A celebration event took place on Wednesday 27 May and brought together council representatives, health professionals and local families to celebrate the Council’s participation in the initiative.
The scheme aims to create supportive, inclusive and welcoming environments where breastfeeding mothers feel comfortable feeding their babies while out and about in public spaces. By joining the initiative, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is demonstrating its support for improving public awareness and promoting positive attitudes towards breastfeeding.
Participating Council facilities will now display ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ signage to show that breastfeeding is welcomed and supported within Council venues.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said:
“We are proud to join the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ scheme and to support families across our Borough. Breastfeeding is a normal and important part of family life, and we want all mums to feel confident, comfortable and welcomed when using our facilities and services.”
Representatives from the Public Health Agency and Northern Health and Social Care Trust Scheme welcomed the Council’s involvement and highlighted the importance of creating supportive community spaces for parents and babies.
The event also provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the health and wellbeing benefits of breastfeeding and to highlight the support available to breastfeeding mums.
For full details on the businesses in the Borough signed up, or to learn how your business can sign up, go to: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/breastfeeding-welcome-here
Photo Caption: Celebrating Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council signing up to the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ initiative were (L-R) Fay Downey, Environmental Health Officer, Alice Grey, Starting Well Team - Health Improvement, PHA; Orlaith Moley, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Senior Officer, PHA; Councillor Rosie Kinnear; Liz Hood, Infant feeding Lead Community, NHSCT; and Laura Campbell, Infant feeding Lead Maternity, NHSCT