That’s the message from South Scotland MSP Emma Harper who wants to ensure that breastfeeding mothers are able to feed their babies in a comfortable and welcoming environment without interruption, embarrassment or discrimination.
To show businesses are on board with the scheme they can display a Dumfries and Galloway is Breastfeeding Friendly window sticker and scheme certificate.
This way mothers can easily distinguish that a business is an inviting one for a breastfeeding mother.
Such a move can increase repeat business and also attract additional business through word of mouth at mother and baby groups that women attend.
Ms Harper said: “I’d like to see more Dumfries and Galloway businesses backing this regional initiative. When it was initially launched by Jeff Ace, CEO of Dumfries and Galloway Health Board, and Veronica King, I supported by contacting many local businesses who could ultimately benefit but uptake of the scheme has been disappointingly low.”
The scheme was originally launched by NHS Dumfries and Galloway and partners and Health and Wellbeing Specialist Veronica King.
Breastfeeding provides immune system support for the baby and skin to skin contact is an important part of breast and bottle feeding.
Ms Harper added: “Breastfeeding offers considerable health benefits for both mother and baby and it is important that the community supports a mother in her decision to give her baby the best start in life.
“Many new mothers give up breastfeeding because they feel isolated and embarrassed that they may offend other people by feeding in public.”
Legislation introduced by The Scottish Government The Breastfeeding etc (Scotland) Act 2005 states that it is against the law to stop a person feeding a child – under the age of two– in a public place.
For more information on the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme contact Fiona Paton, nurse manager for Health Visiting and Family Nurse Partnership Services [email protected]
