Empower #YourFeedingJourney
Your Feeding Journey
Southend Supports Breastfeeding is here to empower #YourFeedingJourney. Whichever stage you’re at, we understand it can be a difficult and emotional time. Even if breastfeeding has come naturally to you and your baby, there may be times when you need some help. “It is time to stop laying the blame for the UK’s low breastfeeding rates in the laps of individual women and instead acknowledge that this is a public health imperative for which the government, policy makers, communities and families all share responsibility.” UNICEF Through our scheme we are working hard to make the City of Southend a breastfeeding friendly place to live and visit. This is just the beginning of Southend Supports Breastfeeding. We hope our efforts make a difference and empower #YourFeedingJourney, whatever that looks like for you.- Use our interactive map {insert link} to find recognised breastfeeding friendly spaces across Southend.
- Thinking about, or need some support with, breastfeeding? Find the help you’re looking for on our resources page. {insert link}
- Worried about breastfeeding in public? Know your rights. {insert link}
Knowing your rights
If you feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public, or worry what people might think or say, it’s important to know your rights:
- According to the Equality Act of 2010, treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding a child of any age is considered sex discrimination.This applies to any business or premises providing services to the public, including public institutions, associations and higher education bodies.
- It is unlawful for a service provider to discriminate, harass or victimise a woman because she is breastfeeding. Discrimination includes refusing to provide a service, providing a lower standard of service or providing a service on different terms.
Our recognised breastfeeding friendly spaces are committed to providing an environment where breastfeeding families feel safe and supported by their community. Use our interactive map to find out more.
Feeding your baby, your way
At Southend Supports Breastfeeding, we are committed to the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding.
We understand that not every family will have the choice to breastfeed exclusively or continue breastfeeding, for many reasons. At Southend Supports Breastfeeding all infant feeding journeys are considered and supported.
The benefits of breastmilk and breastfeeding:
- Breastmilk is an amazing source of nutrition and meets all a baby’s needs.
- Antibodies protects against infections and common childhood illnesses.
- Breastmilk is safe, clean and available whenever a baby needs to feed.
- As a baby grows, breastmilk adapts to their needs.
- It will help a child to develop healthily, however long their feeding journey lasts.
- Breastfeeding releases a hormone called oxytocin helping the mother to feel calm and connected to their baby.
- Women who breastfeed reduce their likelihood of developing breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis and others. The health benefits are the same for someone who feeds their baby directly at the breast or expresses their milk.
Not all infant feeding journeys are at the breast.
There are lots of different ways for infants to have breastmilk, which can sometimes be called human milk.
- You might feed your babies at the breast, in contact with your own body. You might also express your milk and give it to your babies in a bottle or cup. Expressing can still give mothers a sense of connection and closeness to their babies, especially in difficult circumstances.
- If your baby isn’t getting enough milk directly from the breast, you might use a supplementary nursing system (SNS). This allows your baby to receive the milk they need at the same time as breastfeeding.
- Breastmilk can make up all or a part of a baby's milk intake. When babies have infant formula as well, this is known as combination feeding or mixed feeding.
- If your baby is unable to receive their mother’s own milk, they may receive donor milk from a milk bank. This is particularly helpful for babies who are born early. See our resources page {insert link} for more information.
- You might feed your babies with infant formula milk, either bought from a shop, or on prescription if they have health or dietary needs.
Search our interactive map
Find your nearest breastfeeding and baby-friendly venues with our simple to use interactive map. All our venues have been verified by the Southend Supports Breastfeeding team.
