What does the law say?

The Equality Act 2010 says that it is discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.

It applies to anyone providing services, benefits, facilities and premises to the public, public bodies, further and higher education bodies and associations.

Discrimination includes refusing to provide a service, providing a lower standard of service or providing a service on different terms.

Therefore, a woman cannot be asked to stop breastfeeding, cover up or made to move.

How you can support breastfeeding at your establishment

• Talk to your staff about the law.
• Display the breastfeeding welcome sticker so that families know that they will be supported to breastfeed in your establishment.
• Empower your staff to be able to support breastfeeding women if a complaint is made.
• Understand that breastfeeding can take time and can’t be rushed.
• Women can get very thirsty when breastfeeding, so offering them a glass of water is very welcome.
• If a woman asks for privacy, think about how you might provide it with a booth or a chaire away from the window.

If you run a business in Kent that is accessible to the public and would like more information then please contact us to order a packet of information.

We will send you a breastfeeding welcome sticker along with information about your legal requirements and how you can support women when breastfeeding.