Making Birmingham a Breastfeeding-Friendly City
Breastfeeding is a normal part of everyday life, and we all have a role to play in helping make it a positive, supportive experience for families.
Every parent in the UK has the legal right to breastfeed for as long as they choose. Any form of exclusion, negative comments, or actions are considered discrimination.
After speaking to hundreds of breastfeeding families, we’ve learned that small gestures of support from the public can make a big difference. When families feel welcomed and empowered, they’re more likely to have a confident and fulfilling feeding journey.
How to Support Breastfeeding in Your Community
Give Them Space
This can be especially helpful in busy or crowded spaces. If you’re concerned that stepping away might be misunderstood, try asking first. You could say something like, “Would you like a bit more space? I’m happy to move if that makes things more comfortable for you.“
Smile
Many parents told us that a simple smile from a stranger can make a big difference, helping them feel more comfortable and confident when feeding in public.
Be an Active Bystander
Many people are unaware that breastfeeding is legally protected. If you notice someone making a breastfeeding parent feel uncomfortable in public, consider ways to offer support.
You might reassure them with kind words, a smile, or eye contact. Keep in mind that breastfeeding rights are safeguarded under UK law. If you believe a parent’s legal rights are being violated, you can contact the police. In a commercial setting, you could also inform a staff member or security personnel.
Being a Breastfeeding-Friendly Venue
If you manage or work in a commercial venue (such as a café, restaurant, or pub), there are many ways you can help breastfeeding families feel more comfortable and welcome.
Check That They’re Comfortable
Think about ways you might help a parent feel more comfortable while feeding their baby. Could you offer a glass of water or a place to sit?
Often, it’s best to ask rather than assume. You might say: “Is there anything I can do to make you and your baby more comfortable while you feed?”
Be Proud to Be a Breastfeeding-Friendly Venue
Incorporate Feed Your Way materials into your workplace or venue to show breastfeeding families that they are welcome.
You might display Feed Your Way posters in your window, near the till, or in staff areas.
Why Support Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding has many health benefits – for both the breastfeeding parent, and their baby.
Benefits for Babies
Breastmilk is specially tailored for babies and toddlers. Its composition changes as a child grows, ensuring it continues to support healthy development. It also helps protect against many illnesses and infections and reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Breastfed children are also less likely to experience obesity or cardiovascular problems later in life.
Benefits for Breastfeeding Parents
Breastfeeding offers many health benefits for mothers as well. It lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Extensive research highlights these benefits. To learn more, visit:
Benefits for Businesses and the Economy
Because of the many health benefits of breastfeeding, breastfed babies are generally healthier and less likely to fall ill. This can reduce NHS costs and often means fewer days off for working parents due to sickness or caring responsibilities.
Supporting breastfeeding families in the workplace also brings benefits such as:
- Increased staff satisfaction
- Improved staff retention
Benefits for the Whole Planet
Breastfeeding is the most natural and environmentally friendly way to feed your baby. Unlike formula feeding, it does not:
- Generate packaging waste for landfill
- Produce carbon emissions
- Depend on the manufacture of plastic bottles