Doing their breast to welcome mums

4:11pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

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Mums have been out and about in Bradford during Breastfeeding Awareness Week encouraging more local businesses to become breastfeeding-friendly.

The mums, who are all breastfeeding peer counsellors in the district, were promoting the Welcome Here Scheme, which tries to make it easier for mums to recognise the places where they can breastfeed their baby in a welcoming and comfortable environment when they are out and about.

Many businesses, including all Bradford Council premises, have already signed up to the scheme, making it easier for mums and showing that they care about their customers and the health of mothers and babies in the local community.

Bradford's Big W store, at Victoria Shopping Centre, Girlington, is one of the latest businesses to support the scheme.

All breastfeeding-friendly places will show a window sticker to let customers know they are breastfeeding-friendly.

Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies and the Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to the age of six months, with continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods after six months.

But many mums-to-be are put off breastfeeding because they are concerned about breastfeeding in public so it is important for organisations to make it clear that breastfeeding is welcome.

Joanne Thompson, 29, of Lidget Green, is a peer supporter for new mums who breastfeed in the Canterbury and Lidget Green area.

She was one of the mums who met in Centenary Square, to leaflet businesses and persuade them to sign up.

Joanne, accompanied by her children Tabitha, three and Mathilda, one, said: "Breastfeeding rates in Bradford are really low and we are doing lots to publicise breastfeeding and get more businesses on board for the Welcome Here Scheme.

"Mums need to get out and about with their babies and not be stuck indoors."

Studies have shown that breastfed babies are less likely to get infections or asthma, become obese or get diabetes in later childhood and that breastfeeding can prevent mums having health problems in later life.

To find out more about becoming a breastfeeding-friendly business and to apply online to the Welcome Here Scheme visit bradford.nhs.uk e-mail: claire.lomax@telegraphandargus.co.uk

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