An angry mum has accused airport security staff of ’serious discrimination’ following an incident involving her breast milk.

Amy Lakewood was visiting the Isle of Man from Leeds for her friend’s wedding, and returned home via Ronaldsway Airport.

It was her first time away from her eight-month-old son, who she is still breastfeeding, and because of this she had to express her milk to take home to him over the course of the break.

In total she had pumped for eight hours over numerous sessions throughout her trip cumulating in several fridge stops along the way to ensure that her son had food upon her return.

Upon arrival at the airport, Mrs Lakewood approached a member of the security team to declare the breast milk, and was told she could not take it through security, before he disposed of the milk.

Recalling the incident, Mrs Lakewood said: ’He very rudely and very dismissively said I couldn’t take it through, and it would need to be disposed of.’

She was questioned regarding where her baby was, and when she tried to clarify official government advice available online she was dismissed.

The 38-year-old said: ’I asked him if he was certain about what he was saying, and he very adamantly said "Believe me, I am very sure," stood firm and would not allow me to discuss this with him.’

She continued: ’He then took my breast milk from me and chucked it into the bin behind him.

’I went to get my phone out to show him the government website to which he proceeded to act like I was taking a gun from its holster and shouted at me to put my phone away.’

Mrs Lakewood also stated that when she attempted to bring the issue to a superior officer, she was dismissed further.

However, Mrs Lakewood was correct regarding government advice and travelling with breast milk.

It is generally accepted around the world that mothers can travel with breast milk in their carry-on luggage, even without a baby present.

The UK government website clearly states: ’When travelling with a baby you’re allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey.

’There is no legal limit to how much you can take however check with your airport before you travel.

’You can carry breast milk in hand luggage even if you’re not travelling with a baby.

’Individual containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2,000ml.

’Each container will need to be screened at the security point. Airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids.’

This advice is also applicable on the Isle of Man.

iomtoday.co.im contacted the Department of Infrastructure regarding the incident.

They said: ’Isle of Man Airport apologises for this incident.

’The passenger was correct in stating she was permitted to carry expressed breast milk without a travelling infant.

’When this was confirmed by the airport service delivery manager, the breast milk was returned and she continued her journey.’

The incident left Mrs Lakewood ’utterly vulnerable and extremely upset.’

She said: ’At no point was I apologised to or spoken to in any way other than with an accusatory tone.

’The work a mother puts into making sure her child gets the very best food should not be taken lightly or dismissed like a half-drank bottle of water.

’How this escalated into me being treated like I was doing something illegal, being left feeling upset and vulnerable and a very intimate and personal situation being treated with such little sensitivity is horrific.

’After I left the security area I was left sobbing. No woman should have to go through this when trying to provide for her child.’

She added: ’My first experience without my child and I am treated like a criminal, when all I am doing is bringing food home to my son.

’They didn’t treat my shampoo and conditioner with such suspicion but my son’s milk was instantly disregarded and thrown in the bin.’

When asked of the consequences for the members of staff involved and why they were not aware of these rules in the first place, the spokesperson from the DoI stated: ’As soon as the incident was resolved, briefings were arranged to refresh staff of the rules and the officers in question offered additional training.’