Some women can feel nervous about feeding while out and about, and will often feed at home, or, simply not go out.
Café and business owners can play a vital role in helping women feel comfortable feeding their babies out and about.
You’ll be demonstrating how much you care about your customers, encouraging women and their families to visit again, as well as making sure you comply with the Equality Act that has protected a woman’s right to breastfeed her child in public since 2010.
You could:
- give a welcoming smile, perhaps find her a comfortable seat with space for her buggy if she needs it, offer her a glass of water or bring her drink over to her.
- train your employees to be aware of women’s right to breastfeed in public.
- remember that you have a responsibility to breastfeeding mothers. If other customers behaviour has been brought to your attention and you fail to act you can be held responsible for this.
- put up a #BesideYou sticker or poster to show all customers that you support breastfeeding mothers
- familiarise yourself with the laws to accommodate breastfeeding employees and follow best practice guidelines
- join the #BesideYou Facebook and Instagram accounts and let everyone know anyone can breastfeed at your venue.
Show your support
Email kentchft.infantfeedingteam@nhs.net to get a Beside You breastfeeding welcome toolkit, window sticker and poster for your business. Take a photo of the sticker in your window, tag us on social media and we'll share with our followers.
Kent businesses can now apply for funding to become more breastfeeding friendly. Grants of up to £1,000 are available to businesses or not for profit organisations from Kent County Council. Grant applications can be made until January 31, 2023. For more information and to apply visit www.kent.gov.uk/bfgrants. This opportunity that has been funded by the Start For Life programme www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/health/start-for-life
