Being Comfortable with Breastfeeding In Public

Breastfeeding in public has long evoked a great deal of debate and even controversy.  The Equality Act passed in April 2010, has meant that mums cannot be discriminated against in England and Wales which includes being asked to leave a venue or be unfavourably treated because they are breastfeeding.  Whilst this is supportive, there is still a significant resistance to breastfeeding in public.  In Scotland, the right to breastfeed in public has been part of their legislation for more than a year.

Mothers have to endure a great deal of pressure to breast feed, with numerous articles in the media promoting the benefits of breastfeeding.  There is also a lot of help and advice on breastfeeding, particularly from the National Childbirth Trust who actively promote breastfeeding.  NCT also introduced the ‘Booby Awards' to praise those establishments that encouraged breastfeeding with their attitude and facilities, whilst also listing some businesses that seemed to have a poor track record.   However, I believe that it should purely be a mum's choice on how she feeds her baby and as a company; Freedom Babe does not promote either way.

If a mother decides she wants to breastfeed, then breastfeeding in public will be a necessary part of her regime.  However, it is clear from a recent survey of 1200 new mums conducted in conjunction with the NCT, that many mums fear the public reaction; with a staggering 65% of respondents saying that they would not even attempt breastfeeding in public.  Many new mums had found the whole experience of breastfeeding in public to be a very stressful process and over half of them said they had been asked to leave the premises.  On many occasions, mums have had to disappear into the toilet to breastfeed, with establishments unable to provide any more suitable facilities.

There are obviously many mothers who need support in order to breastfeed in public.  Locking herself and her baby away in a toilet for 20-30 minutes is not the experience she wants.  However, the unease felt by many mothers breastfeeding their baby in a public area is an unacceptable situation. 

There are fortunately alternatives available which can support new mothers.  There are specific clothing items that can make it easier to breastfeed including nursing bras and specially adapted tops.  Many mums struggle with using blankets or cloths to cover up during feeding but these are often awkward and clumsy.  Purpose made clothing accessories such as nursing aprons or breastfeeding covers; provide a much needed aid to new mothers.  They have the advantage that they can be used in conjunction with everyday clothing.  Not only do they provide a secure and discreet cover, they also allow the baby to have a cocooned environment; without the distractions of other children or activity within the establishment.  It also means that there is less pressure on mums trying to feed quickly.

Breastfeeding should be a choice for new mothers and one that is freely made with knowledge of the benefits without the pressures currently inflicted by the whole experience of breastfeeding in public.

By: Dawn Callery  -   About the Author :
  Dawn Callery is a mother who understands the pressure on mothers to breastfeed.  As owner of Freedom Babe, she strives to offer innovative, tried and tested products designed to make life easier for new mothers. The breastfeeding cover is the first in a planned range of products available from Freedom Babe.