World Breastfeeding Week: Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme indicators up seventieth Derby venue

Seventy metropolis public locations have now signed as much as a scheme to help breastfeeding households in Derby. The Breastfeeding Welcome Here initiative was launched final yr, to make mums really feel extra assured to breastfeed in public.

Shops, cafés and different public premises within the metropolis are inspired to enroll to the free scheme to indicate they’re accredited as ‘breastfeeding friendly’.

As World Breastfeeding Week 2025 begins on 1 August, The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) has grow to be the most recent organisation to enroll to the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme.

Other public locations within the metropolis which have not too long ago signed as much as the scheme embody The University of Derby, Derby Market Hall, My Messy Play, Tubby Bears Play Zone and Bezerk Active Play. 

The Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme goals to positively change perceptions round breastfeeding in public and promote an surroundings the place mums really feel assured to breastfeed for so long as they select.

By signing up, companies and organisations pledge to actively welcome households who’re breastfeeding and help them to really feel assured and comfy feeding their child on the premises. In flip, it will give the venue a lift, as households usually tend to return to locations the place they really feel comfy.

If a venue is displaying a Breastfeeding Welcome Here Award, households might be assured that:

• They are welcome to breastfeed their child there
• They won’t ever be requested to maneuver or depart as a result of they’re breastfeeding
• The venue will do their greatest to supply a non-public space to feed in, if most popular, if house permits
• Staff are educated to know that the venue helps breastfeeding and encourages breastfeeding on the premises.

Councillor Alison Martin, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, mentioned:

It’s implausible to see 70 public locations throughout Derby now proudly displaying the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ award, with University Hospitals of Derby and Burton being the most recent to affix.

This scheme is all about making a supportive and welcoming surroundings for breastfeeding ladies, guaranteeing mums really feel assured and comfy feeding their infants, wherever they’re in our metropolis.

Garry Marsh, UHDB Executive Chief Nurse, mentioned: 

Across our hospitals, we attempt to offer supportive and inclusive environments for all sufferers, guests and colleagues – and we’re happy that receiving this Breastfeeding Welcome Here accreditation may also help guarantee dad and mom really feel comfy and supported when feeding their infants right here.

Funded as a part of the Government’s Start for Life programme, the scheme is a partnership between Derby City Council, Community Action Derby and Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Businesses that efficiently apply will obtain a ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ certificates and window sticker, so dad and mom know they formally help and encourage breastfeeding.

You can watch a video all about the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme on Derby City Council’s YouTube channel.

Families can get help with breastfeeding by means of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trusts Infant Feeding group and at Derby’s Family Hubs and Children’s Centres. The Infant Feeding Team maintain pleasant face-to-face breastfeeding golf equipment the place you’ll be able to meet different mums and get skilled recommendation. Find more information and details of your nearest group on the Family Hub web site.

Watch our collection of quick movies that includes Derby households speaking about their experiences of breastfeeding and the help obtainable to them from native Family Hubs and Derbyshire well being companies. The movies have been co-produced with households and Lo and Behold Films to advertise and lift consciousness of the Start for Life Campaign.

You can watch the movies on the Derby City Council web site, the place you may as well discover additional details about breastfeeding help and particulars about how to enroll to the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme.