Businesses display Breastfeeding Welcome Here mark

MAYO businesses are being encouraged to display a Breastfeeding Welcome Here mark, which was launched last week.

Ireland has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world and the welcome mark, which has been developed by First 1000 Days, has been established in keeping with the goals of the National Maternity Strategy which states that a broader societal change is required to promote a more positive culture around breastfeeding.

A consortium of Irish businesses, including cafes and restaurants, pharmacies, shopping centres and professional healthcare bodies, have backed the introduction of the welcome mark and have vowed to display it prominently to help normalise breastfeeding in public.

In Mayo, the mark will be displayed by Boots.

Businesses wishing to join the movement and display the mark are encouraged to visit www.first1000days.ie/bfw to receive collateral such as stickers and displays cards. Those wishing to find support, resources and helpful links should visit www.breastfeeding.ie.

First 1000 Days is a movement led by Danone Early Life Nutrition which aims to drive awareness amongst parents-to-be and new parents about the importance of nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life, from conception up until a child’s second birthday.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is known to have a positive impact on the long-term health of a child.

First 1000 Days breastfeeding ambassador Karen Koster said: “I am delighted to be involved with this initiative. I breastfed both my children and am still feeding JJ myself, so I know only too well the importance of feeling at ease when I am out and about and he needs to be fed.

“In my experience, it can feel daunting to feed in public, you are so worried that you will be told to cover up or asked to leave, which is terrible. I really feel like this sign will become a signal to mothers who are anxious that they will be supported and welcomed in these establishments and that it is the most natural thing in the world.”