A mother and councillor who breastfed her newborn during a council meeting reported a largely positive response from her colleagues, despite some initial surprise.
Zoe Smith, a Labour councillor representing the Abington and Phippsville ward in West Northamptonshire, fed her 17-week-old daughter, Iona, at last month’s full council meeting. She did this without using a bottle, having coordinated with local authority officials in advance.
Describing herself as a “solo parent” who had both of her children through donor conception, Ms. Smith emphasized the importance of supporting women in political roles. She believes that women should not have to choose between parenting and serving their constituents.
Although council officials had not encountered a similar request before, they provided a private room outside the council chamber for Ms. Smith’s convenience if she needed it. However, she felt comfortable breastfeeding her daughter during the meeting, as knowing when Iona needed to be fed was unpredictable.
Reflecting on her decision to become a solo parent, Ms. Smith acknowledged the challenges related to childcare but viewed it as an opportunity she might not have otherwise had. She stated, “Once I’d decided to have children, it felt like a very easy decision, but it was a lot to think about. I’ve had huge support from my parents.”
Motherhood has been a positive journey for Ms. Smith. She enjoys watching her children grow and has received encouraging feedback from the public and her constituents. “It really opens up my experience as a councillor,” she remarked.
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