The Big Breastfeeding Café returned this week for its 7^th Year, opening the conversation about breastfeeding once again.

Recent studies indicate that breastfeeding rates have gone up over 2020* which confirms the importance of supporting new mums following the challenges they have faced over the past year.

The Big Breastfeeding Café encourages mums to get together, virtually or in person at their local café to share support, advice and build invaluable communities to lean on when they need it the most.

Medela survey findings

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 the past year.

The social survey, which was run by global breastfeeding brand, 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 set out to use this year’s national event to encourage mums to pull together and celebrate the wonders of mother’s milk! 

The Big Breastfeeding Café online

This year, The Big Breastfeeding Café continued virtually across Medela’s social channels, with live content on Instagram throughout the day, competitions, mum to mum advice and lots more! Mums joined along expert Q&As, tips from midwives and listened to a breastfeeding mum share her story.

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-5724267