'Breastfeeding friendly' cafe in Milton Keynes gets recognition

The awards are designed to celebrate places and people across the country supporting breastfeeding mums.

One mum who nominated the cafe, based in Oxley park, said "Bex who runs the coffee boutique is so friendly and helpful.

"The cafe is so baby friendly with regular events for babies of all ages. She will happily bring over tap water for breast feeding mums and genuinely cares about all the children who come in. It’s the kind of place you make yourself feel at home!”.

In 2016, just under 750,000 babies were born in the UK with over 80% of mothers starting to breastfeed their babies. However, according to Public Health England latest statistics on breastfeeding prevalence at six to eight weeks after birth, the number of new mums breastfeeding at this time is 43.7%.

This number is low, especially when compared to countries like Norway, which achieves rates of 80% at 3 months. Why does the UK have some of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world?

To understand this issue, Lansinoh carried out research amongst 1000 people, looking at perceptions of breastfeeding in public.

The study found that people feel uncomfortable with women breastfeeding on public transport, people over 65 are more accepting of mums breastfeeding in public spaces, and people in Wales are more comfortable with breastfeeding compared to other regions in the UK.

The Equality Act 2010 made it illegal to ask a woman to stop breastfeeding in public.

The Feed With Confidence Awards recognise people and places that help to support mums and positively change perceptions.

Nominations for the awards close on December 31st. Vote for The Coffee Boutique by clicking www.lansinoh.co.uk/feedwithconfidence