This year's breastfeeding picnics - please come along!

[DitaVonCheese]

Sorry if this has been mentioned elsewhere already, but I know that lots of MNers have been involved in these in the past.

The Westminster picnic is taking place on Monday 19th July, Facebook group here, with smaller regional picnics around the country - Warrington's is here, not sure who else has confirmed yet. Please come along if you can!

so bottle feeders are not welcome?

Yes, of course bottle feeders are welcome, plus husbands, friends, etc - the only requirement is that you support babies across the UK being protected by law whilst being fed - whether by breast or bottle - as they are in Scotland (and even that is flexible - if you come to the Warrington I'd just like bodies regardless of your views ).

Thank you. What do you mean 'being protected by law whilst being fed'?

In Scotland, it's a criminal offence to attempt to stop a woman feeding milk to her baby, provided that the baby is in a place where it is legally allowed to be. Once you're over the border, however, no such protection exists.

Have a read of Morgan Gallagher's blog here - she's far more knowledgeable and eloquent than me

The act to support feeding mums was passed in April. It will come into effect from the autumn. These picnics are a good idea but it might be worthwhile changing the focus of them.

really.....does anyone in England actually do this? Tis an outrage

allstars The act you refer to does not protect mums feeding in public. Mums who are challenged when feeding their babies in England, Wales or Northern Ireland must still stop feeding and leave (or wait for the police) - all that has changed is which act they sue under after the event. There is no law which says that mums feeding their babies cannot be interrupted, harassed or asked to stop, like there is in Scotland, despite the recent press releases from the NCT etc.

funnys there are various cases of mums being asked to leave cafes etc for feeding their babies. Thankfully they seem to be fairly unusual - however, my concern is that fear of being asked to stop or the humilation involved will put mums off breastfeeding in public, which has a knock-on effect on breastfeeding at all (how restrictive if you can never feed in public!) and does nothing to promote breastfeeding as the norm in our society.

fair enough, mothers should be able to feed their babies when and where they like.

Bump!

I was hoping to go to the one in London, although my decision will be affected by the weather! Is anyone else going?

Sounds like fun... where can we find out where the local ones are? Anything in Kent, for example, or will we have to brave London in this heat? x

the map is here
maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=105500712823200154059.00048afd1eeec5ad3ece2&z=6
(hopefully!)

wish we could go, but it appears to be on monday, so I'll be at work.

Nice one, thanks... x

I hope to go to the London one, unless its raining. Would love to meet up with anyone else...

I think I will try to get along to the London one.

Bump!

We're only 3 days away, getting very excited!

Did anyone hear the Birmingham organisers this morning on Radio WM? Nottingham did an interview last week too. Both were brilliant interviews.

We're all set to come along tomorrow, but I can't find anything saying what time in London.

i live in Scotland and it really DOES make a difference for babies to have legal protection

eg an older busybody person in our church objected to a mum feeding her baby in the service. rather than it being a matter of his rights not to be "offended" vs the baby's right to food, the minster was just able to explain that it would be an offence for the church to ask her to stop or feed elsewhere.

fantastic. it really does change the anti-baby culture, bit by bit

hope you get a lovely day for your picnics

elkiedee, it's 12-3pm in most places.

are there any in yorkshire?

Leeds, Roundhay Park would be the closest I think.

Concordia the one in Leeds is at Roundhay Park bandstand at 12.30pm. Hope you can make it x

I've heard a rumour that there is one planned for Yorkshire next year.

We're trying to organise another in the next few weeks right in the centre of Leeds business or shopping area. Keep an eye out for the threads if you're interested ConfuddledDOTcom
The more the merrier!

Probably not in my area I'm afraid. I know some who might be interested though.

Make sure you're careful to either not make it look like an official BFP or that you let Morgan know what's happening.