As part of World Breastfeeding Week 2026, Council-managed green spaces will begin displaying “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” signs as the city continues to expand its support for breastfeeding in public spaces.

World Breastfeeding Week, which runs from Saturday 1 August to Friday 7 August, aims to promote, protect and support breastfeeding as an essential start in life for babies. This year’s theme is “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: Strengthen what works.” 

To mark the week, Osmaston Park has become the first location to join the Breastfeeding Welcome Here initiative which was launched in 2023 to help parents and families feel more confident about breastfeeding in the city’s public spaces. Derby Parks aim to install these at all Council-managed parks when welcome boards are due to be replaced, ensuring that women feel welcome to breastfeed their babies and young children when enjoying the city’s green spaces. 

Since the scheme launched, 155 venues across Derby have signed up, including shops, cafés, community venues and other public spaces, helping to create a more breastfeeding-friendly city.

Councillor Alison Martin, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:

While the right to breastfeed in public is protected by law, many women still feel anxious about feeding their baby outside the home. The Breastfeeding Welcome Here initiative is a fantastic way to support women to feel confident about breastfeeding in public spaces.

World Breastfeeding Week is an ideal time to celebrate the progress we have made through the scheme. By displaying these signs in our parks and other public spaces, we want to send a clear message that breastfeeding is welcome in our city. I encourage all businesses and organisations to sign up to the scheme.

The announcement comes as Derby’s popular Superhero Picnic in the Park events return for the summer holidays. Family Hubs teams will be at each event, offering support and information about breastfeeding for parents. More information about Superhero Picnic in the Park can be found on the InDerby website.

To find out more about breastfeeding support, including the Breastfeeding Welcome Here campaign, visit the website.

By signing up to the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme, venues are committing to providing a welcoming environment where women feel comfortable breastfeeding their babies and young children when they are out and about. The scheme helps to build confidence among families and promote a more supportive and inclusive city for everyone.

To sign up for the Breastfeeding Welcome Here Scheme, visit the website.  

For direct support from the Infant Feeding Team, parents can text the Chat Health service on 07507 327754.