South Cambs District Council: Breastfeeding stories

Kat's Story

Kat O’Shea is breastfeeding her third baby, son Lucas, born July 2023. She said: “The #FreeToFeed project is a brilliant campaign as it is easy to look for the sticker in a window. It can make a significant difference to help women feel more comfortable about going in to feed their children. Having that welcoming atmosphere can really empower women to feel safe. Plus, I’m sure it will encourage women to return if they know they can relax in a welcoming environment, so it’s good for business too.

“I love breastfeeding because for me it makes life easier. I don’t have to pack bottles up or plan ahead. I can soothe baby quickly in or out of the house. There’s of course heath incentives and it’s cheaper than formula. I was lucky that both the kids and I didn’t find breastfeeding difficult.

“Out and about, generally speaking, attitudes to breastfeeding women are quite good, but knowing I can find places that are welcoming to breastfeeding mums definitely makes a difference.

“I know women can be put off breastfeeding if they worry about doing it in public. So, knowing there’s supportive places you can go is great. You can also find clothes that make it much easier to do it or more discreetly if you wish to. I can highly recommend the Facebook group Can I Breastfeed in the UK which has real people posting outfits from high street stores, that work well to feed in. Breastfeeding Brasseries are also great as you can connect with others for advice, support and friendship.”

Lucy's story

Lucy Borg, 23, breastfeeds her first baby, son Ashton Ramsay, 10-months old. She said: “We love to go out and about, and for me breastfeeding is easy as I don’t have to pre plan packing up bottles. It is also good for Ashton. There’s not always a designated place where you can go to feed and while I’m happy to feed him in the open, not everyone is comfortable, so the #FreeToFeed project is great for helping give women confidence to feed in public.”

Breastfeeding is good from a cost perspective, you don’t need to prep bottles, it is quick to be able to feed and soothe your baby, it has many health benefits and is recommended for two years by WHO. There is a plethora of benefits for mother and baby and of course for the bonding – there’s nothing quite like it.

“I think it’s important to have spaces where you can go for privacy that are clean, have a comfy seat and where you know you’ll be welcomed, If I know there is a breastfeeding friendly place then I will always aim to go there.

“Seeing a #FreeToFeed sign is a great way to know you’ll feel welcomed by staff. It can make such a difference. I know of mums who have felt anxious breastfeeding in public especially when first learning, so knowing you can find a safe space to go is really helpful.

“For anyone new to breastfeeding my advice is to find a Breastfeeding Brasserie, a group of women and professionals who are friendly and can offer good evidence-based advice. Also great is the App called Peanut, which helps you find other mums nearby who can offer advice.

“Pumping can be more challenging especially in public. Some women who experience latching problems can find pumping easier but then when they pump and bottle feed in public, they can get funny looks. Public awareness around that still needs raising as it can be deemed taboo.

Breastfeeding doesn’t necessarily come naturally, often it takes practice and good advice. Having venues where you know you are welcomed in public can really help women to feel more relaxed, especially those with newborns who are breastfeeding for the first time.”