NHS Lanarkshire is joining the Scotland wide Scottish Breastfeeding Week, supporting mums returning from maternity leave to continue their breastfeeding journey.
To mark the week, the Infant Feeding Team will host a staff stand within the hospital canteen at University Hospital Wishaw on Wednesday afternoon (12 noon – 2 pm) where colleagues can drop in to learn practical ways to support breastfeeding in the workplace.
Running from 9–15 June, Breastfeeding Week will also see Lanarkshire‑wide drop‑in sessions, teddy‑bear picnics and afternoon teas to share tips and support families.
Susan Short, Public Health Nutritionist for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We’ll be in the main atrium at University Hospital Wishaw on Wednesday 11 June (12-2 pm), ready for a friendly chat. Pop over and we’ll walk you through the protective, practical touches that matter — from setting up a cosy, private expressing space to ring‑fencing breaks so mums can pump in peace.
“Breastmilk is tailor‑made nutrition for tiny tummies, packed with antibodies and just the right balance of nutrients to give babies the best start in life, so making it easy for mums to keep feeding when they return to work really does protect whole families.
“When we support colleagues coming back from maternity leave, we help them continue their breastfeeding journey for as long as they choose, and that’s a win for their babies, their own wellbeing and our NHS family.”
Events being held throughout Lanarkshire are:
| Area | Venue | Day | Time | Theme / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motherwell* | Pat Cullinan Centre, Logans Road, Motherwell ML1 3PB | Mon 9 Jun | 10:00–11:00 | Duchess of Hamilton Park on the 9th in Motherwell (weather dependent) teddy bear picnic |
| Rutherglen* | Health & Happy Building, 18 Farmeloan Road, Rutherglen G73 1DL | Mon 9 Jun | 10:30–11:30 | Celebration Tea Party |
| Carluke* | Community Health Centre, 40 Chapel Street, Carluke ML8 4BA | Tue 10 Jun | 13:00–14:00 | Teddy‑bear picnic & sports day |
| Cumbernauld* | Condorrat Health Centre (Rm 16), Airdrie Road, Cumbernauld G67 4DN | Tue 10 Jun | 10:00–11:00 | TBC |
| Larkhall | The Lighthouse, King Street, Larkhall ML9 1DP | Tue 10 Jun | 11:00–12:00 | Teddy‑bear picnic (community garden) |
| Hamilton* | Fairhill Lifestyle Centre, Neilsland Road, Hamilton ML3 8HU | Tue 10 Jun | 13:30–14:30 | Summer afternoon tea |
| Bellshill* | Salvation Army Church & Community Centre, Gladstone Street, Bellshill ML4 1AT | Tue 10 Jun | 13:30–14:30 | Teddy‑bears picnic |
| Chryston* | Chryston Parish Church, Main Street, Muirhead G69 9LA | Tue 10 Jun | 13:30–14:30 | Celebration Party |
| Airdrie* | Gartlea Community Centre, Hillfoot Road, Airdrie ML6 9PB | Wed 11 Jun | 10:00–12:00 | Breastfeeding Week Celebration Party |
| Coatbridge* | Coatbridge Health Centre, 1 Centre Park Court, Coatbridge ML5 3AP | Wed 11 Jun | 10:30–12:00 | Group as normal Festival‑themed picnic, Summerlee on Fri 13 Jun 12:00 |
| Strathaven* | Strathaven Health Centre – The Ward, Strathaven ML10 6AS | Wed 11 Jun | 10:30–11:30 | Teddy‑bear picnic (park or health centre) |
| Wishaw | Houldsworth Centre, Kenilworth Avenue, Wishaw ML2 7LP | Wed 11 Jun | 10:00–11:30 | Joint party event with Shotts |
| Kilsyth* | Kilsyth Community Health Centre, Airdrie Road, Kilsyth G65 0HU | Wed 11 Jun | 11:00–12:00 | Teddy‑bear picnic |
| Lanark | Lanark Health Centre, Woodstock Road, Lanark ML11 7DH | Thu 12 Jun | 13:30–14:30 | Teddy‑bear picnic & sports event |
| Blantyre | Blantyre Library, Clydeview Shopping Centre, 1A Glasgow Road, Blantyre G72 0QD | Thu 12 Jun | 10:30–11:30 | TBC |
| Shotts* | St Patrick’s Chapel Hall, 84 Station Road, Shotts ML7 4JB | Fri 13 Jun | 10:00–11:30 | Joint party event with Wishaw |
| Coatbridge (picnic) | Summerlee Museum grounds, Coatbridge | Fri 13 Jun | 12:00 | Festival‑themed picnic |
Anne Marie Bruce, Infant Feeding Development Midwife, said: “Whether you’re a new parent looking for reassurance, a grandparent, or simply a neighbour keen to help, these events are all about building a network of support around breastfeeding. By showing up, chatting and sharing experiences, we make feeding in parks, clinics and cafés feel normal — and make every family feel welcome.
When mums know their whole community is behind them they feel confident to keep breastfeeding for as long as they choose. That continuity brings lifelong health benefits for babies and real wellbeing gains for parents.”
Further information on infant feeding in Lanarkshire can be found on the NHS Lanarkshire website: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/infantfeeding/
