Council joins Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme
Ards and North Down Borough Council has become the latest organisation to join the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme – a programme to increase the number of premises which welcome breastfeeding mums.
There are 27 council-run facilities signed up including community and leisure centres, which brings the total number of popular local attractions, businesses and council venues signed up to the initiative across Northern Ireland to over 400.
Chair of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Kellie Armstrong, welcomed the council’s decision to sign up to the scheme: “The Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme confirms the council's positive attitude to families and in particular to breastfeeding mums.
“Breast really is best when it comes to feeding your baby. In addition to containing all the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs in the first six months of life, breast milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that help protect your baby from illness. Best of all breast milk is free and comes at the right temperature for baby.
“I know many mothers find breastfeeding in public daunting, I certainly did. I am delighted the council is working positively to support breastfeeding mums. Mums are welcome to breastfeed their child in council buildings and our excellent staff are trained to ensure breastfeeding mums feel comfortable and included. I wish a scheme like this had been in place when I was breastfeeding.”
While breastfeeding rates in Northern Ireland are generally low by European standards, research has shown that the public here is overwhelmingly in support of breastfeeding in public places, and the scheme is helping to make this easier.
Janet Calvert, Regional Breastfeeding Lead for the PHA, said: “There is support among the general public for mums who choose to breastfeed when out and about, especially as we know how good it is for both the baby and the mother’s health. The Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme enables businesses and organisations to show their support for breastfeeding too by making mums feel welcome in their premises.
“Businesses and organisations that have signed up to the scheme display a sticker in their premises to let mums know that they are welcome to feed in all areas and will not be asked to stop breastfeeding. Staff are also made aware to be supportive and a certificate showing participation in the scheme is displayed.
“Making it easier for mums and families to choose breastfeeding will help improve breastfeeding rates in Northern Ireland. Scientific evidence shows that babies who are breastfed are generally at a lower risk of having infections, allergies, obesity, diabetes and sudden infant death. Women who breastfeed can also have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.”
A full list of companies and organisations who participate in the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme can be found at www.breastfedbabies.org
List of Ards and North Down Borough Council facilities joining the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme:
- Ards Leisure Centre
- Londonderry Park
- North Down Museum
- Kircubbin Community Centre
- Portaferry Market House
- Manor Court Community Centre
- Church Street Offices
- Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex
- Queen’s Hall, Newtownards
- Skipperstone Community Centre
- Conlig Community Centre
- Redburn Community Centre
- Groomsport Boat House
- Kilcooley Community Centre
- Alderman George Green Community Centre
- Green Road Community Centre
- Hamilton House
- Marquis Hall
- Ballygowan Village Hall
- Carrowdore Community Centre
- Comber Adult Learning Centre
- Donaghadee Community Centre
- Portavogie Community Centre
- The Glen Community Centre
- West Winds Community Centre
- Comber Leisure Centre
- Bangor Sportsplex