Beth Doherty
This week marks World Breastfeeding Week (1st August – 7th August 2021) and Wiltshire Council are supporting the campaign to create a breastfeeding-friendly county that will protect, promote and support breastfeeding in the community.
This year, World Breastfeeding Week is focusing on empowering mums to breastfeed when they are out and about.
All mothers have the legal right to breastfeed wherever they like, but feedback from mums suggests that some stop breastfeeding because they feel uncomfortable doing so in public.
Local mums have said that small gestures such as a brief warm smile and having a drink and somewhere comfortable to sit is helpful. They also said they would like people to understand that breastfeeding is completely normal but that sometimes it can be hard, and simply being listened to is extremely supportive.
The council are calling on the Wiltshire community to play their part by supporting mums to breastfeed, or signing up for the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme. You can also show your support on social media by using the local campaign hashtag: #outandaboutBSW
Mums can find participating venues here, or lookout for the “You are welcome to breastfeed your baby here” sticker to find venues that welcome breastfeeding.
Venues can sign up to the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme to receive their Breastfeeding Welcome kit. There is little to no cost involved, and the scheme is seen as a great opportunity to make a positive contribution while boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty. You can sign up here.
Cllr Simon Jacobs, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “It is important that we all do what we can to make it as easy as possible for mums to breastfeed safely and comfortably whilst in the community, particularly as breastfeeding has so many health benefits for both mum and child.
“We’re proud to be Breastfeeding Welcome at Wiltshire Council venues and we’d love more businesses to join us,” he added.
For more advice and support on breastfeeding, click here.
Andy Munns
