MoMa is a mother-led, not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to providing mother-to-mother support for breastfeeding. We are neither sectarian nor political. Our purpose is to support mothers in the normal course of breastfeeding, from pregnancy through to weaning.
We do this through in-person and online meetings and, where needed, by giving one-to-one support. We are committed to supporting all mothers and their children, regardless of cultural or economic background, race, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. Our regular in-person and online meetings are single sex as the best means of delivering support to the mothers and children who we serve.
We recognise that breastfeeding is enhanced by the loving support of the baby’s father, or a co-parent, partner or close family member who values the breastfeeding relationship, and so we sometimes hold additional meetings where those people are welcome.
Being clear which services are female only and which are open to male family members or professionals is part of our commitment to inclusivity, legal compliance and treating everyone with respect.
In MoMa Breastfeeding we use simple, clear, sex-based language to communicate about breastfeeding. This ensures that we can provide accurate evidence-based information. It also ensures that anyone with English as an additional language or who has learning challenges can access our information.
We understand that some mothers may identify differently and may reject the term “mother” altogether. MoMa Breastfeeding Counsellors will endeavour to use language for an individual that makes them comfortable. At times MoMa may make reasonable adjustments to the way in which we provide support to mothers who identify differently, in order to account for any special circumstances that may apply and to ensure that the needs of all our service users are met. In some cases mothers who identify as men, or have in the past, may require help and information which is outside the remit of our Breastfeeding Counsellors. In those cases we will support the mother and child concerned by signposting to more specialist services.
As the Directors of MoMa Breastfeeding, we take seriously our responsibility to ensure that our policies are compliant with the law and with the guidance of the EHRC and we are confident that our approach to providing support to mothers and their children meets these requirements.