RWT supports World Breastfeeding in Public Day
Date of release: 21 February 2025
Supportive staff at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) are highlighting World Breastfeeding in Public Day, which takes place annually on 22 February.
Founded in 2022 by mother Destiny Smith, the day aims to empower mothers with the confidence to breastfeed in public spaces.
Breastfeeding, or nursing, is the act of feeding a baby directly from a mother's breast, providing them with breast milk which is naturally tailored to their nutritional needs and contains antibodies to help protect them from infections.
This year’s World Breastfeeding in Public Day focuses on celebrating and advocating for the rights of breastfeeding mothers. It serves as a powerful reminder that all parents should feel confident and supported when feeding their babies – anytime and anywhere.
The day encourages raising awareness, challenging outdated attitudes, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for breastfeeding. By normalising breastfeeding in public, it not only empowers mothers but also ensures that babies receive the nourishment they need, free from judgment or barriers.
Anna Bowen, a Midwife at RWT, shared her personal experience: “Breastfeeding in public felt so much easier the second time around. I had more confidence in myself and was incredibly proud of the experience – it felt like my superpower! Seeing other women breastfeed in public is so important, as it normalises the act and celebrates its beauty.”
Alice Burford, a Delivery Suite Midwife at RWT, breastfed both of her children until they were over two years old.
“I even had the privilege of being featured breastfeeding on the COVID-19 vaccine poster,” she said.
“Public breastfeeding is incredibly important to me, and I’m committed to continuing to normalise it.”
Madeleine Goodwin, a local parent, said: “I remember feeling a little nervous the first time I breastfed in public, but also empowered.
“Breastfeeding in public is completely natural, and the more we do it, the more others will feel comfortable too. Since then, I’ve breastfed on planes, in airports, restaurants, and coffee shops – and never once felt embarrassed. I’m proud to know my baby is getting exactly what he needs, whenever and wherever we are.”
Breastfeeding mothers are protected by law. Under the Equality Act, it is considered sex discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding. This legal protection ensures that mothers can breastfeed in any public space, whether that’s a café, shop, library, or on public transport.
On World Breastfeeding in Public Day, RWT is encouraging everyone to stand together in support of breastfeeding mothers and to create a more open, inclusive, and accepting world for them and their babies.
