New research from Lansinoh reveals three quarters of mums feel less confident breastfeeding in public due to coronavirus
• New study by Lansinoh uncovers the impact of lockdown on new mums’ confidence
• Research revealed as part of World Breastfeeding Week (1st-8th August)
• Only two in five mums now feel confident to breastfeed in public
• Advice from midwife on how mums can boost their confidence to breastfeed in public
A new survey [1] conducted by Lansinoh as part of World Breastfeeding Week has revealed the impact of lockdown on the confidence levels of new mums.
Following months of lockdown and social distancing, three quarters of breastfeeding mums have now admitted to feeling more cautious about breastfeeding in public, as a direct result of COVID-19.
Shockingly, just over two fifths of mums now feel confident enough to breastfeed their newborn if they were out in public. And with restaurants and bars now re-open, 43% will take measures to try to avoid breastfeeding in public, while a further 14% will avoid it completely.
Meanwhile, 30% of mums say they would love to share pictures of themselves breastfeeding on social media, but don’t feel confident enough to. In fact, mums are more than twice as likely to share a picture of their baby’s birth (22%) than a photo of themselves breastfeeding (10%) on social media. [2]
The research has been released as part of Lansinoh’s annual ‘Feed with Confidence’ campaign, which aims to encourage mums to feel more empowered to breastfeed their child outside of their own home.
Marley Hall, midwife and antenatal educator, said: “Having a baby during the lockdown period has proven difficult for lots of women, especially when contact and support from family and friends has been limited. With things slowly returning to normal, thinking about breastfeeding whilst out and about may feel worrisome for women and it’s important that they are able to do so with ease, positivity and confidence.
“The World Health Organisation have made it clear that women should continue to feed their babies as normal as the benefits of doing so outweigh any risks associated with Covid-19.
“It’s also good to remember that there are many breastfeeding mothers who may feel similar anxiety and more women are sharing a similar journey.”
Lisa Craven, UK Marketing Manager at Lansinoh, said: “It’s completely understandable that following so many months of lockdown, the prospect of breastfeeding in a public space can feel daunting for many mums.
“It’s also highly likely that for many new mums who have given birth in the months since March, this will be their first ever experience of breastfeeding in public, so it is understandable they may feel anxious.
“However, it’s crucial that mums feel confident in feeding their little ones, whenever and wherever their child gets hungry. Breastfeeding is the most natural way for a mother to feed her baby, and we want to support mums to breastfeed in public, and help more mums feed with confidence.”
Lansinoh is also encouraging mums to upload a picture of them breastfeeding to Instagram with the hashtag #FWC2020, to help more mums confidently feed in public, with all posts being entered into a monthly prize draw.
For more information, visit Lansinoh.co.uk
| [1] Research conducted by 3Gem in July 2020, surveying 150 breastfeeding mums [2] An online survey was conducted among 1,001 mothers of children aged three or younger in May 2019. |
Image source: pexels.com
