As restrictions ease in Scotland and businesses reopen, NHS Lanarkshire is promoting the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) Scheme, an initiative to support businesses in the creation of an environment where breastfeeding is welcomed and protected.
In Scotland, babies are protected by law to be fed anywhere, and it is an offence to prevent a baby being fed in a public place. Wherever families see the “Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland” logo and signage, they know that staff are aware of their obligation under the law, and they can be assured of an extra warm welcome. Membership of the scheme demonstrates a business understands and accommodates the needs of breastfeeding families.
Lanarkshire currently reports some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Scotland. Around half (50.3%) of mothers breastfeed at birth, dropping to less than one in three (30.4%) after 6-8 weeks. A contributing factor can be that women feel inhibited to breastfeed outside the home, especially new mothers whose babies were born during lockdown, who might not be confident feeding while out and about.
AnneMarie Bruce, Infant Feeding Development Midwife at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “The NHS encourages responsive parenting and feeding, so our primary focus is to ensure that mothers and babies have the support they need, regardless of how they feed.
“UNICEF Babyfriendly found that 80 percent of women stopped breastfeeding before they wanted to. In Lanarkshire, our breastfeeding rates are currently below the national average and we want to normalise breastfeeding and create a supportive culture. We hope that by promoting safe environments for breastfeeding outside the home through the BFS Scheme, more women will feel comfortable and will continue to breastfeed for as long as they want.”
Poppy Naismith, 21, from Hamilton, chose to breastfeed her daughter Mariella, now 1, after much deliberation. Worried about whether breastfeeding would result in restrictions on her life, especially as a young mum, she spoke to her own mother and her family nurse to understand the full weight of the decision and any benefits for both her and Mariella. After receiving support from her family and friends, Poppy decided that breastfeeding was another way for her to bond with Mariella as it was an experience shared just between the two of them.
Poppy said: “The first few days breastfeeding Mariella were tough but the bond it created is the most special part. I don’t think there’s anything else that could have given me the same connection with her that breastfeeding has.
“My advice to other mums considering breastfeeding is to speak to a health professional to get all the information you need, and also consider going to a breastfeeding support group – which are also open to pregnant women. It gives you such an insight from mums who are also considering breastfeeding or who have first-hand experience with it. I know so many mums who decided against breastfeeding because they were scared or had the wrong information, so their situation could have been completely different if they felt comfortable enough to speak up and ask questions.
“I absolutely love breastfeeding and it’s helped me so much, especially mentally in my journey as a mum. All mums should support each other as we’re like a wee community and we should never feel judged by each other. We’re all doing the same job and need all the help and support we can get.”
People in Lanarkshire looking for breastfeeding support can contact the infant feeding team on 01698 366710. More information can also be found athttps://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/infantfeeding/ or on the Facebook group NHS Lanarkshire Mums & Babies.
Businesses interested in joining the BFS Scheme can receive more information by contacting BreastfeedingFriendlyScotlandLanarkshire@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.
