Important breastfeeding in public is normalised, says NHS-run Worcestershire team
The Worcestershire Infant Feeding Team have been highlighting the message and the support available for parents as part of World Breastfeeding Week
A Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust service team leader has said it is vital mums feel 'comfortable and not judged' when breastfeeding in public spaces.
Worcestershire Infant Feeding Team, which is part of its 0-19 public health nursing service, have been raising awareness of it as part of World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August), along with the general support available for parents when it comes to them having a new baby.
The infant feeding survey for 2024 published earlier this year by the government stated that, "around 1 in 10 mothers (12%) who had breastfed in a public place reported having been stopped or made to feel uncomfortable when breastfeeding in public".
Lisa Dare, who's Herefordshire and Worcestershire NHS trust's infant feeding team leader for the 0-19 years public health nursing team, said it was crucial to tackle any stigma attached to breastfeeding.
"We just want to give them (mums) every opportunity and try and break down those barriers really, and the more people that talk about breastfeeding and normalise it, the better it is for everybody," she said.
"Breastfeeding is so important for the health benefits for mums and for babies, things like reduced risk of infections, reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome for babies, for mums, there's reduced risks of certain types of breast and ovarian cancers.
"We want people to feel comfortable and not feel judged when they're out in public trying to feed their babies and to be able to get that support."
Jodie O'Connor, who's an infant feeding support worker for the trust, added: "We need to make sure that those mothers are being supported and the more we see it, the more we're going to normalise it."
The feeding team work across the county to help hold the likes of breastfeeding support groups so people can get any advice they might need.
More information and advice can be found on the trust's website.