We often hear the term, ‘breast is best’, but what if mothers feel it’s impossible to breastfeed when they’re away from home, without judgement?

Families and Babies (FAB) has provided a breastfeeding peer support service within Central Lancashire for over ten years.

In April 2018 Lancashire County Council commissioned FAB to offer breastfeeding support to women for a further three years. Part of that service not only included peer support but also breastfeeding promotion.

FAB wants women to feel comfortable to breastfeed in any environment. More importantly, they want them to feel supported so that they don’t feel hostility when doing something completely natural.

One way to show this is by creating a list of breastfeeding friendly places in different areas across Lancashire.

Their aim is for breastfeeding to be supported in our community by the whole of our community. Therefore, they ask companies to fill out a survey.

The premises must pledge that:

• Mothers are welcome to breastfeed anywhere.
• That breastfeeding mothers will not be asked to use toilets to feed, as we understand that this is not acceptable as a private area for breastfeeding.
• If a mother wishes to breastfeed her baby in private every effort will be made to provide clean, comfortable facilities, either in a separate room or a quiet area.
• Should another person object to breastfeeding our staff will politely explain that we support breastfeeding mothers and if appropriate offer alternative seating to the complainant (not request that the breastfeeding mother moves or stops feeding).
• We will provide helpful and friendly staff who have an awareness of the needs of mothers, babies and breastfeeding.
• Staff will have an awareness of the Equality Act 2010 which states that mothers have the right to breastfeed in public.
• New and existing staff will be made aware of the pledge and that breastfeeding is supported within our organisation/premises

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Katie McWalters, FAB’s Lancashire Locality Manager said: “Mums tell us that sometimes feeding out and about is a barrier to breastfeeding and is often the reason for stopping breastfeeding sooner than they would like.

“We have seen many mums coming along to our breastfeeding support groups so that they can get used to feeding out and about but within a safe space with trained peer supporters.”

She also spoke to mums who said:

• “Knowing that a company is welcoming and supportive of breastfeeding really helps to build a mums confidence”.
• ‘It helps to normalise breastfeeding within communities and shows that breastfeeding is happening locally and is socially acceptable”

Breastfeeding friendly places in Preston can be found on the FAB website.

Companies that want to support breastfeeding can also fill in the survey for FAB to review.

Read more: Things to do during May 2019 half-term in Preston

Are you a venue that supports breastfeeding? Comment below to let us know.