Infant Feeding in South Tees
Quick Links: Breastfeed for Parents | Breastfeed for Local Businesses
Welcome to Breastfeed South Tees scheme
The Breastfeed South Tees Scheme helps mothers feel confident and comfortable breastfeeding in public places across Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland.
We want to make breastfeeding an easier choice for mums by helping them feel supported and welcome wherever they go. Our goal is for both Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland to become Breastfeeding Boroughs – places where breastfeeding is normal, supported, and celebrated.
Useful breastfeeding information for parents
Your rights
Did you know that under the Equality Act 2010, it’s illegal for a venue to treat a woman unfairly because she is breastfeeding? It’s also illegal to treat someone badly just for being with a breastfeeding mum.
Even though the law is clear, many mums still feel worried or uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public. That’s where Welcome to Breastfeed South Tees comes in.
What to look for
Look out for venues displaying the Welcome to Breastfeed – South Tees sticker in their window. These places will:
welcome you warmly
provide a comfortable space to breastfeed
never ask you to move, leave, or stop breastfeeding
Finding Breastfeeding-Friendly places
Participating venues include:
cafés and restaurants
libraries
family Hubs
leisure centres
You can find the full list of these places on:
Become a Breastfeeding Welcome business
We want parents to feel comfortable breastfeeding when they’re out and about – and you can help make that happen.
By making your venue welcoming for breastfeeding, you’re supporting families in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland – and it’s good for your business too!
What we ask of you
To join, your venue should:
be warm and welcoming to all families
provide a clean, comfortable space to breastfeed (not a toilet)
offer water to breastfeeding mums
help with trays or pushchairs if needed
share information about nearby baby changing facilities
treat breastfeeding mums with respect and kindness
support staff to respond to any negative comments
welcome bottle-feeding families too
Offering a private space
You don’t need a private room to join, but if you can offer one, that’s fantastic! A quiet corner with a screen or plants can work well.
Ideal private spaces should be:
clean, warm, and available at all times
near (but not inside) a toilet or baby changing room
able to offer water to mums
Your commitment
When you sign up, you agree to:
welcome breastfeeding anywhere in public areas
ensure staff are aware of and support the scheme
adopt the sample breastfeeding policy
respond kindly to any negative comments
display the scheme sticker and posters
be listed in the online directory
support staff who are breastfeeding at work
Ready to join?
If you’re a business based in Middlesbrough, you can officially join the scheme by completing the pledge on the My Middlesbrough website.
If you’re a business in Redcar and Cleveland , please visit the Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council website to take part.
