MIDWIVES are staging an event in Castle Park, Colchester, to encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies in public.

It has been sparked by the Gazette report about Lisa Willis, 36, who says she was told to stop feeding her ten-month-old daughter, Connie, in a cafe.

Midwives at Colchester Hospital have now arranged a picnic in Castle Park on Sunday to help give mums the confidence to breastfeed in public.

Mother-of-four Mrs Willis, from Ramsey, said: “I absolutely welcome it. It is really important the issue is raised and that breastfeeding in public is acceptable.

“I know it has been a concern for mothers after what happened to me. People are worried about where they can go and hopefully this event will give them some confidence and advice.”

Mrs Willis said the incident, at the White Coffee House in Dovercourt, had knocked her confidence to breastfeed Connie in public. But she was happy it had brought about a positive response.

“If this can send out a good message about breastfeeding in public and highlight where mums can go, then that’s great,” she said.

“I’m not sure I will be able to go because it’s on Father’s Day but I wish them luck and hopefully there will be one held closer to Harwich in future.”

The picnic in the park will be held at Castle Park between 11am and 2pm and mothers, pregnant women, their partners and children can attend.

Midwife Sue Coltman, infant feeding co-ordinator at Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, and two midwife colleagues will be there.

“The aim of picnic in the park is to help give women the confidence to breastfeed their babies in public,” she said.

“Many mums don’t find it an easy thing to do, but we hope that providing them with an opportunity to meet women in the same situation, together with the support of midwives, will help.

“There will be gazebos so women who want to breastfeed can do so in a discreet way.”

Pink Ladies, trained breastfeeding supporters funded by NHS North East Essex, will be at the event. For information, call Sue Coltman on 01206 742779 or e-mail infantfeeding@ colchesterhospital.nhs.uk