Breastfeeding councillor gets 'supportive' response

A mother who breastfed at a council meeting said she had received a "supportive" response from her fellow councillors, despite "a few raised eyebrows".

West Northamptonshire councillor Zoe Smith's newborn daughter is being breastfed, without the use of a bottle.

The Labour councillor fed her daughter at last month's full council meeting after making arrangements with officers at the local authority.

Ms Smith, who described herself as a "solo parent" having had both of her children by donor conception, said she felt it was "really important" women in political roles were not faced with a choice between parenting and representing their constituents.

The councillor for the Abington and Phippsville ward, on the Conservative-controlled authority, said her request "wasn't something they [council officials] had come across before", but added "they kindly set up a [private] room outside the council chamber" for her privacy, if required.

But she said that knowing when 17-week-old Iona required feeding "wasn't predictable" and she felt comfortable feeding her while the meeting was taking place in Northampton's Guildhall.

Ms Smith, who also has an older daughter, said becoming a solo parent "was a big decision" that came with challenges around childcare, but "was something that might not be an opportunity for me otherwise".

She said: "Once I'd decided [to have children] it felt like a very easy decision, but it was a lot to think about. I've had huge support from my parents.

"It [motherhood] has been a really positive experience. It is lovely to see them [her children] grow and the response from members of the public and constituents has been really positive.

"It really opens up my experience as a councillor."

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