Breastfeeding welcome initiatives aim to help parents feel confident and supported when feeding their babies in public. There are schemes running in all the NCL boroughs.

Breastfeeding benefits mothers, infants, and the environment, yet many women stop earlier than they would like, sometimes due to worries about feeding in public. The right to breastfeed in public places is protected by law. Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave any public place, such as a cafe, shop or public transport.

Breastfeeding welcome schemes invite community venues of all kinds to sign up to show that they understand and will uphold this right. Venues are expected to display a breastfeeding welcome sign and ensure their staff understand how to support breastfeeding families. In healthcare settings, this could mean offering breastfeeding parents a private space to feed in if desired, ensuring staff know where to signpost families for breastfeeding support, or accessing training for GPs to ensure clinical guidance is up to date.

By taking part, you can show your families you support their goals, help normalise breastfeeding in your community, and promote a positive, inclusive environment across north central London.  

Find out more and join your local scheme by clicking the borough links below.

For more information on local breastfeeding support and training, contact your local infant feeding team.