April 23, 2016
The Milk Lounge: The UK’s Inaugural Breastfeeding Cafe
A remarkable mom recently opened the UK’s first breastfeeding cafe, The Milk Lounge, in Nottingham, England. While she has received acclaim from many parents, she has also faced alarming death threats — all for providing a nurturing space for new families. Charlotte Purdie, who welcomed her baby in March 2015, created this inviting spot for parents and little ones. The cafe includes amenities like a spacious changing room for strollers, toddler activities, and a feeding room complete with a fan, toy corner, and en-suite bathroom. Additionally, there’s a bottle-warming station, a sensory room with a space theme, freshly-baked cakes, and even waitstaff to assist parents during feeding times.
A Family-Friendly Environment
The family-friendly environment also welcomes dads, and Purdie emphasizes that there’s no judgment regarding breast or bottle feeding. “It’s important that they feel that they’re not going to be judged,” she shared. The cafe offers enough room for group activities, including a complimentary “Parent’s Emotional Well-Being Session” planned for next month. “We understand it can be isolating for new parents, and this venture aims to create a supportive atmosphere,” she explained to Nottingham Post.
Community Support and Criticism
Many have praised her for establishing this wonderful haven for parents. “Though my breastfeeding days are behind me, I would have loved a chance to unwind with my baby in a place like this,” wrote Emma Green on The Milk Lounge’s Facebook page. “I visited recently, and I’m truly impressed with what you’ve accomplished with a young family. This is such a positive addition for Nottingham,” added Laura Bright.
However, not everyone is on board with the cafe. According to reports, Purdie revealed, “I have received death threats and harassing phone calls since we opened. While we are a family-focused cafe, some people are opposed to our mission.” It’s baffling to think that anyone would be against a safe space for parents to feed their children. “What infuriates me is the idea of having clean environments for nursing mothers,” I imagine some critics might think. “How dare parents have a dedicated place for themselves!”
The Ongoing Challenges for Nursing Mothers
Parents should feel free to feed their babies — whether breast or bottle — in any setting without facing harassment. Unfortunately, that reality still exists. Recently, a judge in North Carolina criticized a mother for nursing her eight-month-old. Another mother was asked to stop breastfeeding at a museum dedicated to women’s rights. In Texas, a waitress covered a nursing mom at a sushi restaurant after complaints from male customers. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges nursing mothers face, which is precisely why Purdie started The Milk Lounge.
Commitment to a Welcoming Environment
Despite the negative backlash, she remains committed to her vision of creating a welcoming environment for families. “I believe every town should have a space like this so everyone can access it,” Purdie stated. “If there are areas that lack such facilities, I hope other businesses will follow suit and create similar spaces.”
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Conclusion
In summary, Charlotte Purdie has bravely opened The Milk Lounge, a unique breastfeeding cafe in Nottingham that aims to support new parents. Despite receiving threats, she’s dedicated to fostering an inclusive and judgment-free space for families.