Answered By: Arabel
Last Updated: Mar 08, 2022     Views: 288

Babies and young children may access the libraries with an adult on a short visit, as for example, when the parent is collecting a book.

We understand the need for parents to sometimes have babies and young children with them on campus to access essential services supporting their studies and work.

As a service we wish to support parents, wherever we can, whilst ensuring the safety of their babies and children in our buildings. Staircases and balconies, for example, pose a potential risk and we also have to consider the needs of large numbers of students using the study space.

At this time we are unable to offer study spaces for parents with their children but if you have a particular need please do come and talk to us and we will try to find a solution.

Whilst in the buildings please keep your children under very close supervision and do not allow them to wander in to the controlled access gates, stairways and study areas. Please ask for any assistance you need at the reception or help desk – if you have a pram with you please ask staff to open the gate for you. The safety of your children is very important to us.

  • Ground floor access to Help Desk and Social areas
  • Staff are happy to help with queries and can retrieve books from shelves for you
  • Book reservation collection
  • Book returns and issue
  • Printing and binding services
  • Breast feeding friendly – supporting the Mayoral Breastfeeding Charter, you are welcome to breast feed in the foyer and social space where refreshments are available at both main campus Libraries. We do not have a designated room for breastfeeding, however if you require privacy please speak to our team and we may be able to offer either Meeting Room 2 in the Harold Cohen or the Knowhow room in the Sydney Jones – if they are not in use.
  • Hot water supply available

At present the Libraries do not have dedicated baby changing facilities but you can use nearby buildings:

Please refer to the University' support to Bambis Breastfeeding Friendly Charter to find out about other Public Bambi Breastfeeding Friendly spaces on campus.

Bambis Breastfeeding Logo

What is the Breastfeeding Mayoral Quality Mark?

The University of Liverpool is proud to have joined the Breastfeeding Mayoral Quality Mark promoting our campus as a breastfeeding friendly environment.

Liverpool City Council has developed a quality mark for businesses across the city to sign up to.  By signing up, we have agreed to commit to the following points:

  • We welcome babies to be breastfed in any public area of these premises.
  • A mother, who is breastfeeding, will not be asked to move or stop breastfeeding.
  • We understand that some women prefer privacy when breastfeeding and we will do all we can to help them. Where possible, private areas will be made available for breastfeeding mothers who would prefer privacy to feed.
  • We will always provide at least a glass of water free of charge to any breastfeeding mum and if possible a free tea/ coffee per visit.
  • All our staff will be informed about the ‘Breastfeeding Mayoral Quality Mark’ scheme and how to be supportive of the needs of breastfeeding mothers and families.
  • We will ensure our staff team are briefed on the World Health Organisation breastfeeding guidelines (in order to understand why supporting mothers to breastfeed in our community is important).
  • We will display the ‘Breastfeeding Mayoral Quality Mark’ to the public and our staff.
  • We will promote the ‘Breastfeeding Mayoral Quality Mark’ to other businesses.
  • We will advertise the ‘Breastfeeding Mayoral Quality Mark’ on our social media sites to encourage more businesses to join the scheme.
  • We will be committed to offering our support in helping Liverpool increase its breastfeeding rates.

 

Law on Breastfeeding in Public Places

Breastfeeding in Public Places

  • (Information below has been produced by Maternity Action UK- updated April 2016)

What does the law say?

  • The Equality Act 2010 says that it is discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.  It applies to anyone providing services, benefits, facilities and premises to the public, public bodies, further and higher education bodies and association.  Service providers include most organisations that deal directly with the public.  Service providers must not discriminate, harass or victimise a woman because she is breastfeeding.  Discrimination includes refusing to provide a service, providing a lower standard of service or providing a service on different terms.  Therefore, a cafe owner cannot ask a woman to stop breastfeeding or refuse to serve her.

 

How long does protection apply for?

  • There is no age restriction, the law protects a woman for as long as she wishes to breastfeed her baby.

 

Where can a woman breastfeed?

  • Women who breastfeed are protected in public places such as parks, sports and leisure facilities, public buildings and when using public transport such as buses, trains and planes.  Women are protected in shops, public, restaurants and hotels regardless of how big or small.  Women are also protected in places like hospitals, theatres, cinemas and petrol stations.

WHO recommends mothers worldwide to exclusively breastfeed infants for the child's first six months to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, they should be given nutritious complementary foods and continue breastfeeding up to the age of two years or beyond.

Here are some of the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother and baby:

Breastfeeding reduces the risks of:

Babies:

  • Infections
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Sudden infant death
  • Childhood obesity

Mother:

  • Breast cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Osteoporosis
  • Obesity

Liverpool Babies and Mothers Breastfeeding Information and Support (BAMBIS)

Any questions on the breastfeeding friendly quality mark, also signpost mums here if they need support.

 

Bambis Coordinators

Danielle Price

Sarah Todd

0151 233 6874

 

Maternity Action

  • Advice on maternity rights and benefits for UK citizens and foreign nationals www.maternityaction.org.uk
  • Helpline: 0808 802 0029
  • National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212

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