A new trail around Hull city centre highlights some of the best places for breastfeeding. The Milk Trail shines a light on nine venues where anyone breastfeeding their baby can find a comfortable spot and a supportive atmosphere. A specially created map guides visitors to the nine locations – and also includes a quiz about breastfeeding. Every venue on the Milk Trail has an answer to one of the quiz questions hidden inside it. Participants can record the answers on the maps and trade completed sheets for a Milk Trail sticker.
The aim of the trail is to ensure breastfeeding-friendly spots are easy to identify, while also normalising breastfeeding through education. It has been created by Hull City Council in partnership with Humber NHS Foundation Trust, and input from local parents and breastfeeding support groups.
Launching just in time for half term, the family-friendly trail is a great way to explore the city centre and free to take part in – as are almost all the participating venues. The nine places which make up the trail are part of a wider network of 120 Breastfeeding Friendly venues throughout the city.
Cllr Linda Chambers, Portfolio Holder for Public Health at Hull City Council, said: “We want everyone who chooses to breastfeed to feel supported and comfortable when they’re out and about in Hull. The Milk Trail brings together breastfeeding-friendly venues with a fun activity – and the added bonus of learning about the benefits of breastmilk along the way.
“Historically, we’ve had lower breastfeeding rates in Hull. One of the ways to challenge that is to create an atmosphere where expectant and new mums feel comfortable feeding in public and breastfeeding is normalised. Educating about it, and proudly increasing awareness are an important part of that process – which is why the Trail will be such a vital asset.
“While all participating venues are breastfeeding friendly, the trail is an activity anybody can enjoy and you absolutely don’t need to be breastfeeding or supporting someone who is to take part. Half term is the perfect time to join in – if you know you’ll be out and about at Hull’s museums, shopping centres and attractions, grab a map and make the trail part of your holiday activities”.
Ellie Talbot-Imber, Infant Feeding Lead at the Humber NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Milk trail is a fun and free activity for all families, to come and see some iconic venues in Hull City Centre, whilst finding out some amazing facts about breastfeeding.
“We want to raise the profile of breastfeeding and show everyone that not only is breastfeeding increasing in Hull, it is both encouraged and very much supported”.
To take part in the Milk Trail, just pick up a map from any Family Hub, the Tourist Information stand in Paragon Interchange Station, libraries, museums, customer service centres, or any participating venues.
