The launch coincides with National Breastfeeding Awareness Week and the leaflet gives details of cafes, restaurants and pubs where breastfeeding mums will not only be welcomed and given appropriate facilities but also supported if members of the public make any negative comments.
Jackie Quick, infant feeding specialist, said: “Supporting mothers to continue breastfeeding beyond the early days is crucial to ensure their continued success, but women frequently express concerns about feeding in public places.” Hereford County Hospital has a breastfeeding initiation rate of 80%, one of the highest in the Midlands, but county mums also tend to give up quite quickly. The Department of Health and the World Health Organisation recommend six months exclusive breastfeeding and the continued provision of breastmilk with the introduction of weaning food.
The leaflet will be given to mothers when they are discharged from hospital and will also be available in surgeries across the county. Mothers should also look for the milk4life stickers in the window of venues to find out if the premises is part of the scheme.
For more details call Jackie on 07812208128 or visit the ‘milk4life’ shop at the Oval in Belmont between noon and 2pm, Monday to Friday. The National Breastfeeding helpline is 0844 20 909 20.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here