Cafe customer left outraged after a barista refused to make her a caffeinated drink because it could harm her unborn baby – even though official advice tells pregnant mothers they can have TWO coffees a day
- Melbourne woman was asked to have a decaffeinated coffee for her baby’s sake
- Shocked and embarrassed, she refused a left the cafe then returned home
- Official guidelines suggest limits on caffeine but not a ban during pregnancy
A pregnant woman has been left humiliated after a barista refused to serve her a caffeinated drink because she believed it posed a risk to the mother’s unborn baby.
The mother called Shell said the female barista at the Melbourne cafe was ‘uncomfortable’ serving her a normal coffee because of the health risks.
Shell had dropped into the cafe with her two children ‘for a holiday treat’ where it was suggested she take her coffee decaffeinated.
She asked for a ‘normal’ coffee instead before the manager informed her they wouldn’t make it.
Pregnant Melbourne mum Shell was denied her morning coffee because a barista believed it would be bad for her unborn baby – even though she hadn’t had a coffee that day
Shell asked for a refund and left.
‘I was just so shocked, I’ve never had that before,’ she said.
‘I couldn’t believe someone wasn’t going to make me a coffee, I was in desperate need of my coffee.’
‘I felt a bit embarrassed as well, I thought “I’m not doing anything wrong!”‘
Official advice states a limited amount of caffeine is safe for a pregnant woman.
Federal government health guidelines say pregnant and breastfeeding women can safely consume 200mg of caffeine each day – approximately one and a half espressos or two and a half instant coffees.
That also equates to four teas or almost six energy drinks.
The barista and her manager denied Shell’s request for a normal coffee so she left. Later the cafe manager issued a grovelling apology
Shell’s husband Timothy contacted the cafe – and received an apology from the owner.
‘My sincerest apologies for the denial of service your wife received today, and for the incorrect decision not to serve her a caffeinated beverage by my staff on duty,’ he wrote.
‘This is not our store policy and I will make sure all staff are educated on this ensure that this does not happen again.’
He asked Shell and Timothy to come in for free drinks and an in-person apology.
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