Once you have recovered from the birth, you will begin to think about getting out and about. If you are breastfeeding this can bring with it the worries about feeding in front of other people or in public places.
To begin with it can help to feed your baby somewhere you feel comfortable. This could be the home of a family member or friend. See the tab below for other handy hints to help you feel prepared. As you feed out and about more, your confidence will grow until it is as relaxed as feeding at home.
As a breastfeeding person you are protected by law in the United Kingdom to breastfeed your baby anywhere you need to. A guide to your legal rights is below.
Look out for some cafes or shops that have registered themselves as breastfeeding friendly. They display 'Breastfeeding Welcome' stickers on their windows or doors.
Breastfeeding in Public
Breastfeeding your baby is something you should be proud of. It is your right in law to feed your baby where ever you want. To begin with you may feel a little self conscious.
You could;
It's a good idea to make a list of places to breastfeed in public near you, so you don’t have to search to find somewhere when you are out. Shopping centres, department stores and babywear shops often have baby-feeding rooms, which are quiet and private with a comfy chair and changing facilities.
Breastfeeding Mum Meets is a registered charity run by a team of dedicated volunteers in Norfolk. They have put together a dedicated list of breastfeeding friendly venues.
If you breastfeed in public, there may be someone who lets you know they disapprove. But remember you are not doing anything wrong.
Know your legal rights and be proud of what you are doing for your baby.
Your Rights:
s legal to breastfeed in public places anywhere in the UK.Returning to Work?
Returning to work when you are still breastfeeding your baby can bring up lots of questions. You may be worried about how this can continue, but you don't need to stop unless you choose to do so.
You can continue to breastfeed your baby before you leave and when you return - it can be a lovely way to say goodbye and hello. Keep breastfeeding in the evening and through the night, this will help you produce milk to express for your baby.
Although breastfeeding and expressing breaks in the workplace are not a statutory requirement, employers must meet obligations to breastfeeding employees under Health and Safety Law, Flexible Working Law and Discrimination Law.
If your baby is less than 28 days old you can contact your local midwifery team or you can contact the Healthy Child Programme at any time following your baby's birth by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590.
Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
Norfolk Healthy Child Programme has a team of infant feeding champions who can contact you by video call/telephone initially to discuss your questions and refer you to further help if required. All of our staff are trained to Unicef standards to provide you with the best possible breastfeeding support and advice.
Norfolk’s Early Childhood and Family Service (ECFS) offers support for all parents and carers with children aged 0 to 5 years.
To speak to other Norfolk parents and carers, you can join our online community forum below.
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