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Breastfeeding at Ulster University
Breastfeeding is welcome across Ulster University. Students, staff and visitors are welcome to breastfeed in campus areas open to them. You will not be asked to stop breastfeeding, cover up or move elsewhere.
Ulster University participates in the Public Health Agency's Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme. Dedicated Parenting Rooms are also available on our Belfast, Coleraine and Derry~Londonderry campuses for anyone who would prefer privacy or needs additional facilities.
You do not have to use a Parenting Room to breastfeed. The rooms provide an additional choice for anyone who would prefer a private space.
Our commitment
The Public Health Agency's Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme helps families identify places where breastfeeding is actively welcomed and supported.
As a participating university, Ulster University is committed to ensuring that:
- Breastfeeding is welcome in campus areas open to students, staff, visitors and members of the public
- Anyone breastfeeding in these areas will not be asked to stop or move elsewhere
- Staff are aware of the University's participation in the scheme and will respond supportively
- Breastfeeding Welcome Here signs and certificates are displayed across our campuses
Breastfeeding and feeding your baby on campus
You are welcome to breastfeed in campus areas open to you, including suitable cafés, libraries, reception areas and communal spaces. Restrictions may apply only where they are necessary for health and safety.
Anyone breastfeeding can:
- breastfeed without being asked to stop, move or cover up;
- choose whether or not to use a Parenting Room; and
- ask a member of staff for help finding a quieter or more private space if they would prefer one.
Parents and carers who bottle-feed are also welcome to feed their babies in suitable campus areas and to use the Parenting Rooms.
Parenting Rooms
Dedicated Parenting Rooms are available to students, staff and visitors. They provide an optional private space for:
- Breastfeeding or chestfeeding
- Expressing breastmilk
- Bottle feeding
- Changing or caring for a baby
- Attending to other infant feeding needs
- Resting during pregnancy
The rooms are available to parents and carers. How someone feeds their baby will not affect their access to a Parenting Room. The privacy of anyone breastfeeding or expressing milk must be respected.
Our wider commitment
Ulster University's postgraduate Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting) programme is working toward the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Certificate of Commitment, formally marking the beginning of its journey towards Baby Friendly accreditation.
The programme is now working to implement the Baby Friendly university standards, supporting future health visitors to develop the evidence-based knowledge and skills needed to support infant feeding and close and loving relationships.
Alongside this work, Ulster University is committed to creating a family-friendly environment for staff, students and visitors. Further guidance can be found in the University's Children and Young People on University Premises Policy.
