Warrington businesses and community venues are being encouraged sign up to a successful scheme which helps support breastfeeding families.
To mark World Breastfeeding Week 1 – 7 August, the council’s public health team are highlighting Warrington’s Breastfeeding and Baby Welcome Scheme. Launched last October it is proven to be a popular initiative, creating a friendly, welcoming environment for parents and babies in venues across the borough.
Now, venues are being invited to become Breastfeeding and Baby Welcome space and further boost the almost 50 venues that have already joined the scheme.
Find a Breastfeeding and Baby Welcome venue
Families can easily spot participating venues by looking for the Breastfeeding and Baby Welcome window sticker displayed at the entrance.
Parents can also find local venues that have joined the scheme by visiting the Living Well Warrington website.
Join the Breastfeeding and Baby Welcome scheme
The law protects breastfeeding mums in public places, including cafés, shops, libraries or on public transport, and most venues already provide a welcoming environment.
However, actively showing your support for breastfeeding mothers can help them relax and feel welcome.
Joining the scheme is simple and you may find what you are already offering means you could easily meet the Silver Level commitment.
To achieve the Silver Level, venues need to:
- Provide a friendly and welcoming space for breastfeeding parents.
- Offer privacy, if requested.
- Have a breastfeeding policy in place (a sample policy is provided).
- Ensure staff understand and support the scheme.
A Gold Award is also available for venues that run breastfeeding or infant feeding support groups.
Businesses and community venues can find out more about the scheme, see what venues are already taking part and can sign up by visiting the dedicated page on Living Well Warrington website.
Cllr Tony Higgins, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, said: “We want every parent in Warrington to feel welcome and supported when feeding their baby. The Breastfeeding and Baby Welcome Scheme helps create friendly spaces across our communities, making it easier for families to feel comfortable when they are out and about. We’re delighted that neatly 50 venues have already joined. World breastfeeding week gives us a great opportunity to highlight this fantastic scheme and encourage many more of our business and community venues to sign up.”
