Breastfeeding Barriers Being Broken
Barriers to breastfeeding in public are breaking down and mums are breastfeeding any time, any place and anywhere, according to a survey from NHS Choices.
Be it the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera house or Disneyland, 96 per cent of mums said that they breastfeed in public. Of the 1500 women surveyed almost all (99%) agree that they should feel free to breastfeed anywhere.
The survey identified there are some negative reactions to breastfeeding in public, with 16 per cent of mums having experienced this.
Many women cited staring, being tutted at and receiving rude comments as the most common culprits which cause discomfort.
In more extreme instances, mothers were told to leave the venue. Many of the women surveyed felt breastfeeding was under represented in the media, giving this as a possible explanation for negative reactions.
The survey also revealed that 96 per cent agree that breastfeeding should have more visibility on TV and in popular soaps.
Ruthie Pearlman, an NCT breastfeeding counsellor and mother of eight, commented: "It is wonderful that women are feeling more confident to breastfeed in public.
"One of the great things about breastfeeding is that you can do it anytime and any place. As the results from the NHS Choices survey shows, wherever mum and baby go, which could be anywhere from the Empire State building to the Eiffel Tower, a feed is always possible.
"However, being confident about breastfeeding is something that can take a bit of time and sometimes help. So that’s why an instant resource like NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/breastfeeding with its videos and FAQs is a great place for women to go to get support instantly.
"If problems persist though, then women should seek out a trained breastfeeding counsellor, health visitor, midwife or their GP."
Silva, mother of Harry, five months from London said: "I decided to breastfeed because I knew about the positive benefits for both the baby and myself.
"I was also looking forward to the special closeness with my baby and getting into shape. Plus, it saves money, saves time and I know Harry’s milk is pure, always the right temperature and ready whenever he wants a feed."
The survey was carried out to mark the launch of a new breastfeeding support package of videos, self-help guides and FAQs on NHS Choices.
Top 10 landmarks for breastfeeding
The Eiffel Tower
The Statue of Liberty
The Empire State Building
The London Eye
Mount Vesuvius
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Disneyworld
Buckingham Palace
Sydney Opera House
Alcatraz
Tagged in Parenting