The Big Breastfeeding Café

National Breastfeeding Event Returns as 80% of Mums Admit to Finding it Difficult Not

Having Access to the Usual Mum-to-mum Support

Returning for its 7 th year, The Big Breastfeeding Café is back on the 24 th June, opening the

conversation about breastfeeding once again! With support for new mums more important

than ever as they have had to overcome so many challenges from the past year, The Big

Breastfeeding Café is encouraging mums to get together, virtually or in person at their local

café (venues involved from Edinburgh, through to Birmingham and down to Brighton) to

share support, advice and build invaluable communities to lean on when they need it the

most.

In a recent survey taken by over 2,000 women (77% of which began their breastfeeding

journey during lockdown), 80% of participants shared they have found it difficult not being

able to access the usual mum-to-mum support (from local groups, friends, family) over

this past year. The social survey ran by world Breastfeeding band, Medela, demonstrates

the importance of support for breastfeeding women, and the worrying impact it is truly has

had for those who have missed out on this during lockdown. 

Now restrictions are beginning to ease, there is understandably, feelings of apprehension

for breastfeeding mums, as 42% shared they are not feeling confident to breastfeed out

and about. 

With this mind, Medela wants to use this year’s national event to encourage mums to pull

together and celebrate the wonders of mother’s milk! Recent studies have shown

breastfeeding rates look to have gone up over 2020* which is fantastic news and only

confirms the importance of supporting new mums as life begins to adapt once again.

This year, The Big Breastfeeding Café continues virtually across Medela’s social channels,

with live content on Instagram throughout the day, competitions, mum to mum advice and

lots more! Mums can join along expert Q&As, tips from midwives or even just listen along to

a breastfeeding mum share her story – the day will go through the ups and downs of the

journey into motherhood, truly celebrating all many wonders of mother’s milk!

And if that’s not enough, this year, Medela is encouraging local cafes to open their doors

and welcome breastfeeding mums back, joining the celebration in their own communities.

With cafes confirmed from Edinburgh, through to Birmingham and down to Brighton, mums

can pop into their local participating café to enjoy a catch up or takeaway hot drink in their

favourite breastfeeding friendly establishment – with many offering discounts to mums who

want to get involved!

Talking about The Big Breastfeeding Café 2021, Charlotte Price, Medela UK’s Marketing

Manager commented:

‘The Big Breastfeeding Café has always been a great opportunity to celebrate breastfeeding,

catch up with breastfeeding buddies and offer the all-important support new mums really

need.

As this year’s event adapts once again with virtual and in-person opportunities, we hope

that many new mums will benefit from the tips and advice, whether it is in person or in the

comfort of their own home.

It’s so important to us to rebuilding our mum-to-mum communities after such a challenging

number of months and keep the message of support going. We know with things opening

up and national restrictions shifting, it is an anxious time with lots of change, so being able

to offer answers to questions mums may have and help to build confidence is a really

special thing to be part of.’

*BBC News - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-57242678