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