead on the positive support from the staff, whom she praised as 'wonderful'.
Reflecting on the incident, Ms Soltani emphasised how it highlights ongoing societal issues with public breastfeeding. 'I was disgusted in the fact they were disgusted in me - just for feeding my children. I shouldn't be made to feel like that just because I breastfeed,' she stated.
Broader Implications for Breastfeeding Mothers
Ms Soltani, a mother of three, pointed out that such reactions can be particularly nerve-wracking for first-time mothers. She recalled her own initial fears about breastfeeding in public due to staring and unkind comments, often stemming from the sexualisation of women's bodies.
'People are so uneducated on breastfeeding, it's ridiculous. At the end of the day, I'm feeding my children and that's all that matters,' she added. 'Realistically, no one would have a problem if I shoved a bottle in their mouth. But if the babies were screaming uncontrollably because they were hungry - then they'd have a problem.'
Call for Supportive Campaigns
In response to her experience, Ms Soltani suggested that restaurants could play a more proactive role in normalising breastfeeding. She proposed campaigns with window signs explicitly welcoming breastfeeding mothers, and even offered to front such an initiative herself.
This idea resonates with recent positive examples, such as a Cheltenham restaurant owned by French chef Raymond Blanc that went viral in 2024 for placing a chalkboard sign offering free tea to breastfeeding mothers, encouraging them to relax without any obligation to purchase food.
The incident at Nando's underscores the persistent challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers in public spaces, despite legal protections and growing awareness. Ms Soltani's story serves as a reminder of the need for greater education and empathy, as well as the importance of supportive business policies that empower parents rather than stigmatise them.
