Fast becoming the largest annual breastfeeding celebration in the country, The Big Breastfeeding Café returned last week for its 5^th year – but with a twist.  In light of the current global crisis the iconic event had a virtual makeover.

The national campaign traditionally reaches thousands of mums every year via a network of mini events across the country, but this year the concept was taken online, and with amazing results. Thousands of mums up and down the country got involved, hundreds of reassuring and informative comments were shared, and support was given from celebrity mums, Giovanna Fletcher, Izzy Judd and Georgia Jones. 

The online event was bursting with expert content, live talks, competitions and more. Including actress Ali Bastian, sharing her breastfeeding experienceand influencer dad ‘At Dads Table’, sharing his tips and tricks for partners to get involved. There was also an army of mummy influencers ensuring the supportive network reached far and wide. 

79% of breastfeeding mums look for support from other mums

The brands recent survey of over 1,500 mums showed just how important mum mates are to an individual’s breastfeeding experience with 79% of participants agreeing that the support from fellow mums (friend, sister, mum) really helped in the early days of motherhood. Further to this, more than 90% of these mums believed this support had a positive impact on their breastfeeding experience and a staggering 83% shared it had even prolonged their feeding journey.  

Talking about The Virtual Big Breastfeeding Café 2020, Charlotte Price, Medela UK’s Marketing Manager said: 

‘At Medela we are so aware that with the current global crisis many breastfeeding mums, whether they are 3 days in, 3 weeks or 3 months, may need a little bit of support, but can’t access it that as easily. Our recent survey confirmed the unique role mum friends play in the breastfeeding journey. It is integral. If our revamped Virtual Big Breastfeeding Café helped even one breastfeeding mum to combat any uncertainty, or help with challenges they are currently facing, we will be happy.”

Medela certainly hopes its virtual event not only created a network of support but gave every breastfeeding mummy up and down the country a virtual high five!