"If society saw breastfeeding as normal, mothers wouldn’t feel the pressure to hide or change their choices."

Deqa, a Community Engagement Lead for the Women's Health and Maternity Programme, shares her experiences and challenges with breastfeeding in public in the UK. Despite breastfeeding all her children, she has never done so publicly due to fear of standing out. She explains that in Somali culture, breastfeeding in public is completely normal, with women openly nursing on buses and in other public spaces without stigma. However, in the UK, societal attitudes, a lack of designated breastfeeding spaces, and cultural expectations make public breastfeeding difficult.

"When a mother is supported, she thrives. When she thrives, her baby and society benefit."

00:00 Introduction to the Holding Time Podcast

00:10 Cultural Perspectives on Breastfeeding

01:30 Challenges of Breastfeeding in Public

07:32 Support Systems for New Mothers

09:38 The Impact of Cultural Differences

16:04 Future Plans for the Holding Time Project

25:50 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

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⁠https://holdingtime.org/portfolio/⁠