As a new, first time breastfeeding new mum I have found myself in situations when I am out running errands and naturally, my child needs feeding or comforting. 

Without coffeeshops, changing rooms, baby changing rooms, where am I meant to give my child a basic necessity - food. The floor or a wall outside? The floor of a shop? A bench in the cold?

How are we letting this become a worry for nursing mums? 

For a new parent/old parent/parent to multiples etc, feeding can provoke anxiety and worry. Worry about partly undressing in public, anxiety that people will stare, have their opinionated say around breastfeeding, pointing, say something disapproving, look of shock when they notice you feeding, disapproving looks when siblings are running around whilst waiting. 

As education on the benefits of breastfeeding is increasing, we need to be supporting mother's to do so, when out and about. 

So, I am asking, nursing mothers, don't we deserve the right to feed our babies in public in a comfortable and safe environment? Free from judgement, in already unusual circumstances? 

Can we have a safe space in town centers (for example, the baby room in my local Boots, who refused me entry) to remain open, with safety measures in place? To allow mother's so attend to their babies basic needs? 

Please take the time to consider nursing mothers on our feeding journey and help us feel recognised in a time when we have been forgotten. When we're going alone because our partners are unable to join us in appointments, when we have our mum and baby classes cancelled and we're unable to have routine visits from the health visitor or see our family and friends.