Infant feeding in churches –̀ư policy statement template and resources
Let visitors know your church wants to be a safe place for infants to be fed by their carers/parents by displaying our infant feeding policy statement, poster and logos.
Wherever visitors see this statement and materials on display, they will know that the church has a policy that welcomes infant feeding.
Policy statement template
You can copy and paste the statement below or download it from the bottom of the page:
The policy states the following:
Anytown United Reformed Church (‘the church’) wants this to be a safe place for infants to be fed by their carers/parents.
We will give all parents and carers active and practical support for their needs in feeding their infant here whether by breast or bottle.
Guidelines
- 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.
- We will acknowledge and support the rights of women to breastfeed their children in all public areas of these premises. If a mother is happy to feed in a public area, then she should be made to feel comfortable to continue.̀ư An appropriately placed chair can be offered for her comfort and convenience.
- If a mother wishes to feed her baby in private, we will advise her of the facilities available – [quiet room, vestry, church office as applicable]. If a mother chooses not to use the private facilities offered to her, her right to do so must be respected.
- Toilets are not acceptable as a private space to breastfeed and should not be offered as they do not offer a hygienic environment.
- If a mother wishes to express milk to feed her baby, we will advise her of the facilities available – [quiet room, vestry, church office as applicable]. If a mother chooses not to use the private facilities offered to her, her right to do so must be respected.̀ư Toilets are not acceptable as a private space to express and should not be offered as they do not offer a hygienic environment.
- If there are older siblings with the parent or carer, and there is no creche provision, then we will try to provide an appropriate space alongside the feeding parent/carer with age appropriate materials for those children to play with safely.
- We will provide information to everyone about the options for feeding infants, giving support to those who cannot breastfeed their own children and are grieving about this.
- We will signal our support for breastfeeding with appropriate public signs (these are available from 51app website).
- We will support local, national and international campaigns that promote safe feeding environments for infant and breastfeeding.
- We will support the (IBFAN) campaigns. While acknowledging that not every mother can breastfeed, the targeting of the world’s poorest nations by large multinational companies is not acceptable.
Handling objections
- It is the policy of this church to try and meet the needs of all its members and visitors and make their attendance as positive and safe as possible.
- If a visitor or member of the church objects to a mother breastfeeding, then a conversation about the church’s policy will be held and an alternative place for the person with objections to sit will be offered.
- The policy was discussed by elders and church members prior to its adoption and will be reviewed annually. Anyone wishing to comment on this policy should contact the Church Secretary [add contact details].
Equipment which may be helpful:
- a comfortable chair without arms which is suitable to use for feeding a child (nursing type chair).
- a quiet space using a small play tent, a wigwam or a simple rug for older siblings, with a box of books, and some age appropriate quiet toys.
- a facility to warm a bottle.
- a facility to keep milk cold.
̀ưThis policy was adopted at the Anytown 51app Church Meeting held on 2024.̀ư
Reviewed̀ư 2024.
Download resources
- Download an editable version of the infant feeding policy statement (Word | 40kb)
- Download a poster to display in your church (PDF | 442kb)