Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme
The new Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme (BFS) is now launching across the whole of Scotland. The purpose of this scheme is to ensure breastfeeding mums know that if they see the sticker the establishment will make them feel welcome and be supportive of her feeding choice.
What everyone should know
Breastfeeding mums are protected by the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 to feed an infant up to the age of 2 years in public places or establishments that allow children access. The Equality Act 2010 protects a mum for as long as she wants to breastfeed, there is no age restriction.
Why become a breastfeeding friendly establishment?
The Scottish Infant Feeding Survey 2017 identified that mums understood they could breastfeed in public areas however, almost half of the mums lacked confidence in doing so. The Scottish Government want establishments to show support by joining the new scheme and display the logo which would provide reassurance a breastfeeding mum would be welcome.
How does the scheme help mothers to breastfeed?
There are three main ways that the BFS helps mothers:
- When a mother sees the BFS stickers/posters/logo displayed, then she knows that the business will be supportive of her right to breastfeed her baby on their premises - The mother should not be asked to move or stop feeding her baby.
- The scheme raises the profile of breastfeeding as a natural way to feed your baby. In the future we hope that all mums will choose to breastfeed.
- The scheme ensures that businesses, and their staff members, are aware of the laws around breastfeeding.
How to sign up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme
To sign up to the scheme, please download and complete this registration form (pdf) and e-mail it to gram.bffscotland@nhs.scot.
Once we receive your form, we will send you your staff room information sheet and stickers. We ask as supporters of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme, that you display the window clings at or near the front entrance to show your support for families.
If you require more information please email gram.bffscotland@nhs.scot.
Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Venues – Google Map
We have created this map to help mothers / parents in Grampian know where in Grampian is signed up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme.
It also has a layer showing breastfeeding groups in their local communities. These are in orange.
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