South Somerset District Council, NHS Somerset and Reckleford and
Oaklands children's centres teamed up to launch the new
directory for Yeovil.
The guide has been created in response to comments from new
mothers that breastfeeding in public can be daunting, and feedback
that some had been asked to leave premises.
James Divall, Health Inequalities project manager for the
district council and NHS said, "This is about making it clearer to
new mums which venues have specifically taken the step to say that
breastfeeding is welcome in their premises.
"From the comments we received, it became clear that a simple
directory would be a massive reassurance. "We were inspired by a
similar project in Coventry and contacted venues in the town to ask
whether they welcome breastfeeding mothers and whether they would
display a sticker in the window to make this clear.
"We found that premises were overwhelmingly keen to be included
so we also hope that this scheme has opened up more opportunities
for mothers. It is really important that they can feed their
children without worry of embarrassment."
Including café's, restaurants, entertainment premises, sports
centres and more, the guide also indicates whether there are high
chair facilities, children's menus, baby changing and pram access
in each venue.
Cllr Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Health and Well Being
added, "If this directly means new mums can feel confident in
breastfeeding their babies then that, for me, is such a positive
thing. There shouldn't be a stigma and we hope that by raising this
issue there will be more awareness."
Download
the Positive About Breastfeeding directory, for
Yeovil, here.