Portsmouth will join the global celebration of World Breastfeeding Week 2025 by lighting up the Spinnaker Tower in purple on Friday 1 August, and hosting a picnic for families in Victoria Park on Tuesday 5 August, 10am-12pm to highlight the city’s commitment to supporting breastfeeding families.

World Breastfeeding Week is a global campaign held every year from 1-7 August to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of community support. This year’s theme focuses on inclusive, welcoming environments for breastfeeding and Portsmouth is leading the way with its Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme. The initiative encourages local businesses, community venues, and public spaces to actively support and welcome breastfeeding families, making it easier for parents to feed their babies with confidence.

Any venue open to the public can sign up to the Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme and it is free to join. Venues simply complete a short checklist and will receive window stickers to display to show families that they are welcome to breastfeed whilst spending time in the venue.

Families in Portsmouth have access to a wide range of breastfeeding and infant feeding support. Early guidance is provided by midwives and health visitors. There is also a specialist infant feeding team if further support is needed, and this can include 1:1 phone consultations, home visits, clinic appointments, and workshops and groups. Free drop-in sessions are also run by The Breastfeeding Network both in person and online. You can search for local support here: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drop-in-centres-map/

Laura Dearling, Infant Feeding Lead for Portsmouth at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“The Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme is a fantastic opportunity to support the work we do and normalise breastfeeding by making families feel welcome in their communities.

Our team is also here to support with any infant feeding queries – from breastfeeding challenges and positioning to tongue tie and assessments through phone, video, home visits, or at Portsmouth’s Family Hubs.”

Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care at Portsmouth City Council, said:

“The key to improving breastfeeding rates is having specialist support available and helping mums feel comfortable to breastfeed in public, so I’m pleased this is something we are striving towards in Portsmouth.

These activities, including lighting up the Spinnaker Tower, show our city’s commitment to inclusion, health, and community.”

How you can get involved:

• Join the World Breastfeeding Week picnic – Bring a blanket and meet other families at Victoria Park, Portsmouth, on Tuesday 5 August, 10am-12pm. Enjoy a relaxed, friendly space. Everyone is welcome.
• Share your photos of the Spinnaker Tower lit up purple – On Friday 1 August, tag The Breastfeeding Network Portsmouth in your photos to help spread the message.
• Sign up to the Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme – If you run or work at a public venue, you can help make Portsmouth more breastfeeding-friendly. To find out more, contact: portsmouthwelcomes@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.

For more information about support around feeding your baby, go to: www.portsmouthfamilyhubs.co.uk/infantfeeding