June 26th 2023.
Lea Henry, from London, has been advocating for a change in how society views breastfeeding in public. After experiencing judgement from a stranger while nursing her baby in a GP waiting room, she felt vulnerable and questioned her actions.
Lea has realised that many mothers feel judged and uncomfortable when they breastfeed in public, and she wants to empower them to get their breasts out wherever and whenever they need.
“Prior to the incident, breastfeeding had felt like the most natural thing in the world to me, but I soon realised not everyone shared my view,” Lea said.
Lea’s mission is to show other mums that breastfeeding in public is normal, and that it should be celebrated, not shamed. She believes that open discussions about feeding babies, the challenges that come with it and the benefits that come with feeling relaxed and comfortable during that bonding time should be encouraged.
“We need more open discussions about how we feed our babies, the challenges involved and the benefits of feeling relaxed and comfortable during that bonding time. It’s just not about anyone else, but the mother and the baby,” she said.
Lea wants to empower all mums, not just those who breastfeed. She believes that both formula-feeding and breastfeeding mums should be supported, not shamed.
Outside of feeding, Lea describes her parenting style as ‘pretty laissez-faire’. She co-sleeps, carries her babies in a sling and does baby-led weaning. She also believes that more focus should be given to new mums’ emotional well-being.
“We should all feel empowered to feed our babies, and not be judged for our choices. We need to support and uplift one another,” Lea said.
Lea’s story is a reminder that we should all be encouraging and celebrating mothers who breastfeed in public, and that it should be seen as normal.
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