“This week provides a great opportunity to promote the Scottish Government’s Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme, and generally promote the advantages of breastfeeding,” said Natalie Don MSP.
Scottish Breastfeeding Week runs from 5th June until 11th June and aims to celebrate the work being carried out to support, promote and protect breastfeeding in Scotland. Breastfeeding is beneficial to babies, protecting them from infections and diseases, developing a strong emotional bond between babies and their mothers as well as lowering the risks of various cancers and osteoporosis in mothers.
The Scottish Government’s Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme also aims to support breastfeeding mothers while they are out and about. The Breastfeeding Friendly sticker outside premises indicate that this establishment will make breastfeeding mothers feel welcome, will be supportive and that the staff have received training and information.
It has been amazing to see the increasing number of places supporting breastfeeding locally rising.
This will make such a huge difference to many women and families.
Natalie Don MSP’s constituency office in Renfrew was one of the first locally to sign up to the scheme and, according to the latest reports, that figure has now risen to around 120 establishments. With further training planned for Early Learning and Childcare centres within Renfrewshire and training planned for staff at various Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership buildings, there will be even more Breastfeeding Friendly options across Renfrewshire.
Natalie Don MSP added:
“It has been amazing to see the increasing number of places supporting breastfeeding locally rising and this will make such a huge difference to many women and families. I want to thank every organisation who has signed up to the scheme so far as well as Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (RHSCP) who are working hard to increase take up of the scheme locally.
“Everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different but for some mothers a lack of support or understanding can lead to that journey finishing earlier than it may have otherwise. Weeks like this are so important to highlight the support that is available for families and ensure that women are able to make an informed choice about how they wish to feed their baby and equally, that they are supported while doing so.
“I also want to thank the many organisations who work locally to provide invaluable support, both direct and indirect, to breastfeeding mothers, many of whom I have met with over the last few years. The work that you do is invaluable and you are an asset to families at a time when it is needed most.”
NOTES
If you would like to know more about joining the scheme visit: https://www.mygov.scot/breastfeeding-and-your-business
If you need any help or support with breastfeeding you can contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 or visit https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk