South Cambridgeshire businesses and community venues are getting behind the #FreeToFeedCP campaign to support families who breastfeed or need to pump

The initiative has been launched this month by South Cambridgeshire District Council, NHS Cambridgeshire, Peterborough Infant Feeding Team and the ‘Best Start in Life’ partnership in a bid to help venues across the region to be more welcoming to families who breastfeed or need to pump in public.

#FreeToFeedCP Campaign encourages both businesses and community venues to commit their support for breastfeeding and/or pumping families by signing up and clearly displaying a sticker alongside material about the campaign in their premises.

Govia Thameslink Railway and Shepreth Wildlife Park were two of the first businesses to pledge their support for the #FreeToFeedCP. In order to mark their commitment and to celebrate the launch of the campaign, a group of families took a trip on the train from Cambridge to Shepreth Wildlife Park and enjoyed a fantastic day out.

Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said:

“Breastfeeding is proven to be very beneficial to the health of the mother and baby, it should not be daunting for mothers to breastfeed or pump in bars, cafes, restaurants and other venues while they are out with their children. As someone who breastfed all three of my sons, I feel strongly that normalising breastfeeding and pumping in public is really important and something we can all help with through conversation and support.”

Nina Morley, of NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Infant Feeding Team, said:

“As a service, we are proud to hold stage 3 UNICEF Baby Friendly Accreditation and we believe that breastfeeding has amazing health benefits for families, but knowing where to access support for breastfeeding can be difficult. All families, by law, are free to breastfeed and/or pump for their baby in public, anytime, anywhere. If breastfeeding parents are aware of local venues that support breastfeeding and will be welcoming of them, it will make a huge difference to their confidence, and will support their breastfeeding journey.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said:

“We’re committed to making our services as comfortable and accessible as possible for everyone. That includes making breastfeeding and pumping normal everyday activities on the train, that no one feels awkward about.

“It was a great pleasure to welcome these Cambridgeshire families on this special trip and to support this important campaign by the District Council and their NHS partners. Many thanks are due to Sarah Grove of the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership for bringing everyone together to make this happen.

“I breastfed both my kids, and on a train too, so this is something I really endorse. I hope the event gives all breastfeeding and pumping families the confidence to travel with us and feel ‘Free to Feed’.”

The #FreeToFeedCP campaign is aimed at building confidence in families alongside an increased understanding and awareness amongst the public, businesses and community venues. Breastfeeding-friendly venues usually report a positive improvement in customer service alongside the opportunity to encourage a new client base.

Around three-quarters of women start breastfeeding once their child is born, however, this number drops to less than half between six to eight weeks. Evidence has revealed that given the right support, families can keep breastfeeding for longer.

Businesses and venues taking part in the #FreeToFeedCP campaign and becoming breastfeeding-friendly must take onboard the ‘breastfeeding welcome’ policy and make sure that staff members understand how to implement it.

For further information on how to get involved in the campaign, please visit the South Cambridgeshire District Council #FreeToFeedCP or via Cambridge Community Services NHS Trust.

For further information about taking the pledge and becoming a breastfeeding/pump-friendly venue please get in touch via email: [email protected].