A new initiative to support breastfeeding in public places will make it easier and more comfortable for mothers to feed their children across South Tees.
‘Welcome to Breastfeed’, launched jointly by Middlesbrough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, invites businesses and venues to sign up as breastfeeding-positive spaces.
The scheme aims to make breastfeeding an easier choice for parents and to help them feel supported, welcomed and confident when feeding in public.
Although it is illegal for venues to discriminate against those who breastfeed, many still feel uncomfortable feeding their child while out and about.
Participating venues – such as cafés, shops, libraries and family hubs – will display a ‘Welcome to Breastfeed’ sticker showing parents they will not be asked to move or stop feeding.
The scheme builds on the success of the recent Mamazing campaign, which invited local mothers to share honest stories about the realities of breastfeeding, highlighting the challenges, rewards and value of peer support.
Middlesbrough’s Deputy Mayor Philippa Storey said: “We know how beneficial breastfeeding can be for babies and mothers, but it can sometimes be daunting to feed your child in public. It can affect a mother’s confidence and stop them from getting out, meeting friends and enjoying that precious time with their baby. That should never be the case.
“Fortunately, many local businesses already welcome breastfeeding mums. This initiative helps ensure parents feel respected, comfortable and safe to feed their child, and I’d encourage any venue that supports breastfeeding to sign up.”
Cllr Bill Suthers, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, said: “Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and breastfeeding plays a vital role in their healthy development.
“Through the Welcome to Breastfeed scheme, we want to build a culture of support and inclusion for mothers and families across our area.
“By working with local venues and services, we’re helping to make South Tees a place where parents feel confident and safe to feed their babies wherever they are.”
All Middlesbrough Family Hubs are taking part in the scheme.
Abingdon Family Hub on Abingdon Road offers an infant feeding support group every Thursday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, with a similar session running at Middlesbrough Sports Village every Tuesday from 10am to 11.30am.
Laura Byrne, 43, brings her nearly two-year-old triplets – Cordelia, Gabriel and Ziggy – to the Abingdon sessions.
“It’s really good to be able to socialise with other mums,” she said.
“When you have a baby it can be daunting – with three it’s super hard to get out of the house. I’m part of a multiples group and there aren’t many parents with triplets who breastfeed, and support can be limited. But everyone here has been amazing. There’s no judgement. Everyone just gets it.”
Redcar and Cleveland breastfeeding ambassador and Cleveland Police officer Lauren Somerville, who returned from maternity leave last year, said her positive experience of breastfeeding at work was made possible by strong organisational support, dedicated breastfeeding rooms and colleagues who understood her needs.
She said: “I was able to express milk when I needed to, and on one occasion I even went to my son’s nursery to nurse him. That was only possible because my supervisors were so understanding. Not every mother returning to work has had that experience, and I’m proud of those who pushed for change.”
Now Chair of Cleveland Police Federation, Lauren supports colleagues navigating maternity, flexible working and breastfeeding arrangements.
“I’m proud to still be breastfeeding Ben,” she said. “It isn’t always easy, but the support I received made it possible – and it means other women can have that same opportunity.”
Businesses with a warm, welcoming attitude and a comfortable space for breastfeeding can sign up free of charge.
For more information about Welcome to Breastfeed, you can visit the Middlesbrough Council website for information about Middlesbrough venues and for Redcar and Cleveland venues, visit its website here.
The positives of breastfeeding
- Breast milk meets your baby’s nutritional needs.
- It can protect your baby from infections and certain illnesses.
- It is available for your baby day or night.
- It can help you bond with your baby and feel closer.
- For the parent, it reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and other health issues.