Breastfeeding friendly mission

Medics are on a mission to make Wishaw a more breastfeeding friendly place.

Breastfeeding in public places is still frowned upon by some people, and an event was recently held at University Hospital Wishaw (UHW) in an attempt to change outdated attitudes that can discourage breastfeeding.

The hospital is hosting a Fire Starter Festival, a three-week festival of learning events focused on developing innovative ways to empower people and communities to become involved in designing public services.

Susan Short, public health nutritionist with NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We’re committed to doing everything we can to support, promote and encourage everyone in North Lanarkshire to choose breastfeeding as the natural biological way to feed babies.

“Improving breastfeeding rates is not the responsibility of the individual woman.

“Society has a collective responsibility to create an environment which is truly breastfeeding friendly and overcome outdated attitudes which can discourage breastfeeding.

“To do this it’s important we hold events like this and listen to people’s views on how the country can explore genuine, participatory methods of engagement, creating innovative and transformative changes.

“In Lanarkshire we’ve invested in a breastfeeding support service to ensure families have the practical support they need.

“All Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire health visiting staff have UNICEF approved training to support new mothers and babies to breastfeed.

“I want to thank everyone who took the opportunity to share their views with us and for playing their part in changing the conversations we have about breast feeding in North Lanarkshire.”