Seventy city public places have now signed up to a scheme to support breastfeeding families in Derby. The Breastfeeding Welcome Here initiative was launched last year, to make mums feel more confident to breastfeed in public.

Shops, cafés and other public premises in the city are encouraged to sign up to the free scheme to show they are accredited as ‘breastfeeding friendly’.

As World Breastfeeding Week 2025 begins on 1 August, The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) has become the latest organisation to sign up to the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme.

Other public places in the city that have recently signed up to the scheme include The University of Derby, Derby Market Hall, My Messy Play, Tubby Bears Play Zone and Bezerk Active Play. 

The right to breastfeed in public is protected by law but some mums lack confidence, feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable, or worried about the reaction they’ll receive. The Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme aims to positively change perceptions around breastfeeding in public and promote an environment where mums feel confident to breastfeed for as long as they choose.

By signing up, businesses and organisations pledge to actively welcome families who are breastfeeding and support them to feel confident and comfortable feeding their baby on the premises. In turn, this will give the venue a boost, as families are more likely to return to places where they feel comfortable.

If a venue is displaying a Breastfeeding Welcome Here Award, families can be confident that:

  • They are welcome to breastfeed their baby there
  • They will never be asked to move or leave because they are breastfeeding
  • The venue will do their best to offer a private area to feed in, if preferred, if space allows
  • Staff are trained to know that the venue supports breastfeeding and encourages breastfeeding on the premises.

Councillor Alison Martin, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:

It’s fantastic to see 70 public places across Derby now proudly displaying the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ award, with University Hospitals of Derby and Burton being the latest to join.

This scheme is all about creating a supportive and welcoming environment for breastfeeding women, ensuring mums feel confident and comfortable feeding their babies, wherever they are in our city.

Garry Marsh, UHDB Executive Chief Nurse, said: 

Across our hospitals, we strive to provide supportive and inclusive environments for all patients, visitors and colleagues - and we are pleased that receiving this Breastfeeding Welcome Here accreditation can help ensure parents feel comfortable and supported when feeding their babies here.

Funded as part of the Government’s Start for Life programme, the scheme is a partnership between Derby City Council, Community Action Derby and Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Businesses that successfully apply will receive a 'Breastfeeding Welcome Here' certificate and window sticker, so parents know they officially support and encourage breastfeeding.

You can watch a video all about the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme on Derby City Council’s YouTube channel.

Families can get support with breastfeeding through Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trusts Infant Feeding team and at Derby’s Family Hubs and Children’s Centres. The Infant Feeding Team hold friendly face-to-face breastfeeding clubs where you can meet other mums and get professional advice. Find more information and details of your nearest group on the Family Hub website.

Watch our series of short films featuring Derby families talking about their experiences of breastfeeding and the support available to them from local Family Hubs and Derbyshire health services. The films were co-produced with families and Lo and Behold Films to promote and raise awareness of the Start for Life Campaign.

You can watch the films on the Derby City Council website, where you can also find further information about breastfeeding support and details about how to sign up to the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme.