Enfield’s local businesses and venues are being encouraged to participate in the newly launched Welcome Scheme to show support for breastfeeding mums in public spaces.
The initiative aims to highlight the legal right to public breastfeeding and highlight participating venues in the scheme, helping parents find safe, comfortable and welcoming venues to breastfeed their babies.
Venues can register for free and will receive a welcome pack with materials, including window stickers, to show they are participants in the scheme.
When a venue signs up to the scheme, they agree to clearly displaying the “We Welcome Breastfeeding” sticker, and sign a certificate of commitment which adheres to the following important principles:
- Parents are welcome to feed their child in any of their public areas
- They will help parents to find the most comfortable place for them to feed their baby
- They will never ask parents to leave or move because they are feeding
- They will ensure all staff understand and share these commitments
In Enfield, the scheme was launched on 23 June at Pearsons’ Skylight Restaurant, in Enfield Town. Special guests included Councillor Chris Dey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, The Breastfeeding Network, parents, NHS and other key partners.
Dudu Sher-Arami, Director of Public Health, said, “We want mums to feel comfortable wherever they are in Enfield. Not only is breastfeeding protected by law, but it is also an important part of healthy babies’ development.
“However, we know that there is still stigma around public breastfeeding and as a Council, we want to dismantle any barriers that will make our mums doubtful. This is why we have partnered with The Breastfeeding Network to launch Enfield’s Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme to encourage positive experiences for mums in any public spaces in Enfield.
“In the last four years, there has been 7% increase in breastfeeding in the borough and we would like to continue showing support.
“I would encourage our local businesses, restaurants or any public venues to sign up to this scheme to ensure mums know they will be welcomed.”
The Council has achieved the first stages of accreditation for the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative in community standards and is currently working towards full accreditation.
This recognition is a pledge to ensure the Council is developing a robust infant feeding policy to support all families.
To find out more about the scheme, visit www.enfield.gov.uk and search Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme
To sign up to the scheme email enfieldwelcomesbreastfeeding@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.
Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme - Group
Cllr Chris Dey - Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme
