Your Breastfeeding Rights

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: 

• It is legal to breastfeed in public places anywhere in the UK.
• Under the Equality Act 2010, it is considered sex discrimination if a person breastfeeding is treated unfairly anywhere in the UK.
• Shops, cafe, restaurants or any service provider dealing directly with the public must not discriminate, harass or victimise because someone is breastfeeding. Discrimination includes refusing to provide a service, providing a lower standard of service or providing a service on different terms.
• Businesses, such as a cafes, restaurants and shops, are not allowed to ask you to stop breastfeeding her child or refuse to serve you. 

Find out more from Maternity Action

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.

Read more about breastfeeding rights in the workplace

Using Baby Slings and Carriers Safely

If you are thinking about using a sling or carrier for your baby, it is important to learn how to use it safely.

Hands-free breastfeeding or bottle feeding, where you move around and do other jobs while your baby feeds, is never safe. It is particularly dangerous for babies under four months old, or those born prematurely or with a health condition. If your baby needs to be fed, take them out of the sling while they feed.

If a baby's airway is blocked while being carried in a sling, there is a risk of death, so it is essential that you follow the guidelines to ensure that your baby is safe. A baby's airway could become blocked by their chin resting on their chest, or when their mouth and nose are covered by the parent's skin or clothes.

The TICKS guidance below can help you make sure your baby can breathe easily and is not overheating:

• Tight - slings and carriers should be tight enough to hug your baby close to you as this will be most comfortable for you both. Any slack/loose fabric will allow your baby to slump down in the carrier which can hinder their breathing and pull on your back.
• In view at all times - you should always be able to see your baby’s face by simply glancing down. The fabric of a sling or carrier should not close around them so you have to open it to check on them. In a cradle position your baby should face upwards, not be turned in towards your body. 
• Close enough to kiss - your baby’s head should be as close to your chin as is comfortable. By tipping your head forward you should be able to kiss your baby on the head or forehead. 
• Keep chin off the chest - a baby should never be curled so their chin is forced onto their chest as this can restrict their breathing. Ensure there is always a space of at least a finger width under your baby’s chin.
• Supported back -  in an upright carry, a baby should be held comfortably close to the wearer so their back is supported in its natural position and their tummy and chest are against you. If a sling is too loose they can slump which can partially close their airway. (This can be tested by placing a hand on your baby’s back and pressing gently - they should not uncurl or move closer to you.) A baby in a cradle carry in a pouch or ring sling should be positioned carefully with their bottom in the deepest part, so the sling does not fold them in half pressing their chin to their chest.

More information about using slings safely

How to Swaddle Your Baby More Safely

Swaddling a baby is where you wrap your baby up snugly in fabric. It can help to sooth and calm a young baby, but there is a risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) if it is not done safely.

You can help to keep your baby safe by following these guidelines:

• Sleep our baby on their back - this is the safest position, whether they are swaddled or not
• Use thin swaddling materials such as a muslin or a cot sheet. Don't use blankets to swaddle your baby as they could overheat
• Use the minimum amount of clothing and keep their head uncovered
• Check your baby's temperature to make sure they are not too hot - the chest or back of the neck is a good place to check
• Keep an eye on the room temperature - it should be between 16 to 20 degrees Celsius.
• Swaddle your baby securely, but leave some room to move around the hips.  Wrap them up gently but securely so the fabric can’t come apart or undone. Do not swaddle above their shoulders to reduce the risk of your baby’s face getting covered by loose material. But make sure the swaddle has enough room for your baby to breathe.Keep swaddles looser around the hips to allow for natural movement. If they are too tight, this can cause hip problems.
• Never swaddle your baby when bed-sharing, or if they have an infection or fever. 
• Once your baby shows signs of rolling, stop swaddling them with their arms wrapped inside the material. This will allow them to use their arms to roll back again if they roll onto their tummy.