A new survey by the NCT reveals 79% of mums would like there to be a law throughout the UK, to protect a woman 's right to breastfeed in public places (NCT survey of 1,394 mothers, December 2005). Over half of breastfeeding mums have felt embarrassed breastfeeding in public at some point.
In 2005, the Scottish Executive passed a law, which makes it an offence to stop a woman breastfeeding in public. Since this law was introduced, nearly a third of breastfeeding mums in Scotland say they feel more comfortable breastfeeding when they are out.
The NCT regularly receives calls from distressed mothers who have been asked to stop breastfeeding in restaurants, cafes, shops, schools, state galleries, gyms, and even high streets across the UK. The experience of being asked to stop breastfeeding, move to a designated area or, in some cases, leave the premises, has left mothers feeling embarrassed, shocked and angry; it also upsets the baby.
An NOP poll, carried out in 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health, showed that 84% of adults do not have a problem with women breastfeeding their babies while they are out and about (NOP survey conducted for the Department of Health in January 2003 amongst 990 people). The NCT believes all women should be able to feed their baby in the way they want, without feeling uncomfortable or unwelcome.
In a recent review of qualitative research on factors related to breastfeeding, mothers identified negative attitudes and disapproval of breastfeeding in public places as key factors affecting their breastfeeding
Rosie Dodds, Policy Research Officer at the NCT said
"Mothers shouldn 't be made to feel that they have to hide away while they are breastfeeding. We believe mothers should have the freedom to feed their babies when they need to be fed. Most breastfeeding is so discreet, no one notices.
"Breastfeeding makes a difference for both mothers and babies right from the first feed. It is important that mothers feel proud of any amount of breastfeeding - not embarrassed. If women are denied the right to breastfeed when they are out and about or don 't feel comfortable enough to feed in public, they are being forced to deprive their baby of the healthiest start in life. The NCT is supporting MP David Kidney 's proposal for a breastfeeding law in England, which will help women feel more comfortable and confident feeding their baby."
The NCT is encouraging companies and institutions to have a clear policy on breastfeeding and support breastfeeding women, by displaying the NCT 'Breastfeeding Welcome ' stickers, available from www.nctsales.co.uk
The NCT 's 'tips for employers ' information sheet, available free of charge, also gives suggestions on how employees can support breastfeeding mothers and make sure customers feel welcome.
The National Childbirth Trust
Run by parents for parents, The NCT is the largest and best-known childbirth and parenting charity in Europe. It is the voice of parents on antenatal, birth and postnatal issues, and provides a range of quality educational and support services for parents at local level. Established 50 years ago, the NCT has successfully campaigned for improved care during pregnancy and childbirth and promotes the principle of informed choice for women and their partners
• NCT provides a range of services for any new parents including antenatal classes, postnatal discussion groups, breastfeeding counselling and a network of over 320 local branches for new parents. For further information, please call the NCT enquiries line on 0870 444 8707 or visit the NCT website at www.nct.org.uk
• The NCT is a registered charity (reg. no. 801395), and a membership organisation with over 64,000 members across the UK. All services are available to members and non-members alike. The NCT encourages parents to become members, as it is the membership fee that funds services.
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