“I am delighted that my constituency office is now part of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme – although I was surprised that we appear to be one of the first such venues in the whole of Renfrewshire,” said Natalie Don MSP, commenting on her office signing up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme
Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) is a national scheme which businesses can sign up to for free. Backed by the Scottish Government and run by local health boards, the scheme aims to help businesses and people who breastfeed know their rights and responsibilities.
The Scottish Infant Feeding Survey 2017 identified that mums understood they could breastfeed in public areas however, almost half of the mums lacked confidence in doing so. The Scottish Government want establishments to show support by joining the scheme and display the logo which would provide reassurance a breastfeeding mum would be welcome.
Businesses in the scheme display a logo (attached) which lets people know that the business:
• is part of the scheme,
• understands the law, and
• supports breastfeeding on their premises.
Natalie Don MSP supporting Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland
Natalie Don MSP added:
“Breastfeeding mothers need support and many women face anxiety or embarrassment about feeding their babies in public. From my own experience, it can be extremely daunting and simply having that reassurance that the space you are entering is welcoming of breastfeeding and that staff or volunteers have a level of understanding will help many women.
“The Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme is all about ensuring breastfeeding mothers are welcome and have a safe space to feed their babies. You now have that with my office and whether you are visiting the office or just need some peace and privacy, we will make you feel welcome and pop the kettle on.
“Although I am proud that my office staff have completed the relevant training to ensure my office joins the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme I was disappointed that there are so few places in Renfrewshire signed up to the scheme.
“I hope that other local businesses, organisations and community spaces will now consider signing up to the scheme. In an effort to get more places signed up, I intend to reach out to a range of associated businesses within Renfrewshire to proactively encourage them to sign up to the scheme and display their support for breastfeeding mothers.
“I hope this will be a positive step for breastfeeding here in Renfrewshire.”
You can check which organisations are signed up to the scheme by viewing the interactive map at https://bit.ly/BreastfeedingFriendlyScotland
More information on how to sign up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme is available from the local health board at: healthimprovement.renfrewshire@ggc.scot.nhs.uk