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Mum BANNED from breastfeeding her twins at their daycare centre

They told her it was 'inappropriate'...

By Frances Sheen

January 22 2019

A mum-of-seven was told she couldn't breastfeed her twins at their daycare centre because the staff felt it might offend other parents.

Jennifer Mancuso was asked to move or stop tandem breastfeeding her one-year-old twin daughters because the director felt it might be offensive to others who held strong religious beliefs, and other children.

The 38-year-old, who has four daughters – Parker, 4, Piper, 3, and twins Aria and Asher, 18 months, as well as three step-children, breastfed her two older girls until they weaned off, and is still nursing the twins.

Jennifer Manusco/Facebook

Jennifer was told that some of the children were ‘school-aged’ and it could be inappropriate for them to see.

Jennifer told Metro, ‘I nurse the twins two to three times a day, but if they’re feeling unwell it may be more often than that. It’s much more difficult to breastfeed discreetly when there’s two. When the babies were very young and unable to support themselves, I had to latch them on myself and hold them there simultaneously. Because of my schedule with the older two, it works best for me to breastfeed the twins at drop-off and pick-up.'

‘One morning I began nursing Asher on a chair before I left and the director said she needed me to nurse in the back, in the staff room, which is no bigger than a wardrobe.

‘They told me that I wasn’t allowed to nurse my babies in any of the public spaces because it had to be in a private space, because they have school-aged children. That implies what I’m doing is inappropriate for older children to witness.

‘The manager of the location chimed in and stated that it was also to protect other parents who may find it offensive due to religion. I literally scoffed out loud at her and shared it on my Instagram in disbelief. ‘We went back and forth several times, but no one was backing down. I couldn’t immediately withdraw them and seek new childcare, but they needed nursing. ‘So, I conceded and went to the break room. Later that week the manager apologised and even teared up.’

In the end Jennifer did NOT remove her children from the daycare centre because she accepted the director's apology and her assurance that they would now welcome all mums to breastfeed in view of the kids.

Jessica describes herself as 'pro-breastfeeding' and her Instagram account is filled with photos of herself nursing her twins.

Over SEVENTEEN MONTHS of breastfeeding twins and still going strong! . I found some interesting stats from @littlepeachlondon 's page that I had to share! In the second year 12 to 23 months over 448 ML of breast milk provides: 29% of energy requirements 43% of protein requirements 36% of calcium requirements 75% of Vitamin a requirements 76% of folate requirements 94% of vitamin B 12 requirements 60% of vitamin C requirements Breastfeeding into toddlerhood shortens the duration of illness and provides protection against illness resulting in far fewer sicknesses. Our breastmilk can pick up bacteria in its surroundings and produce the specific antibodies in the breastmilk accordingly. Breastfeeding into toddlerhood also contributes to our child's social, mental, and intellectual development. Remember, we are what our babies are most familiar with. And even if our breastmilk is no longer the only source of nutrition, the bonding that continues to take place is important. With as busy as toddlers are, always on the go exploring everything, we remain their constant. Just as a mother's love will never expire, neither does our breastmilk. Thank you @jennacantlose for always being inspiring! 😘 . Have the holidays had an affect on anyone's journey? . . . . . . #breastfeeding #momlifebelike #twinmotherhood #newborntwins #twinpregnancy #pregnantwithtwins #babygirls #familybonding #postpartum #maternity #babybump #twinbabies #thirdtrimester #twintoddlers #candidchildhood #motherhoodunplugged #mother #newmom #parenting #kids #momtobe #breastfeedingmama #babylove #normalizebreastfeeding #momblogger #mumlife #feedingwithlove #badassbreastfeeder #feedingwithlovesubmission

‘I am majorly pro-breastfeeding in public because that’s the only way it will ever become normalised,' she explained.