Pregnant mum ‘judged’ by barista for drinking full strength coffee

A barista at a Melbourne café refused to make a cup of coffee for a lady due to the fact that she was pregnant.

Shell, pregnant mum of 2, told radio station 3AW that she had taken her children to the café  and when she ordered a coffee, was asked if she would like it to be decaffeinated.

“I thought that was a really weird question, and I said no, I’ll have that normal,” she said.

“When I went and sat down the person in charge said unfortunately they’d like to ask me if I could make that a decaf because the barista didn’t feel comfortable making me a caffeinated beverage, given I’m pregnant and there are health risks for babies.”

After the encounter, Shell chose not to stay for the decaf coffee, asked for a refund and returned home.

“I felt a bit judged for my choices, it just felt a bit unfair that someone else was making assumptions based on my pregnancy.

“I’ve always drank coffee, in fact nowadays I need it more and more, but I do try to just stick to the one and I’m pretty strict with other foods as well.”

Shell’s husband Tim contacted the café and the café owner apologised for the incident.

The couple received a message from the owner saying an incorrect decision had been made by the staff member and that it wasn’t store policy to refuse service. The owner invited them back to the café for free drinks but Shell is adamant she will not return.

“We were happy with the response but I won’t be going back, even though they offered coffee,” she said.

19th April 2021