Local NHS organisations, with the support of Leeds City Council, are bidding to make Leeds the first Breastfeeding Friendly city in England.

The Leeds Breastfeeding Friendly campaign aims to promote breastfeeding making it more acceptable so that mums are comfortable feeding their children when they need to.

Although breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed a child and has huge health benefits, many mums are put off because they are made to feel uncomfortable when feeding in public.

NHS Leeds has been working with local mums to find out what barriers they face when looking to breastfeed their babies. Now the campaign is working with residents and businesses to create an environment in which breastfeeding mums are welcomed, supported and made to feel comfortable.

By taking part local businesses can help make a difference to the lives of mums and babies across the city. It is free for businesses to join and a resource pack is provided.

John Lawlor, Chief Executive for NHS Leeds, says: “It is really important that mums are given all the support they need when feeding their children. I’m delighted that all NHS trusts in the city and Leeds City Council are supporting this initiative so that we can proudly claim that Leeds is Breastfeeding Friendly. Now we need the support of local businesses and community organisations. All they need to do is sign up to the scheme and receive a free resource pack including display materials.”

Tom Riordan, Chief Executive for Leeds City Council, confirms his support for the campaign: “Leeds City Council has been working with the National Childbirth Trust for a number of years to make sure that all our facilities are welcoming environments for breastfeeding mums. Our support for the Leeds Breastfeeding Friendly campaign confirms our commitment to mums and babies in the city.”

Maggie Boyle, Chief Executive for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, adds: “Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust helps deliver over 9,000 babies every year and we always advise mums that breastfeeding is the healthiest option for them and their babies. Therefore we are pleased that Leeds is set to be the first Breastfeeding Friendly city in England.”

Rob Webster, Chief Executive for Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, comments: “Our health visitors and family nurses work closely with new parents to ensure their children get the best start in life. This initiative will make a real difference and I am delighted to support it.”

Michele Moran, Director of Care Services and Chief Nurse/Deputy Chief Executive at Leeds Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust, explains: “As an organisation that is looking to end discrimination against those who have experienced mental ill-health or who have a learning disability, we understand how important it is to fight stigma in other areas of people’s lives. We know that mums often feel embarrassed or lack confidence to breastfeed because of the perceptions of others. By making Leeds Breastfeeding Friendly we can all play a role in eradicating the barriers facing breastfeeding mums and support all mums to breastfeed their babies – it has long been said breast is best!”

To help local mums find out where Breastfeeding Friendly venues are in Leeds a dedicated website has been set up: www.breastfeeding.leeds.nhs.uk 

Local businesses and community organisations looking to get involved in the campaign can receive a free resource pack by emailing Sarah Erskine at NHS Leeds: sarah.erskine@nhsleeds.nhs.uk 

Notes

What is ‘Leeds Breastfeeding Friendly’?
Leeds Breastfeeding Friendly is a campaign to encourage and support the mums of Leeds to breastfeed their babies.

Although breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed a child and has huge health benefits, many mums are put off because they are made to feel uncomfortable when feeding in public.

What makes it different from other campaigns?
Unlike other campaigns, Leeds Breastfeeding Friendly has been developed in partnership with local mums. Everything that we are doing is based on the experience, passion and ideas of local mums. Not only does this get people involved, but it also gives us the confidence that it will work – it’s designed for mums, by mums!

Why is it being launched here?
Although most people are aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding, the number of mums in Leeds that choose to do it is still relatively low. Because breastfeeding is least common in more disadvantaged areas, increasing breastfeeding could make a significant difference to health and wellbeing within some of the most disadvantaged communities in Leeds.

Why is breastfeeding so important?
Breastfeeding brings a wide range of health benefits to both babies and mums: fewer infections and protection against conditions such as obesity and diabetes in later life for babies; easier weight loss and protection against some forms of cancer for mums. The better health that results from breastfeeding results in fewer doctors appointments and hospital admissions. This results in huge costs savings for the NHS which can be directed to other services.

What does it cost businesses to become Breastfeeding Friendly?
Nothing! Just a small commitment in time to undertake the following:
• display the Breastfeeding Friendly Leeds campaign materials in your venue to let mums know you are breastfeeding friendly;
• ensure you and your staff actively welcome breastfeeding mums and allow them to breastfeed in all public areas; and
• educate staff in the benefits of breastfeeding and how to deal with members of the public who are negative towards breastfeeding mums either vocally or through their behaviour.