Warrington Borough Council and partners have launched a new ‘Breastfeeding and Baby Welcome Scheme’.
Launched at the Living Well Hub on earlier this month, October, the new initiative is designed to create a more supportive and comfortable environment for breastfeeding mothers and families when they are out about.
Through the scheme, local businesses and community venues are being encouraged to become designated “Breastfeeding and Baby Welcome” spaces, offering a warm, respectful, and practical environment for families.
The law protects breastfeeding mums – you are legally allowed to breastfeed your baby in public places, including cafés, shops, libraries or on public transport. However, knowing a venue actively supports breastfeeding mothers can sometimes mean it’s easier to relax and feel welcome and supported.
This scheme is part of the wider Cheshire and Merseyside Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Strategy, which aims to promote, protect, and support optimal nutrition for infants. The strategy aims to support reducing health inequalities, and empowering parents to breastfeed for as long as they choose.
Breastfeeding offers significant health benefits for both babies and mothers, and yet 8 out of 10 women stop breastfeeding earlier than they intended, often due to lack of support or discomfort feeding in public. The scheme aims to change that by:
- Promoting positive attitudes toward breastfeeding
- Increasing the number of breastfeeding-friendly venues
- Helping parents feel confident and supported in public spaces
Venues can apply for a silver or gold level accreditation, depending on the level of support and facilities they offer. Criteria include:
- Providing a welcoming and supportive environment
- Offering privacy options for breastfeeding
- Having a breastfeeding policy aligned with the Equality Act 2010
- Ensuring staff are trained to support breastfeeding
- Provide signposting to local support services and may host peer support groups.
Venues participating in the scheme will display a recognisable sticker in the venues window and receive a certificate highlighting their commitment to supporting breastfeeding.
A Breastfeeding and Baby Welcome webpage will soon be added to the Living Well website which will also highlight all participating venues, helping people easily find breastfeeding supportive spaces across the borough.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care said: “I went along to the launch of this scheme at the hub, and it was great to see the hard work that has been put into this and find out more about the programme.
“In Warrington we really want people to feel supported and welcomed when they are out and about, and for breastfeeding to feel normal, natural and celebrated it in everyday spaces. This is exactly what this scheme aims to do.”
Local businesses and community venues can become a part of the scheme by completing a short form and attending a free briefing session. For more information about the scheme or to apply, please contact Warrington Borough Councils Public Health team by emailing: [email protected]
For more information around breastfeeding visit the NHS website
