Breastfeeding friendly Wakefield
What are we aiming to do?
Our goal is to provide successful support to women who choose to breastfeed. This guide explains why breastfeeding is important and how you can help.
We understand that there are practical, emotional, and cultural reasons why women choose not to breastfeed. This may be because they do not receive the right support and information to do so.
Why is breastfeeding so important?
Breastfeeding has the following benefits:
- provides essential nutrition
- protects against diseases
- promotes healthy brain development in children
- reduces infant mortality
- gives children a strong start in life for a healthier future
Breastfeeding also fosters a positive bond between mothers and babies. This encourages emotional well-being, mental health, social development, and readiness for school.
For mothers, the benefits of breastfeeding include:
- a reduction in the risk of developing breast / ovarian cancers and post-natal depression
- a return to pre-pregnancy weight more quickly
- no other health behaviour has such a broad-spectrum and long-lasting impact on public health
Mothers have the legal right to breastfeed anywhere (2010 Equality Act) but many do not feel confident in doing so.
If you want to find somewhere to feed your baby that provides a welcoming atmosphere then look out for the breastfeeding-friendly sticker in cafés, restaurants, GP surgeries, libraries, schools, community centres, and many more.
Where can I get help?
Free breastfeeding support and information is available for families living in Wakefield.
Call Families and Babies on 01924 851901, 24 hours a day, or visit their website or Facebook page.
Businesses
We encourage and support local businesses to welcome breastfeeding in all public areas of their premises. We want families to feel supported to feed their babies and confident to carry on breastfeeding for as long as they choose to.
Sign your business up for the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme
By joining the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme, you can reassure mothers that they can comfortably feed their babies in a supportive and welcoming environment.
The Scheme also offers businesses positive publicity by acknowledging their commitment to excellent customer service. This will attract new customers through the networks of mothers, their friends, and family.
If you're a business simply become Breastfeeding Friendly by:
- signing up for a breastfeeding-friendly policy
- displaying the breastfeeding-friendly sticker/logo on your premises
- ensuring all staff know that your service supports breastfeeding on the premises
- download and complete the registration form
Once signed up we will send you a welcome pack with a window sticker and certificate. Your premises will be profiled as breastfeeding-friendly and uploaded to the list and map on this page.
Sign up by returning your form to breastfeedingfriendly@wakefield.gov.uk.
Find Out More
If you need more support to become breastfeeding friendly download the 'how-to guide' or email breastfeedingfriendly@wakefield.gov.uk.
New online course
Families and Babies Wakefield (FAB) has developed an online course. Its aim is to help parents-to-be understand more about feeding their new baby.
The course is free, and it is quick and easy to create an account to access it. Partners and supporters are also welcome to register
The course covers bonding and attachment, early days, breastfeeding information, and more.