An Ottawa mother wants people to be more open-minded when it comes to breastfeeding in public after a lifeguard told her to cover up while she was feeding her baby at a city-run swimming pool.

Danielle Dezort was at the St-Laurent Complex with her infant, while her three-year-old was taking swimming lessons. Her baby began to fuss, so Dezort started breastfeeding.

"The lifeguard came up to me and said we need you to cover up because there's children around and I was quite surprised and taken aback," said Dezort.

"I felt like I was doing something wrong so I put the towel over his head and he was very upset and hot because I don't like to eat under a towel either."

The city has since apologized to Dezort. However, a group of women plan to hold a nurse-in at the swimming pool Wednesday evening to spread awareness about breastfeeding in public.