We All Benefit promotes acceptance of breastfeeding in public spaces and increased workplace supports for nursing moms. We want to inspire people to adopt an attitude that supports and celebrates nursing moms whenever, wherever! Not all mothers can or choose to, but when more women do breastfeed, we all save money and stay healthier.
We All Benefit is based
in Southern Maine.
Contact us to join the campaign or become an Action Team volunteer.
Disclaimer
We All Benefit may link its site to other websites that are maintained by third parties. These other sites are not under the Opportunity Alliance or City of Portland's control and we are not responsible for the contents of such sites. We All Benefit provides these links as a convenience to you and the inclusion of a link on the We All Benefit website does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the Opportunity Alliance or the City of Portland of the products or services offered or promoted at the linked site.
What is the Whenever Wherever campaign?
The WW campaign partners with breastfeeding-friendly businesses, municipal spaces and other public spaces to recognize them as
role models and to help educate the community about the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers. Click here to read more about
what it means to be a member.
How do I sign up my business or public space OR recommend a place in my community?
The Whenever, Wherever campaign is currently seeking businesses and public spaces in in
Cumberland, Sagadahoc and York Counties. Click
here to email us or call Zoe Miller at 553-5939 and an Action Team member will be in touch. If you are outside of Southern Maine, feel free to get in touch about bringing the campaign to your area.
Who can help with recruitment?
Everyone! Whether you join the Action Team or simply approach a space in your community, everyone can play a role! To get started, you can read "Recruiting How To" and email us. To learn more about becoming an Action Team Member, read the "job description" and if you want to come on board, complete the Action Team Member Profile.
How does membership benefit my business or public space?
- Your support will be noticed and appreciated by mothers and families throughout your community – and they will tell others to patronize your business or use your service.
- Members will be listed in the Welcoming Spaces section of this website and promoted through advertising and earned media.
- Breastfeeding benefits us all! While not all mothers can or choose to, when more women do breastfeed, we all save money and stay healthier. If 90% of U.S. families breastfed exclusively for 6 months, the U.S. would annually save $13 billion from reduced medical and other costs.
What it means to be a Whenever Wherever member (click here for a PDF of this):
- Display the sticker: On a window, door or equally prominent location.
- Train employees: Members will commit to hang the employee education poster and inform all staff - at a staff meeting, during orientation or one-on-one - that mothers are welcome to breastfeed their children within the business or public space.
- Welcome nursing moms!: Members will commit to offer acceptance and support to breastfeeding mothers. Members will also agree that their establishment will not tolerate mothers being harassed, treated poorly, asked to leave, cover up or move as a result of breastfeeding. For more on this, see below.
What if my space is already breastfeeding-friendly?
- Perfect! The Whenever Wherever campaign is a way to recognize you for your support and make you a role model for others in your community.
What it means to welcome and support nursing moms:
- Offer acceptance and support by smiling, making eye contact and generally acting like you would if a mom was feeding her baby a bottle – You’ll make mothers feel at ease and provide a model for other patrons and customers.
- Give mothers a choice – Some mothers prefer discretion or privacy when nursing. Offer them a seat away from mainstream traffic. If your workplace has a private space that moms can use, mention it. Remember that nursing moms should never be asked to leave the premises, cover up or use a restroom.
- Here’s what Moms in Southern Maine said about breastfeeding-friendly spaces and the staff there:
- They offer me “encouragement to take my time”
- They provide a “comfortable place to sit to the side of the main action”
- “Staff still talks to you, smiles, and looks you in the eye”
- I felt “supported, recognized for the benefits”
- They asked me if I need anything
- I feel “happy to be able to be in public and not have to go into a bathroom or my car”
Whenever, Wherever Toolkit for Public Spaces