Parents and businesses celebrate World Breastfeeding in Public Day together in Oldham

The event to mark World Breastfeeding in Public Day was organised by Home-Start HOST’s Infant Feeding Peer Support Team supported by Oldham Council.

The event was held after the success of last year’s sold-out inaugural celebration in Rochdale, with the aim of boosting parents’ confidence when breastfeeding and countering stigma surrounding breastfeeding in public.

It comes as breastfeeding in Oldham reaches a record high, with 52-per-cent of six-to-eight-week-old babies being at least partially breastfed in 2025.

New and expectant parents came together to meet the local organisations and healthcare professionals offering them support, and to share experiences with other families. There were craft activities for families with young children, as well as the opportunity for parents to have a breastfeeding portrait taken as a keepsake of their feeding journey.

Grace Redmond, a mother who has been involved with the event for the past two years, said: “Having nursed both my boys, I understand first hand why feeding in public needs to be celebrated. I’ve fed hidden under muslins, in corners of cafes, and shielded by my pram, so it’s amazing to have this event to raise awareness and promote breastfeeding.”

Home-Start HOST, the event organiser, is a community network of expert support and trained volunteers helping families across Oldham, Tameside, Glossop, Stockport, and Bolton. Among services including Dad Matters and its Baby Bank, the charity offers Infant Feeding support in homes, hospitals, and peer support groups. The Infant Feeding Peer Support team manages the Baby Welcome scheme across Tameside and Oldham, which recognises businesses that can offer a warm welcome to breastfeeding parents.

Denise Farrow, Infant Feeding Peer Support Team Manager at Home-Start HOST, said: “Our aim is to give parents the confidence to breastfeed their baby when they are out and about, and this event has been a brilliant step in the right direction to normalise feeding in public. We encourage any businesses who want to support us to join the Baby Welcome Scheme, so local families know they provide a safe, inclusive space to feed their children.”

Home-Start HOST is a commissioned organisation working with Oldham’s Best Start Family Hubs, which bring together different services in a single place. Each of Oldham’s seven Best Start Family Hubs is a ‘one-stop shop’ that families can go to for face-to-face support and information, as well as regular activities and events.

Jo Mayall, Infant Feeding Specialist for Oldham’s Best Start Family Hubs, said: “We’re going for gold in Oldham with our infant feeding support, and we want to make sure local families feel empowered and supported — whether they breastfeed, express milk, or give their babies formula. We’re always here to help local families through our sessions, like our antenatal workshops and Baby Bistro groups, and our digital offer, with the free Anya, Togetherness, and Essential Parent apps available 24/7.”

Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Initiatives like these, and organisations like Home-Start HOST, play a very important role in raising awareness and reducing stigma, and it’s been great to see so many local groups and professionals coming together to show their support for local families. I would encourage any families who would like to know more about the support available to them — for infant feeding or anything else — to visit their local Family Hub and talk to the team.”

Businesses wishing to sign up to the Baby Welcome Scheme should contact the Home-Start HOST Infant Feeding team on 07802 883947.

Families in Oldham and Tameside can find a list of breastfeeding-friendly venues on the Home-Start HOST website.