Belgian federal museums join 'breastfeeding welcome' movement

From Wednesday June 1, women can be sure to breastfeed comfortably in the exhibition rooms of Belgian federal museums, the Library of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Planetarium and the State Archives. The institutions are joining the 'Breastfriends' or 'breastfeeding welcome' movement, an initiative of the Brussels catering industry launched in 2018.

"This natural gesture can take place in the rooms of the permanent collections, in those of the temporary exhibitions, as well as in the places of restoration located within their walls, restaurant or café", underlines the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (Belspo).

"While the obstacles to visiting cultural institutions vary, one of the obstacles is only rarely mentioned", says Belspo. "Breastfeeding babies in public, however, is certainly part of it. Yet access to culture and social contacts are very important psychologically for breastfeeding mothers".

Breastfeeding in public in Belgium is protected by law, meaning women can appeal if they are confronted with negative reactions concerning breastfeeding in a public place.

(VIV)

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© BELGA PHOTO (JONAS ROOSENS) Flashmob action on breastfeed in Antwerp city center