Breastfeeding Access
A new mum friend of mine contacted me while I was working on the parent-friendly.com site to tell me that in her local town the cafes and restaurants can sign up to a register to indicate that they allow breastfeeding. They display a sign in the window indicating this so that breastfeeding mums know that they won't be bothered by people 'tutting' or worse.
I thought this was an interesting idea so I looked into it and I was horrified by some of the stories I read of mothers being asked to leave, or being directed to to the toilets, when breastfeeding their babies.
Luckily I also discovered a group who are doing their utmost to ensure this doesn't happen:
A big parent-friendly 'hurrah' for Breastfeeding: Access All Areas, who support mothers to have the freedom to choose to feed their child when they need to be fed. They also provide the tools and support to business and venues to make this happen.
According to this group, 63% of breastfeeding women report that they have been on the receiving end of unsupportive comments or behaviour while breastfeeding in a public place.
Whilst most places have an open attitude, not all women know this, so it is important to encourage all businesses to become breastfeeding friendly and welcome these mums into their venues.
Parent-friendly.com couldn't agree more!
Go to their site here to find out more.