Derby breastfeeding scheme praised by mothers

Frensisa Maksimova said she was very anxious to breastfeed her son in public at first

Mothers have praised a scheme that sees businesses in Derby put up signs to say breastfeeding is welcome.

Derby City Council said the initiative aimed to make mothers feel confident about breastfeeding in public.

It is a legal right but some mothers lack confidence, feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, or worried about how people will react, the council added.

Mother Frensisa Maksimova said it was a good idea as she used to avoid breastfeeding her son while out.

Venues that have signed up include 200 Degrees Coffee, TGI Fridays, Bear coffee shop and all 14 of the city's libraries

Ms Maksimova added: "I was feeding in the car. I was topping him up with formula... I tried to hide away because I did not know whether I would be kicked out for exposing myself.

"In the beginning I was very scared - I can't even express the anxiety I had."

With support from a breastfeeding club, run by Derby's Infant Feeding Team, she became more confident.

She said the new scheme "would have helped me a lot in the beginning as a first-time mum".

Mum Natalie Carrington, whose baby is two weeks old, said: "I did not realise how much support was out there. It is really nice to know this scheme is going ahead."

Dr Robyn Dewis said breastfeeding was good for protecting babies against certain infections, and for the long-term health of mothers

Dr Robyn Dewis, director of public health in Derby, said: "It is really important that mums that want to breastfeed feel able to breastfeed, and there are no other circumstances that stop them from doing that."

She added it was a shame some mothers were concerned about breastfeeding in public and "we really want to change that".

Dale Fawkes, from 200 Degrees Coffee in Derby, said "we try to be as welcoming as possible"

Dale Fawkes, assistant manager at 200 Degrees Coffee in Derby, which has displayed the sign, said: "From what I can tell, a lot of people find comfort in the fact the stores are willing to be on their side."

The scheme is a partnership between Derby City Council, Community Action Derby and Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and is funded as part of the government's Start for Life programme.