'Public breastfeeding important to normalising act'

Breastfeeding in public normalises the act and "celebrates its beauty", a Wolverhampton midwife said.

Staff at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust spoke out to mark World Breastfeeding in Public Day, which takes place annually on 22 February.

Founded in 2022 by Destiny Smith, the day aims to empower mothers with the confidence to breastfeed in public spaces.

The trust said it encouraged everyone to support breastfeeding mothers "to create a more open, inclusive, and accepting world for them and their babies".

Under the Equality Act, it is considered sex discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.

Midwife Anna Bowen said she had a better experience breastfeeding in public with her second child.

"I had more confidence in myself and was incredibly proud of the experience – it felt like my superpower," she said.

"Seeing other women breastfeed in public is so important, as it normalises the act and celebrates its beauty."

Alice Burford, a delivery suite midwife, breastfed both of her children until they were over two years old.

"I even had the privilege of being featured breastfeeding on the Covid-19 vaccine poster," she said.

"Public breastfeeding is incredibly important to me, and I'm committed to continuing to normalise it."

Mum Madeleine Goodwin said she felt both nervous and empowered feeding in public for the first time.

"Breastfeeding in public is completely natural, and the more we do it, the more others will feel comfortable too," she said.

"Since then, I've breastfed on planes, in airports, restaurants, and coffee shops – and never once felt embarrassed.

"I'm proud to know my baby is getting exactly what he needs, whenever and wherever we are."

This year's World Breastfeeding in Public Day focuses on celebrating and advocating for the rights of breastfeeding mothers.

The day encourages raising awareness, challenging outdated attitudes and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for breastfeeding.

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