Libraries latest to gain breastfeeding friendly status

All libraries in Wokingham Borough have signed up as breastfeeding friendly venues, as Wokingham Borough Council continues its partnership with the Breastfeeding Network (BfN). 

The BfN’s scheme, which is open to any business, venue or organisation, gives families confidence about breastfeeding when visiting public places.

Breastfeeding is good for mums, babies and the environment, but women can feel nervous about breastfeeding in public and this can mean they choose not to breastfeed, or that they stop breastfeeding before they want to. 

Kirsty Beck, volunteer co-ordinator for the Wokingham BfN, said: “Some breastfeeding mums and parents can feel unsure about feeding in public. It is important to remember that your right to breastfeed in any public place is protected by law and that most women only have positive experiences of breastfeeding out and about. 

“The BfN Breastfeeding Friendly scheme can support families to feel confident breastfeeding in public places and it's a great way for community services and businesses to show they welcome and support breastfeeding. We're excited that Wokingham Borough’s libraries are the first group of libraries in the country to sign up to the recently refreshed scheme.”

Breastfeeding friendly venues display an easily recognisable sticker and share information with their staff and volunteers about why breastfeeding is important and how the law protects breastfeeding mums. 

The council previously worked with the BfN to make leisure centres in the borough a welcoming space for breastfeeding families. 

Providing a safe space

Cllr David Hare, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said: “We often talk about our libraries being a safe and supportive place for our residents and this commitment is a brilliant example of how we can take practical steps to achieve that. 

“In the early months, it is important for families to know they have somewhere they can feel comfortable and supported. Judgement can often be a barrier for mothers to breastfeed, but the benefits of breastfeeding are significant. We want to do all we can to help our residents by building on our previous work with the Breastfeeding Network, using their expertise to good effect.”

For free and confidential support with breastfeeding, come along to one of the Wokingham BfN volunteer-led drop-in sessions. 

All volunteers have breastfed their own children and are trained to guide people through the basics, help them gain confidence and listen to any questions or concerns. Breastfeeding drop-ins can be accessed pre or post-natal, no matter how old the child is.

More information on the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme and local and national breastfeeding support services can be found on the Breastfeeding Network's website.