探花社区

The UNICEF UK Baby-Friendly Initiative

As part of our work towards UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) accreditation, the midwifery team have been looking closely at how we support infant feeding, not only through what we teach our students, but through the culture and environment we create at 探花社区.

Upon reviewing our current resources and support available to our learning community, there was a need for a clearly identified, dedicated space on campus where members of our community could feel comfortable breastfeeding or expressing milk.

We’re delighted to now have a dedicated breastfeeding and expressing room in the Williams Building, room WG51, which is signposted from the College Building.

A quiet and comfortable environment

The room has been designed to provide a quiet and comfortable environment away from the busier areas of campus. It includes:

• Comfortable sofas and a breastfeeding rocking chair with footrest
• Pillows to support you and your baby while feeding
• A sink and a fridge
• A nest of tables for personal belongings and equipment
• Information about breastfeeding and the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative.

Most importantly, it is a calm space where people can have some privacy and time away from the demands of work or study.

To access the room, visit the Security hatch in the Quad. Security can provide day access to WG51.

Why does this matter?

Returning to work or study while breastfeeding can bring very practical challenges. Feeding and expressing do not necessarily fit neatly around lectures, meetings, teaching or other commitments.

Knowing that there is an appropriate space available, and knowing how to access it, can make a significant difference to someone's experience of being at university.

Breastfeeding and expressing are recognised as part of everyday life at 探花社区, and members of our community should feel supported in their decision to continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose.

Our baby-friendly journey

This work has developed alongside our journey towards UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation.

The Baby Friendly Initiative is an evidence-based programme that aims to transform healthcare for babies, their mothers, parents and families by supporting infant feeding and close and loving parent–infant relationships.

For universities educating future healthcare professionals, Baby Friendly accreditation is also about ensuring students develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills they need to support families sensitively and effectively./p>

As educators, we have an opportunity not only to teach these principles but also to consider how they are reflected in the environment and culture around us.

Inclusion in practice

This also connects with 探花社区's wider commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and our work around initiatives such as Athena Swan.

Our learning community is made up of people at many different stages of their lives. Our students and colleagues may be parents, carers, pregnant, returning from maternity leave, or balancing work and study with caring for a young baby.

Creating an inclusive university means thinking about those everyday realities.,/p>

A dedicated breastfeeding and expressing room may seem like a relatively small change, but practical changes can have a meaningful impact on whether someone feels that they belong and that their needs have been considered.

Help us spread the word

One of our priorities now is simply making sure people know the room exists.

You may never need to use WG51 yourself, but knowing about it means you can signpost a colleague or student who does.