A mum was ordered to stop breastfeeding her four-month-old baby in a swimming pool – because it was ‘unhygienic’.

Stephanie Wilby, 22, was in the water from the waist down feeding little Leo in a corner of the toddler pool at Manchester Aquatics Centre when a lifeguard rushed over and told her to stop.

When Stephanie, who was at the pool with husband Alan and 17-month-old daughter Harmonie, asked why, she claims she was told it was not hygienic.

She asked to speak to a supervisor – but claims the manager agreed with the lifeguard and said security would be called if she did not stop.

Stephanie, of Denton, claims the staff said her breastfeeding was ‘indecent exposure’ and similar to someone urinating in the pool.

And she says she was surrounded by staff shouting to stop and threatening to throw her out, which made her feel uncomfortable and intimidated.

The pool is run by Serco and Manchester Sport and Leisure Trust, part of Manchester council.

The council said an investigation into the incident has now been launched.

Stephanie, who is on maternity leave from her job in customer services at British Gas, said: “If they did not like it they could have asked me quietly to stop.

“I would have still questioned their reasons but it would not have been as inappropriate.

“They made a real scene. They were saying me breastfeeding was indecent exposure.

“But I was covered more than most of the other swimmers.

“One staff member also said he would stop a man urinating in the pool and that is why they did not want me breastfeeding in the water.

“I should be allowed to breastfeed where I want. I felt humiliated and it was very distressing.

“I even asked about feeding at the side of the pool but they said that was not allowed and said I should go to the changing rooms or toilet.”

Both Stephanie and her husband work in customer services, and she added: “This was the worst possible customer service I have ever come across.”

The family has now made an official complaint about the incident, which happened on Sunday afternoon.

Coun Rosa Battle, executive member for culture and leisure at Manchester council, said: “We have asked the Manchester Sport and Leisure Trust and Serco to investigate this incident thoroughly and to take action immediately if it is established that any members of staff behaved inappropriately towards Stephanie.

“We keenly encourage new mothers to use our leisure facilities and they have every right to breastfeed their babies when they need to do so, in line with existing legislation.

“We have also asked that the Trust and Serco review their existing policies, to make sure that they reflect the law.

“As a breastfeeding mother myself, I expect staff contracted to work in our leisure facilities to understand and respect women’s right to breastfeed in public places.”

A spokeswoman for Serco said: “We are fully supportive of mothers breastfeeding their child whilst in our centres.

“Serco’s operating practices are to encourage breastfeeding in a safe and comfortable environment for both the mother and child rather than it taking place in the swimming pool.

“We will fully investigate this matter and where appropriate we will amend our policies and put in place appropriate training for staff.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that was caused.”