As a visitor to the Island I do not know who Deputy Kristina Moore is but I assume from Barbara’s letter she is obviously campaigning to promote breastfeeding awareness.
Breastfeeding, although the most natural method to feed a baby, can at times for some mothers be challenging to establish. It is important for mothers to be supported to breastfeed where they want to and for as long as they want.
The World Health Organisation, UNICEF and the Department of Health currently recommend that a baby is breastfed as or when he or she requires. (Baby led). Therefore a mother would need to facilitate this wherever she may be.
I wonder whether Barbara Clarke is aware of the UK 2010 Equality Act?
It says that it is a discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding. It applies to anyone providing services, benefits, facilities to the public, public bodies and further and higher education bodies. It is the law which bans unfair treatment and helps achieve equal opportunities in the work place and wider society.
So with the first week of August being World Breastfeeding week I congratulate all mothers who have successfully breastfed and to all those who continue to feed I hope you have the freedom to do so in public. Do not be put off. Well done to Deputy Kristina Moore for trying to make Jersey a breastfeeding-friendly Island. You are a true ‘Champion’ .
