Breastfeeding in public - email your MP

[wessexgirl]

I have just emailed my MP to urge him to sign the new Early Day Motion preventing harassment of mothers who breastfeed in public. If you want to do the same go to www.unicef.org.uk/campaigns and there is a standard letter you can fire off to your MP.

There is also a list of MPs who have already signed to spare you the embarrassment of contacting one who has already put their name down.

[hotmama1]

Fab for this - I was thinking what I could do.

[hunkermunker]

It won't preview my email or print a letter atm, so I've emailed what I wrote to myself to do later.

Oh, and bump

[throckenholt]

Very mp's already signed up - so go on girls - get lobbying

[Racers]

Thanks for this link Wessexgirl. My MP hasn't signed up, nor has he replied to my email from a week ago grrr. Will be following up if I don't hear back soon!

[suedonim]

My MP is not signed up but I'm in Scotland so wonder if he doesn't vote on purely English affairs? I'll email him anyway and ask for mothers in England to have the same rights as those in Scotland.

[moondog]

I have breastfed in my MPs house.

I'll just check now that he's on the list lol!

[julienetmum]

My MP gave out the certificates atour peer supporters group. Better check she has signed

[Tommy]

I will email mine - but the unicef website gave me the wrong MP!

[misdee]

done.

[pootlepod]

I have tried to doi this but it won't let me preview my email, let alone send it

[pootlepod]

Ok, did it the long way round, here is a link to find your own MP and you can then email them direct.

Unicef have written this but you can adapt it for personal touches.

Breastmilk provides babies with all they need for the first six months of their lives and those that are fed in this way are less likely to suffer a range of serious illnesses during infancy and childhood. However, British breastfeeding rates are amongst the lowest in Europe. At birth, only 69% of UK babies are breastfed. This figure falls rapidly to 55% at one week and just one in five babies are still receiving breastmilk at six months, despite recommendations that babies need nothing other than breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

Many mothers report having been harassed for breastfeeding in public, while national surveys show that both breast- and bottle-feeding mothers have problems finding somewhere to feed when they?re out and about. Some mothers will stop breastfeeding early or choose not to breastfeed because they anticipate embarrassment or difficulties in feeding their babies whilst out and about in public places.

Together with UNICEF UK?s Baby Friendly Initiative, I am writing to ask you to show your support for breastfeeding women by signing up to Annette Brooke?s Early Day Motion (EDM 1046), in support of David Kidney?s bill protecting the right of all mothers to feed their babies free from harassment or discrimination wherever they may be.

[ButtonMoon]

Have done so and emailed a link to all my address book.

[wessexgirl]

Sorry about the dodgy link, ladies, but many thanks for your support.

My MP did a big family-friendly photo opportunity at the breastfeeding support group I attend back in April...however, he has not yet signed the motion...hmmm, could it have been something to do with the election, I wonder...

[fishie]

i did get an error message but think it actually worked ok - anyway i got a copy of the email to the mp fine.

[misdee]

i've had a reply!

[cod]

Message withdrawn

[RacersTheRedNosedReindeer]

what did your mp say misdee?

[misdee]

Dear Sarah,

Many thanks for your email and for drawing this EDM to my attention. I'm
definitely sympathetic to your concerns and will access the EDM with a view
to signing it.

Incidentally, about once a fortnight I send an email about a Welwyn Hatfield
campaign that I happen to be working on. These are usually quality of life
issues of concern to local residents like us. I've added your email address
to the list, but don't hesitate to let me know if you'd un-subscribe at any
stage.

Kind regards,
Grant Shapps MP
Welwyn Hatfield

[RacersTheRedNosedReindeer]

thanks, looks like it might be another vote in favour then, hopefully - nice one!

[RacersTheRedNosedReindeer]

thanks, looks like it might be another vote in favour then, hopefully - nice one!

[RacersTheRedNosedReindeer]

oops first time i've done that.

[misdee]

lol. he is generally a good mp. i may go to one of the 'suregeries' and breastfeed there to see the reaction lol.

[Hadalifeonce]

I am really torn on this issue. Whilst I think it disgraceful that mums should be harrassed when feeding in public, I hated ever having to do it; and was appalled when, generally, the only other option was to sit in the toilets. I always hoped there would be some lobby group campaigning for feeding rooms in all venues selling food or drink. With the latest bill, this would seem to be irrelevent, because proprietors will deem it unnecessary because we 'insist' on feeding in public.

Does anyone else feel this way?

[REINDEERPOOtlepod]

I see your point hadalifeonce, but I don't always want to buy food/drink each time I breastfeed when I'm out. With the venue idea, you would feel obliged to do that.

[Hadalifeonce]

Know what you mean Reindeer....I'm bloody minded enough, I would probably ask for a glass of water!