Mothers urged to use breast-feeding rights

Monday June 21st, 2010

National Breastfeeding Week begins today - with mothers in the UK celebrating new rights to feed their babies in public.

The measure was included in the Equality Act, which came into law in April.

The National Childbirth Trust said it would be celebrating the new law during Breastfeeding Week.

It said mothers can now breast-feed in shopping centres and swimming pools without harassment.

The NCT said babies and women benefit from breast-feeding, which is known to reduce risk of breast cancer and diabetes.

Rosie Dodds, of the NCT, said: "It is fantastic that mums have the right to breastfeed when they're out without worrying.

"It's also important that women know they have this right.

"Surveys have shown that two in three breastfeeding mums have faced unsupportive comments or behaviour - so this new law protecting a mother's right to breastfeed in public is a real boost."

Tags: Child Health | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology

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