Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme
Date: 30 May 2013
Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme
The Breastfeeding Welcome scheme is to be launched on 3rd July in Swindon. This is a national programme where local public places agree to put up signage and support the rights of mothers breastfeeding on their premises. In Swindon, in the first 3 months of 2013, 47% of mums breast feed their babies at 6 – 8 weeks after birth. Other areas in England see significantly higher numbers. The benefits of breastfeeding are well evidenced with breast fed babies having less gastro-intestinal, respiratory and ear infections than formula feed babies. Breastfeeding mothers experience less breast cancer compared with non-breastfeeding mothers. We know that most mothers stopped breastfeeding before they wanted or intended to because they had to return to work or felt uncomfortable doing so in public; however seeing a woman breastfeeding does not bother 85% of adults.
Swindon schools are asked to sign up to this scheme, which is free. Tools and support are provided to venues who join this scheme. Breastfeeding Welcome is run by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), which has charitable status. For more details visit the national website: www.breastfeedingwelcomescheme.org.uk/join_scheme.php.
The website also offers a search for local venues that are Breastfeeding Welcome. As this scheme is new it will take time for this list to build, helped by local people asking local venues/ restaurants/ shops and public places to join the scheme.
