An initiative to help support new mothers has been launched in Aberdeen.
More than 60 city centre businesses have signed up to the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme to ensure nursing mums feel comfortable when feeding their babies while out and about.
NHS Grampian has introduced the project in an effort to encourage mums to continue breastfeeding as long as possible.
Mum Jayne McNab welcomed the scheme yesterday.
She said: “I am sure that nursing mothers across the north-east will warmly welcome the Aberdeen Breastfeeding Welcome scheme. We really need a choice of supportive places in which to breastfeed with confidence and this scheme has provided exactly that.
“There should be no taboos about doing what comes absolutely naturally and the scheme has made sure that there are now scores of businesses in Aberdeen which are fully behind a mother’s right to feed her infant whenever the baby needs it.”
Doctors recommend that breastfeeding is the most natural and healthiest way to feed a baby.
It can have a number of benefits, including reducing the risk of asthma, eczema and, in later life, obesity and high cholesterol.
Cafes, shops and cinemas have all signed up to the scheme and will display a breastfeeding welcome logo letting women know they can nurse on the premises.
Among the businesses that are supporting the campaign is Costa in Union Square.
Manager Sharon McHattie said: “Costa is very much a family-friendly destination where mums and babies are always welcome.
“We believe that mums should feel comfortable wherever they are breastfeeding so we fully support this scheme and are proud to have the Breastfeeding Welcome logo displayed in our Union Square store.
“Many parents have been hugely positive about the scheme and we hope for more sign ups from businesses here in Aberdeen.”
To find out more about the initiative, visit the Breastfeed Grampian Facebook page.
