On Monday 25 November, local mums and their children celebrated international conservation charity ZSL Whipsnade Zoo as the 100^th organization to support #FreeToFeed, an NHS breastfeeding campaign.  Families gathered outside the Zoo’s herd of white rhinos to thank the 100 businesses and venues supporting the campaign so far, and to show that mums really can breastfeed anywhere.

The #FreeToFeed campaign, run by Bedfordshire Community Health Services and Flying Start Luton with support from local authorities, is encouraging businesses to do their bit to help new mums feel comfortable breastfeeding their children when out and about.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Commercial Manager, Chris Webb said; “We are so pleased to be part of the #FreetoFeed campaign, supporting mothers while they visit ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Home to almost 4,000 animals ZSL Whipsnade Zoo - run by international conservation charity ZSL - is a great place for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the incredible wildlife we share our planet with.”

The Zoo is now displaying #FreeToFeed window stickers on each of its entrances, restaurants, and family areas to show their support and clearly indicate to all visitors that breastfeeding is welcome everywhere. 

This campaign milestone comes at an important time, as just 51% of mothers across Bedfordshire are breastfeeding 6-8 weeks after their child’s birth. At the same time, UNICEF estimates that 80% of UK mums stop breastfeeding before they want to, often due to lack of support.

“We recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life, but the longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefits. That’s why it’s so important in the long term for mums to build their confidence breastfeeding in public, and for businesses to support them – we are really pleased that ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has come on board.” said Sarah Pickford, Practice Development Lead for Bedfordshire Community Health Services, which is part of Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.

Under the Equality Act 2010, women have the right to breastfeed in public. The #FreeToFeed campaign is aiming to help more mums feel confident to use this right, and more businesses and venues to openly embrace it.

If you would like to help us spread the word, access campaign materials (including a guide and window stickers for businesses) or to simply find out more, visit:  www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/FreeToFeed 

You can also find more information about breastfeeding support in Bedfordshire here: http://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/bedfordshire/baby-friendly/support/