Breastfeeding out and about in Bedfordshire
Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby. The Department of Health recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed until six months of age and continue to be breastfed beyond six months, alongside supplementary foods.
The Equality Act 2010 has made it illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place such as a café, shop or public transport.
Mothers often report that they give up breastfeeding earlier than they wanted to. One of the reasons for this is because it is difficult to breastfeed when out and about.
Bedfordshire Community Health Services and the Local Authorities support initiatives to enable mothers to be confident to breastfeed their babies when out and about.
FreeToFeed - helping breastfeeding mums feel welcome across Bedfordshire
We are a key part of driving our local #FreeToFeed campaign, which aims to support women and help them feel comfortable and confident when breastfeeding out and about. The scheme invites businesses and venues to display promotional material and make staff aware of the importance of supporting breastfeeding mums, and their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010. See the partners page to explore the local outlets that have signed up near you.
Have a look at our 0520 - Out, About & Breastfeeding leaflet or install the Breastfeeding Hub App (above) to find and review venues within Bedfordshire.
Tips for breastfeeding in public
You shouldn’t ever be made to feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public. Breastfeeding your baby is something to be proud of, and you shouldn’t feel the need to hide away or be discreet. However, if being discreet is important to you, you might want to think about the following:
- Some mothers have shared that before they breastfeed in public for the first time, they practise in front of a mirror to find out exactly what can be seen. This gives them reassurance.
- Breastfeeding at a Baby Brasserie can help you to feel more confident as you can practise in a supportive environment and share tips with other breastfeeding mums.
- Look out for venues displaying the Breastfeeding Welcome Sticker
- It’s useful to think about the clothes you wear. Some mothers choose to buy special breastfeeding tops, but wearing a simple strappy vest top as a bottom layer is also a good option. When your baby is ready to feed, stretch the vest top underneath your breast, and lift up your top layer. This means that all your tummy and back are covered by the vest top, and the top of your breast is covered by the top layer. Once the baby is attached, there is nothing to see!
- Some mothers find using a muslin or scarf as an additional cover helps them to feel more secure. Mothers also find they can feed their babies while holding them in a sling.
- Being aware of your baby’s feeding cues can help you to start to feed your baby before they cry, meaning that less people will notice what you are doing.
- Remember – people are more likely to notice a baby that is crying than a baby being breastfed!
Contact the Baby Friendly Team
Baby Friendly Team
Email: ccs.beds.childrens.babyfriendlyteam@nhs.net
Are you a Cafe / Restaurant / Bar? Want to join the Breastfeeding Welcome Award?
If you are interested in joining the Breastfeeding Welcome Award, please contact
Ataa Owusu-Addo
Bedford Borough Council
Email: Ataa.Owusu-Addo@bedford.gov.uk
Cathy Byles
Central Bedfordshire Council
Email: cathy.byles@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Additional Links
Your breastfeeding questions answered - NHS