Wednesday 8 June 2011

Breastfeeding Picnic 2011

Feel free to share this, probably adding details of your local picnic at the bottom. 

I have now had the article checked by Elaine and Morgan and have made changes accordingly.

The weekend of 18th and 19th June 2011 will see Breastfeeding Picnics being held across England and Wales. "But all picnics are breastfeeding picnics!" a friend said to me when I told her. "Yes!" I replied, "But, alas, not with legal protection." 

Feeding babies in public places currently relies on understanding and openmindedness as mothers have no real legal protection when it comes to feeding their babies whenever, wherever and with whatever is needed. The Equalities Act 2010 included welcome amendments stating that it is now unlawful to discriminate against breastfeeding mothers. Unfortunately, the fact that it is also possible to discriminate against, say, a mother and baby bottle feeding is overlooked; likewise, the consequences for the discriminator are not made explicit. 

The Breastfeeding Act 2005 for Scotland goes much further, however. It states that anyone who prevents a mother or carer from feeding milk to a child is liable to a Level 4 fine (currently £2500). Scottish law protects not only breastfeeding families but also those who choose to give artificial formula milk or cow's milk to their babies and children. 

In the same year as this act was passed in Scotland, David Kidney MP put forward a Breastfeeding Act for England and Wales. It was rejected. Because of this rejection, the Breastfeeding Picnics are being held as a demonstration to English and Welsh MPs that babies need to be fed when they are out and about with their mothers and that proper legal protection through a specific breastfeeding act is needed. 

That's the background. However, In addition to the politics, there is a lot of fun to be had! These family-focused events are a lovely way of getting together with like-minded people. Bring your children, of course, but also your partners, parents and friends. Bring bats and balls, bring cake to share, bring your questions and thoughts and views. Come and celebrate a normal, natural, beautiful aspect of parenting. Those of you who have never breastfed are also very welcome - after all, the law we are lobbying for is one which will protect all babies, however they are fed.


Breastfeeding Picnic 2011 - draft letter to MP as at 8th June

This is the letter I am sending to my MP, inviting him to the Breastfeeding Picnic 2011. It outlines the reasons for the Picnic as I understand them. Feel free to use the text as a base for a letter to your own MP, though of course certain changes will need to be made so please check carefully!




Dear Mr Lord,

On Sunday, 19th June, a Breastfeeding Picnic will be held at Victoria Tower Gardens, London , from noon to 3pm and we would very much like to see you there. Having seen your hospital campaigns, I am sure that this health issue will also be important to you. Breastfeeding babies protects them against many illnesses and research shows that a breastfed baby is nine times less likely to be hospitalised than one  who is bottle fed. As such, breastfeeding represents a major saving for hospitals. 

As you may be aware, Scotland passed a Breastfeeding Bill in 2005 that specifically protects breastfeeding mothers and their babies from being discriminated against and/or being asked to leave cafes, shops etc because they are breastfeeding. It also  details fines for those ho discriminate. An attempt to pass a similar bill for England and Wales failed in 2005 and breastfeeding mothers are having to make do ith the minimal protection offered by the Equalities Act 2010. 

Feeding on demand is essential for a successful breastfeeding relationship but it is sometimes jeopardised by women lacking the confidence to breastfeed in  public places. The Breastfeeding Picnic aims to raise awareness of the need to breastfeed in public with a view to having a new Bill created that will give women legal protection.

I very much hope you will be able to attend the picnic and look forward to meeting you.

Yours sincerely