Businesses back breastfeeding

Businesses can play a key role in boosting breastfeeding rates in Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has said.

To coincide with world breastfeeding week (1 – 7 August), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the PHA has revealed that over 300 businesses and public facilities here have already signed up to support and welcome breastfeeding families as part of a PHA scheme, and more are joining all the time.

Janet Calvert, Regional Breastfeeding Coordinator at the PHA, explained:

“Businesses can really make a difference when it comes to making breastfeeding welcome. Many are already taking the lead and we now have over 300 businesses and public facilities signed up to support and welcome breastfeeding families through the PHA’s Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme, which began in 2005.

“Our scheme helps mums to continue breastfeeding by identifying premises across Northern Ireland that welcome mothers who wish to breastfeed in public. Mums are more likely to breastfeed for longer if they feel comfortable with breastfeeding when out and about with their baby.”

In order to join the scheme, businesses must agree to four membership criteria:

• Breastfeeding is acceptable in all areas of the premises;
• Mothers will not be asked to stop breastfeeding;
• Staff are aware of the scheme and will be supportive of breastfeeding; and
• A sticker and certificate about membership of the scheme will be displayed.

When all the criteria are met the organisation or business name will be added to a membership list found on www.breastfedbabies.org

Ends