Date published: 5 July 2023
Mersey Care is calling on local businesses and public buildings in Sefton to help support mums by joining a register of venues that are ‘breastfeeding friendly’.
Women are legally allowed to breastfeed in public. That might be in a café, shop, library or on public transport (any business that provides a service to the public). The Equality Act states that it is sex discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably if she is breastfeeding.
Sophie a local mum of two children told us: “With my first baby I got really lonely, I stayed in quite a bit because I didn’t feel comfortable breastfeeding out and about.
“Once I started to come the breastfeeding support group, me and the other mums were always meeting up at cafes and libraries that we knew from experience had given us a warm welcome. It’s so much easier now I know a few places I feel comfortable to feed in, the register of supportive businesses will be a great support, especially for first time mums.”
According to UNICEF, the UK has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, with eight out of 10 women stopping before they would like.
Those statistics and feedback from local mums have prompted Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Breastfeeding service to build a database of local breastfeeding friendly businesses, where mums will be welcome.
“Breastfeeding is proven to be the best way to give infants all the necessary nutrients and antibodies, which helps children to be protected against common illnesses,” explained Colette Palin Infant feeding lead from Mersey Care’s Infant Feeding Service.
“Sadly, some mums tell us they are not sure if they would be welcome to breastfeed in some of our local businesses or public services. We want to normalise and celebrate breastfeeding in public to support our Sefton families to live healthier, happier lives.”
The initiative is a partnership between Mersey Care and the Feelgood Factory in Netherton Breastfeeding Support Sefton, businesses are invited to find out more and sign up to our database by contacting 0151 291 8010.
More information about our breasfeeding service can be found on their specialist webpage.
