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Anxiety over breastfeeding in public

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Anxiety over breastfeeding in public

A new poll from Start4Life has revealed that more than a third of breastfeeding mothers shy away from feeding their baby in public, despite 72 per cent of people being in support of them doing so.

The poll also found that six in 10 mothers who breastfeed take steps to hide it in public and some 34 per cent feel embarrassed or uncomfortable breastfeeding in public.

To help women feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public, Start4Life has launched new animated short films supporting the campaign for breastfeeding in public which can be found on its Facebook page. It also offers tips from mums and experts on breastfeeding, as well as additional information and links to supporting resources.

Dr Ann Hoskins, deputy director health and wellbeing, Healthy People at Public Health England said: “Breastfeeding gives babies the best start in life, and it comes with a whole host of benefits for the mother too. Anxiety about breastfeeding in public certainly shouldn’t be a barrier to breastfeeding in general.

“As a society we need to help new mothers feel comfortable in feeding their babies wherever and whenever they need to, and we all have a role to play in that.”

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