Breastfeeding event backed by mothers
Regent Shopping Centre hosts an information stall
It was mum’s the word in Hamilton as mothers, fathers, grandparents, babies and staff from NHS Lanarkshire gathered to mark the launch of National Breastfeeding Celebration Week.
The event at the Regent Shopping Centre in Hamilton, organised by volunteers from Lanarkshire Breastfeeding Initiative (LBI), was an opportunity to come together and share what works well to support breastfeeding in local communities.
Nursing mums and members of the public from across Lanarkshire dropped by the colourful information stall during the course of the event.
The Regent Centre and many of the venues in and around Hamilton are some of almost 500 across Lanarkshire who have joined the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme. Implemented on behalf of NHS Lanarkshire, it recognises venues and organisations who offer a special welcome to nursing families.
The event also provided a chance to showcase the LBI’S new Breastfeeding Welcome Award, coming to a venue near you soon. NHS Lanarkshire’s acting infant feeding development midwife, Annemarie Bruce, said: “Breastfeeding is so important that it’s protected by law. The Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 protects a child’s right to be breastfed.
“So it’s great to have the support of the Regent Shopping Centre to welcome families to come along to celebrate support for breastfeeding and to help people recognise it is a ‘normal’ experience that has long-term benefits for mothers and babies.”
Mum Anne Wilson said she had received great support from Wishaw General’s infant feeding service.
Anne, whose daughter, Mhairi, is six months, said: “It’s fantastic to go to a local breastfeeding support group and meet other nursing mums to get their help and advice.”
Tammy Cahill, a volunteer from the LBI, added: “The LBI’S aim is to promote how everyone in local communities can support mothers to breastfeed, whenever and wherever they are. It’s one example of the good work going in Lanarkshire to share ideas, inspire others and promote support available to women and their families.”
Follow the LBI on www.facebook.com/ Lanarkshirebreastfeeding Initiative.